Flying V pick up upgrade

[d.mariani2004]

Hi,

I am looking for a more aggressive PU set for my Flying V (mahogany body&neck, rosewood fingerboard, std D tuning, equipped with original Burstbucker 2&3), I usually play death/thrash metal (alternating fast and groovy riffs) and and hardcore old/new school.
I am looking for a very defined and aggressive ceramic pick up, I read that the most popular choice is Warpigs, but I am afraid that it's too dark/with too many bass frequencies for a Gibson.
What's the difference in term of sound between a covered and open version?
Cheers!
Dave

[Dave Sloven]

For these styles and your tastes you might be better off with either a Painkiler or a Ragnarok.  I haven't used either of these but they seem like the two closest to what you want.  Nolly knows all the pickups and has been commenting on here a lot recently so maybe he can give you some advice

[Nolly]

I'd agree with Dave's suggestion of the Ragnarok set, it's very much what you describe. Vs can get quite bass sometimes so I think it's worth choosing the Ragnarok over the ceramic Warpig, Miracle Man or Painkiller since it's got the tightest low end of the lot.
Covers do make a minor difference to the top end response of a pickup, with uncovered pickups being a touch brighter. We're talking about a very minimal difference here though so I'd recommending making your decision based on the aesthetic you're after above all else.

[d.mariani2004]

Thanks!
And what about Aftermath?

[Nolly]

Thanks!
And what about Aftermath?

The Aftermath is certainly worth considering - it feels less fluid to play, with more of a "dry" feel, and the upper mids are really prominent too. For my personal taste it's not a pickup I really love, but plenty of people use and love them. I'd say it could be an option if you use heavy gauge strings.

[ericsabbath]

I'd take the painkiller over the aftermath for the extra hair over dryness