New pup for RR24

[aknsenko]

Managed to snag an RR24 finally, and past recommendations have been either Miracle Man or Cold Sweat to replace the single EMG 81. My concern is that those choices may be too hot to run with the ESP MM-04 active boost I want (a la Alexi Laiho). I like the way this RR sings more than my other one, but the EMG seems lifeless and sterile. Still running the same Rivera TBR-1SL amp and Hughes & Kettner 2x12 w/ Vintage 30s, a newly acquired ISP Decimator Pro Rack G noise gate/suppressor, and I have a Rocktron Intellifex blackface in transit. Not trying to get a super saturated high gain sound, more just tightness and piercing harmonics, but without losing that warm, singing tone. Leaning towards the Rebel Yell, but looking to hear what you guys think, especially since this is a brighter and punchier guitar, and will be my first Bareknuckle swap.

[Telerocker]

I think the Rebel Yell is an excellent choice, closing the gap between vintagehot and modern tones. To set the RY is a bit of a struggle sometimes bec this BKP is extreme sensitive for the right height.

[Dave Sloven]

I think the Cold Sweat would be fine.  It is lower in output than the Miracle Man and definitely not like an EMG at all.

[aknsenko]

Thanks Telerocker, good to know before I get frustrated and disappointed by what I've heard is an exceptional pickup haha

Dave: would I be correct in extrapolating a connection to John Sykes with the CS pickup? Assuming it's that direction tonally, which I really love, I was just concerned with how it would sound with a brighter guitar as opposed to a fat Les Paul like John plays.

[Telerocker]

Thanks Telerocker, good to know before I get frustrated and disappointed by what I've heard is an exceptional pickup haha

Dave: would I be correct in extrapolating a connection to John Sykes with the CS pickup? Assuming it's that direction tonally, which I really love, I was just concerned with how it would sound with a brighter guitar as opposed to a fat Les Paul like John plays.

That's the point. CS is a scooped tight modern pickup, ideal for a big lump of mahogany. In a guitar with a brighter voice you might want a different voicing with a bit more mids.

[gwEm]

I have a Painkiller in mine.

Not entirely sure its the right choice. Sounds a little sharp.

[ericsabbath]

the holy diver should work really well with the active boost

[Dave Sloven]

Dave: would I be correct in extrapolating a connection to John Sykes with the CS pickup? Assuming it's that direction tonally, which I really love, I was just concerned with how it would sound with a brighter guitar as opposed to a fat Les Paul like John plays.

I don't think the output of the CS is as high as that of the Dirty Fingers, but yes it was designed to get that Sykes sound.