Author Topic: Need help choosing pickups (Read 2790 times)

SweetShadow · « **on:** July 09, 2006, 12:22:38 PM »

Hi, first of all let me say I'm new here so...yeah :P
I've been doing a lot of looking around these forums for clips for replacing the stock humbucker on my Kevin Bond Rhoads, and I still can't decide on either getting the Nailbomb or Warpig.
Remember that my guitar only has a bridge pickup so, it must be usable for rythm and lead work.

The tones I'm after are In FLames (Jester Race era and Come Clarity), Children of Bodom, Dark Tranquility, Arch Enemy, Opeth, Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying and so on.

What I like about the Nailbomb is its awesome lead tone, nice organic sound and grindy. What I dislike, in some clips, it was a little too grindy :roll: and it doesn't seem to handle heavier shades of metal because of it's bright tone (from what I heard).

For the Warpig, I love its low end and dark sound altogether. What I'm worried about is the lead.

Then comes looks: the warpig only has one option and I don't know if it will look good on my guitar. I'll include a pic of it.

thanks in advance :mrgreen:

downrodeo · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2006, 02:06:45 PM »

You are right that the Nailbomb is grindy, but I wouldn't say that it's a very bright pickup. It's moderate, shall we say, in the brightness category (and that perception also depends on the amp you are using GREATLY). I would say it is an awesome pickup- have a set myself. I really love the Nailbomb because the bridge position is excellent for heavy stuff and has a really great lead tone (that should definitely earn some delay treatment for extended solo spas-attacks) and the middle has a that thick Satriani lead tone, while the cleans at Mid and Neck are superb. So, it wouldn't be a bad choice. Having said this, maybe a ceramic pup may be what you are more after, like the Miracle Man or Cold Sweat. Check them out. I have no experience with the afformentioned pickups(my set of Miracle Man+Cold Sweat are on their way, so, sorry!), but the rest of the crew will wake up and give you some pointers and guide you in the right direction. EMAIL TIM! That's what you should do, though I'm pretty sure from your influences that he'll say go for the Cold Sweat or Miracle Man.

SweetShadow · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2006, 03:11:59 PM »

I thought the Cold Sweat was more geared towards less gain-y stuff :?
I'll be sure to check some clips. I don't know much about pickup technicalities so care to explain the difference between ceramic and alnico V.
I'll make sure to email Tim. Though more input from the community would also be appreciated.

Dakine · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2006, 03:17:48 PM »

Nice axe.
if it where me (although do not have one) I would be VERY tempted for a miracle Man seeing as it is single pup.
I ahve cilibrated set of Warpigs but alas they are in Texas and I am in UK.
However I have another Calibrated set of Custom Warpigs here (ceramic mags) awaiting the arrival of my Explorer. Will give you an opinion as soon as all fitted.

downrodeo · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2006, 04:33:00 PM »

Well, basically, Alnico V sounds "warmer" and "more organic", whereas ceramic is generally "tighter" sounding and a ceramic high gain pickup will usually have more bite when compared to a high gain Alnico V pickup. There are trade-offs, though. An Alnico V pickup tends to have "better" clean tones and the Ceramics tend to have "better" distorted lead sound. There are so many things that effect pickup sound, response, etc. that I can't begin to explain it all. It's seriously insane. Plus Tim knows way more than the rest of us, so, like I said earlier PM or Email him. He's the man.

Ratrod · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2006, 07:41:42 PM »

I think a Miracle Man would be the right one here.

BTW, that is one sick looking axe! PDT_003

chrisola · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2006, 12:59:15 AM »

Nice axe, i nearly bought one, but couldnt play before buy and would've had to wait ages for that Thomann place to source and send me one :(

I have a Nailbomb in a swamp ash\maple neck super strat and it is quite bright, but thats what tone\treble controls are for ;)

Tough choice for you ;)

SweetShadow · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2006, 02:12:20 AM »

Thanks for the compliments, it IS an evil axe :twisted:
I'll sand the neck and change the truss rod cover so the signatures will be gone, then it'll be my own :D

Anyway, Tim suggested a Nailbomb too, but after checking out a few MM clips I was quite impressed. I'll have to A/B a few clips of both of these.
Cheers :drink: