Seeking advice on swaps for two different guitars...

[Flight_of_Icarus87]

Hey all,

So, I am seeking advice on pickup swapping for multiple guitars, and figured I'd just post it all in one thread. I have requested advice from BKP staff in the past, but figured multiple opinions can't hurt (and more variables apply this time around).

The main guitar in question is a Gibson Flying V I have. The stock pickups (Burstbucker Pros) sound pretty good to me in standard tuning w/standard (10-46) gauge sttings, but they don't seem to like downtuning and heavier strings (I use it for D standard/Drop C, w/54-11 strings), quickly getting murky and flubby in the lows.

I've long been interested in trying a set of Rebel Yells, from hearing praises of their tightness and clarity without being too hot (I've run into the same murkiness issues with super hot passive pickups I've tried, and my amp has plenty of gain on tap), but I'm curious how well they handle downtuning?

I'm also looking into getting another guitar that I plan to go even lower with tuning on (C/Drop A#), probably a Les Paul or PRS style guitar. Despite my aversion to ultra hot passives, I've heard people say good things about the Miracle Mans for tuning this low without having clarity issues/murky tone. Can some folks here whom may have experience w/the MM's elaborate?

As the mentions of downtuning/high gain may suggest, yes, I play a lot of metal/hard rock music, but I'm also hoping to have some passable cleans too. Just curious for opinions on either the RY's or MM's (or any other recommendations) for these two guitars.

Thanks in advance!

[ericsabbath]

both should work well
the miracle man cleans are fine if you use your knobs properly
it also has a great split coil tone

[Yellowjacket]

Rebel Yells will be pretty phat and full with the heavier string guage and lower tuning.  But, you will find them far tighter, clearer, and articulate than the Burstbuckers.  I've gone down to 11 - 56 / drop B on a short scale mahogany guitar with a Rebel Yell bridge and VHII neck.  Through an old, 2 channel Recto, I was getting some huge, phat tones with a suitable EQ.  But, the low mids start to add up with some amps, no matter what the pickups are.  I would say that the low mids through a recto with burstbuckers / standard tuning are somewhat comparable to drop B tuning with a Rebel Yell bridge. 
I think Drop C should work well, but you may need to boost the mids and turn down the bass / depth control if your amp has one.  The other option is to boost, which is what many guys do to tighten things up. 

For super low tunings, check out the Impulse set.  They are designed for this.

[Dave Sloven]

I would second the Impulse recommendation for a Les Paul type guitar in Drop A#