Hey mates,
I've been thinking about finally putting some BKPs into my Gibson LP Studio now that I have some money again and since I have all my bases covered for high gain metal with the EMG 57/66 set that's gonna wander from the Studio into my Jackson Rhoads I wanted to look into options turning the LP into my go to "vintage sounds" guitar. I recently got into the Black Keys and been a fan of Gary Moore for years now, so that would be the kinda area I'm going for.
So basically I already decided on some low output PAF type pickups that can be pushed into higher gain territory with the right amp (I own a Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 100 and an Engl Savage 60) to retain clarity and dynamics yet to still have the option of the right cut for leads ala Gary Moore.
I e-mailed the BKP staff about it back when I got my LP and basically they recommended the Mule Set, Mule Neck/Riff Raff Bridge or the VHII/Rebel Yell combo. Now of course I would go for what the good folks at BKP suggested, however I installed a Mule set in a Friends LP Standard once and was very impressed. Just a bit worried I'll be missing the Alnico 5 tightness for the moments when I feel like going into 80's metal territory with the LP.
So my question is, does anybody know if the BKP team still offers the A5 Mule (remember reading somewhere here about them not doing that anymore) and how it will differ to the A4 version? Any other pickups you might suggest that will get me into the same ballpark in case the A5 Mule is no option anymore?
The LP is one that turned out very good considering it's "just a Studio". Very resonant and clear acoustically, yet warm. I'd describe it as somewhat neutral sounding amplified, I have enough chunk and body, yet she's not dark either. So I guess whatever pickup goes in there will slap on it's own character.
Music wise this will be my Blues, Rock, Hard Rock and 80's axe. Think BB King, Black Keys, Guns n' Roses, Gary Moore.
I have a 1962 Framus Hollywood with the original pickups in and a Strat I'm about to treat with some vintage BKP singles as well plus as I already mentioned a Jackson Randy Rhoads with the EMG 57/66 combo, so I'll need something that will give me a good middle ground between Vintage/Old School and Modern Metal. Hope that's enough info :)
Cheers!
