Author Topic: Changing from EMGs to Bare Knuckle pickups (Read 5334 times)

Bloodshedmisery · « **on:** August 15, 2006, 07:47:24 PM »

I currently own an ESP standard series eclipse (mahogany body), and have EMGs 85 in bridge and 60 in neck. I'm planning on investing on a pair of bare knuckle pickups to replace them.

I've listened to a bunch of samples/clips of pickups, but am having a hard time deciding whether I should get the Nailbomb or the Warpig in the bridge position. The music that my band plays falls under everything from Death metal to Hardcore to more experimental stuff like Fantomas, Mars Volta, Dillinger Escape Plan, Mr Bungle etc etc. I'd like to have the low end chug and growl, but still maintain clarity for intricate "big chords". I guess a good example would be a band like Between The Buried And Me.

As for the neck position, i'm looking for something that's powerful enough to match up with my bridge pickup, has to have a full, clear, and smooth clean sound.

Much help is appreciated, Thank you :).

Dakine · « **Reply #1 on:** August 15, 2006, 09:03:09 PM »

NO idea on many of the bands you mention, old school here.
But consider 'Custom Warpigs'. Tim recommended these for my Explorer and it does ALL you mentioned and then some.
In fact I mentioned old school 'Hetfield' tone and that's what Tim suggested.
Hope it helps, and also confuses you more with more choice :twisted:

Bloodshedmisery · « **Reply #2 on:** August 15, 2006, 09:14:44 PM »

*confused*, what are custom warpigs?Are they specially made? I don't see them on the "products" list.

Peter Antal · « **Reply #3 on:** August 15, 2006, 09:19:27 PM »

Custom Warpig = simply a Warpig with ceramic mag instead of Alnico V ;)

Dakine · « **Reply #4 on:** August 15, 2006, 09:48:13 PM »

^as said
Sorry shouldda mentioned.
I have set of standard and custom and IMO think the 'custom' may suit your desires/needs better.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #5 on:** August 15, 2006, 10:40:24 PM »

yep, the Warpig sounds most like an EMG85 whereas the Miracle Man is closer to an 81 though the BKPs just sound so much better in every respect.

I wouldn't expect any serious clean tones out of the Warpigs though - I certainly couldn't coax any out of it. I use a Miracle Man in my main guitar now and it's got a much more acceptable clean tone imo.

lastly, if you're selling those EMGs I have a mate who's after that exact set (85/60) - he's just mad on active pickups (go figure) :?

:twisted:

Bloodshedmisery · « **Reply #6 on:** August 16, 2006, 06:36:11 AM »

i see i see...Any suggestions for my neck pickup then?

deg0ey · « **Reply #7 on:** August 16, 2006, 10:30:55 AM »

The most common suggestion to match to a high output bridge pickup would be a Cold Sweat...Not played one myself, but that's often what comes up when people are considering a Miracle Man or Warpig bridge :drink:

JamesHealey · « **Reply #8 on:** August 17, 2006, 12:05:41 PM »

the cold sweat neck is amazing for high gain neck humbucker!

downrodeo · « **Reply #9 on:** August 17, 2006, 12:23:28 PM »

Quote

the cold sweat neck is amazing for high gain neck humbucker!

MOST DEFINITELY! I have a Cold Sweat paired with a Miracle Man in the Bridge and it KILLS! :twisted:

OD-Black_Fire · « **Reply #10 on:** August 17, 2006, 05:41:56 PM »

Get at least the neck pickup split also, because they all have alnico magnets and those sound very sweet split. Even the high gain ones.

lepersmeesa · « **Reply #11 on:** August 17, 2006, 06:54:05 PM »

I would highly recommend the Ceramic Warpig and Cold Sweat. I have the Cold Sweat neck in my 7 string and I have the Warpig in my ESP which I tune AADGBE. Sounds really nice and tight, especially the bottom end.

Mister Crowley · « **Reply #12 on:** August 17, 2006, 07:43:05 PM »

I'd say Nailbomb for sure. I don't think a Warpig or Miracle Man will get the vintage/classic rocks tones you're looking for bands like Mars Volta, etc. The Nailbomb can do that as well as death/grindcore, it has proven to be a very heavy yet versatile pickup, and also has very sweet cleans. I'd simply go with a Nailbomb neck and bridge and the 4 wire conductor for coil splitting. I think that combo would cover all the bases you're looking for.

Bloodshedmisery · « **Reply #13 on:** August 18, 2006, 05:13:08 PM »

Does the warpig really lack clarity compared to Nailbomb? Is the ceramic warpig brighter than the original one? Can the warpig handle alright cleans, or is that totally out of question?

Dakine · « **Reply #14 on:** August 18, 2006, 05:30:37 PM »

My Explorer with custom 'pigs it having a vacation at a 'tech spa' but playing it before I had NO issues with clarity at all!
Cannot comment on reg. 'pigs as not gotten to play my SG with 'pigs in yet as it is still in Texas and I am in UK.
But, I love the custom pigs. They can be brutal and articulate. Alot depends on style/amp etc. but I do NOT think they are a 'one trick pony' in any way shape or form.