Question about Abraxas

[v_alves_90]

Hello BKP forum members.

Im about to order a set for my Washburn Mg-44(alder, floyd, all maple neck, currently in HH config), and im still a bit torn between the Abraxas and Nailbomb sets. I was recomended the Nailbomb set by BKP's staff, but im still thinking i could benefit from something a still less compressed, more vintage.

The thing is i might find myself playing stuff like Maidden or Metallica/Anthrax(old), then clean stuff, then Vai or Satch stuff, and so on. I want a good clean tone and an all around nice distorted tone capablity. I dont care much about the ultra modern death metal like tones that you hear nowadays. The higher i usually go in terms of agression are sounds like older slipknot, godsmack, Drowning pool, Nu-metal type tones. I also really like Petrucci's (Dream Theather) tones.
There you have it, some nice examples of the sort of tones and versatility i crave. :)

So there you go. BTW im currently using a Laney IRT 60 212.

Bottom line: Is the Abraxas too soft for higher gain tones? Even with the right technique and amp? Or could it have the versatility i want?

Thank you,
Vitor Alves

[darrenw5094]

The thing is i might find myself playing stuff like Maidden or Metallica/Anthrax(old), then clean stuff, then Vai or Satch stuff, and so on. I want a good clean tone and an all around nice distorted tone capablity. I dont care much about the ultra modern death metal like tones that you hear nowadays. The higher i usually go in terms of agression are sounds like older slipknot, godsmack, Drowning pool, Nu-metal type tones. I also really like Petrucci's (Dream Theather) tones.
There you have it, some nice examples of the sort of tones and versatility i crave. :)

Sounds like the Nailbomb is not for you.

The Abraxas has more mids than the Mule and is hotter, but either the Abraxas or Mule would suit you

[Telerocker]

I think a Holy Diver is the better option for those timbers. The Abraxas is an alternative too, yet more vintage PAF-oriëntated, where the Diver is more suitable for hardrock/metal. In your case I would inspect the Juggernaut too.

[Slartibartfarst42]

In my humble opinion I think you need to steer clear of the A-Bomb as it's not best suited to the tones you're after. It does have a bit of a vintage feel to it but when running distortion it is very hairy and VERY aggressive. It reminds me more of 90's Thrash Metal than anything else.

The Abraxas would do a good job for you and is certainly capable of the tones you seem to be after. 80's Metal tones are well within the reach of the Abraxas. The Holydiver is the other option I'd suggest. The AV magnet will make things a little tighter but the 44AWG wire tends to make the pickup sound more modern while the Abraxas retains something of a more vintage character. I'd say the Abraxas would be your more versatile option.

[v_alves_90]

The nailbombs where recommended a while ago, as my question to BKP was a bit more into "mainly metal" if i recall correctly, and im sure they where right. But then i got thinking "if only i could just tone it down a bit it would be a little more versatille, after all, amp and correctly adjusting technique is also a very important factor".
Anyway, this is my first scatterwound pickup set, and also first Bareknuckle. Im REALLY curious, comming from stock, old pickups. Guess i'll have a reference when i try the ABRAXAS set i ordered.

Thank you all for your input. And the juggernaut set has me curious, very wide and complex gain tone. Magnet hybrid on the bridge. Neat.. Will definetly read/hear more about it.
Also, big thanks to the BKP staff. Very nice and responsive, as expected.

Cheers.

[Lucas]

Anyway, this is my first scatterwound pickup set, and also first Bareknuckle. Im REALLY curious, comming from stock, old pickups. Guess i'll have a reference when i try the ABRAXAS set i ordered.
Cheers.

let us know how Abraxas performs in heavier styles. I`m curious as well. looking forward to hear from you. Cheers

[v_alves_90]

Will definetly do, Lucas. Im very curious as well. Read/heard alot of good stuff about it. Lets see how it handles the Ironheart.

[Slartibartfarst42]

I'm guessing it will be a bit of a revelation. I think the Abraxas suffers unfairly from the Santana association. He's a great guitarist with a fantastic tone but he's not a guitarist you naturally associate with Rock and Metal so I suspect most people dismiss it as unsuitable for them. I was exactly the same when I first started changing pickups around and it's only now that I have a better understanding of what works and why it works that I can see that the Abraxas will do far heavier styles than I ever expected. Overall I like the way BKP name their pickups but I think in the case of the Abraxas it has become a limiting factor. I still maintain that with an AV magnet in an Abraxas and wound a little lighter you'll have a far better 80's Metal pickup than the Holydiver. I really wish BKP would make that one. Nevertheless, while most people haven't bought an Abraxas for Rock and Metal over the years, those who do have always had great success with it so I'm optimistic that you will too 

[mesfigas]

i had abraxas and sold them

abraxas are hot pick ups alnico iv.
you must be sure that you like alnico iv sounds cause in my opinion its not for everyone
alnico v prolly works better for most situations
i tried abraxas with strats and les pauls but it wasnt for me
was too  bright if i remember well
i hope i helped you

[HEadoftheAges]

I currently have an Abraxas set in a custom build (neck-through with tons of mahogany and sapele to contend with), and I absolutely lovelovelove them.  They are remarkably chimey, and can be surprisingly aggressive under gain. Clean tones are gorgeous. I am still in the honeymoon phase so i find it hard not to describe them in generalities. I could not recommend them more highly at the moment.

Regards,
Alec

[marshallsmountains]

.. I still maintain that with an AV magnet in an Abraxas and wound a little lighter you'll have a far better 80's Metal pickup than the Holydiver. I really wish BKP would make that one...

Emerald?

[marshallsmountains]

I currently have an Abraxas set in a custom build (neck-through with tons of mahogany and sapele to contend with), and I absolutely lovelovelove them.  They are remarkably chimey, and can be surprisingly aggressive under gain. Clean tones are gorgeous. I am still in the honeymoon phase so i find it hard not to describe them in generalities. I could not recommend them more highly at the moment.

Regards,
Alec

Still as happy as you were in Feb?

[richard]

I've had my Abraxas set for two years now and I think they will suit you just fine. They are VERY versatile. Great cleans and wonderful vintage crunch with a little added muscle. I don't use very high gain sounds but my amp will produce those tones and the Abraxas set performs very well with a LOT of gain.

[ericsabbath]

I doesn't sound like an abraxas job

I'd choose between the holy diver, alnico nailbomb and miracle man bridge models
cold sweat, vhII or nailbomb for the neck position

[Telerocker]

I doesn't sound like an abraxas job

I'd choose between the holy diver, alnico nailbomb and miracle man bridge models
cold sweat, vhII or nailbomb for the neck position

Yeah (see my earlier post), I'm with Eric on this one.