Hi guys,
So I've been reading everything I can about BKP pups, as well as listening to the samples online. I'm submitting this build order this week, so I need to make up my mind. After (too much) consideration, I'm leaning towards the Black Dogs (somewhat surprisingly), but Ben from BKP actually didn't think they were the best idea. I'm somewhat surprised. So I'm looking for additional opinions.
Let me try to break it down.
Sound:
This will be more of my metal guitar. I play it in a variant of open C, from 7-1: G CGC GCE.
That being said, I'm not looking for a sound all too modern. I shy away from scratchier, fizzier distortions with more compression, but still like a bright 'top' in my tone that gives it some bite. On the other hand, I still favour robust, tight, percussive lows that track fast, single-note playing. Obviously these two are in tension: I give up too much of a more modern, compressed pickup, I lose this attack and percussive tightness.
Overall, I prefer a thick, throatier mid-range that barks, but that is still very tight and focused. I get the benefits of ceramics, and I'm tempted: I want that tight percussiveness. But at the same time, I'm afraid they'll sound a bit clinical and cold, at least for my tastes.
Pups:
Here's my thoughts on where a few of the BKPs fall along that spectrum, roughly starting from darker to brighter:
1. C-Pigs: the ceramic will tighten these up, but I'm worried they'll be too dark for me, too boomy, especially on a 7-string tuned with a low G.
2. Aftermaths: though these are mid-range focused, I'm concerned they're too dry and scratchy. I hear them as 'boxy,' and am not particularly a fan of the dry djent tone. I am wondering though if I can dial that out, as these would give me the precision and attack I want. Just maybe at the cost of warmth. They're almost too unsaturated. I suspect I'm responding at least in part to the fact that these are ceramics.
3. Painkillers: these strike me as having the attack of Aftermaths, but with more hair and saturation, especially in the upper-mids. I initially thought I would go for them, but I'm a bit concerned I won't be able to rein them in, and that they'll be a touch 'messy' in their frequency profile, especially given the extra saturation. The sound these produce is a bit more unhinged.
4. Holy Divers: Ben at BKP has recommended these to me. I like them. Very sensible distortion, almost strike me as a cleaned up Painkiller. These are one of my top choices. My main concern is that I generally prefer distortions a bit thicker with rounder body, and these come across as a bit more fine-grained, with some of that 80s metal sound.
5. C/A-Bombs: these then bring us up to more modern sound. I think they're out--even the alnicos--because I hear too much fizz in them. I like something less modern, more mid-meaty. I hear them as biased around 1k and <.
So as I was gilding the lily over those options, I came across the Black Dogs. For one, their clips on BKPs site are incredible. So much bif. I love their sound profile, and I love their more organic character. They bloom and grind just the way I like.
What worries me is that Ben actually didn't think these were the best idea. Putting aside natural differences in taste and the fact that there is no right answer beyond what my own ear likes, I'm not sure where to go now. My main concern is that the Black Dogs will sound wimpy, lacking in attack, focus and precision.
So then I start to lean towards the Holy Divers. Still alnico and rounder, but with some thoatier bite than the Black Dogs.
On the other hand, even BKP says the Black Dogs are great on extended range instruments...and that round profile. Damn!
Right now I'm at: most aggressive = painkiller. Middle option: Holy Diver. Underdog: Black dogs.
Gah! Thanks for your help.
