Author Topic: Neck-Thrus and BKP compatibility (Read 7115 times)

JammerMatt · « **on:** July 02, 2005, 07:44:36 PM »

Hi All,

Well, I'll test out the waters here I guess. After lurking for a few weeks, I'm interested in knowing some more about the Miracle Man.

I have done a search, but didn't seem to find my question addressed yet.

The axe in question is a USA Jackson Soloist, neck-through, HSS, with Floyd. As you probably might know, the construction consists of a maple neck through the body, with alder "wings" on each side. The pups are basically attached to the neck is my understanding. The fretboard is Ebony. My amp is a Line 6 twin 12" combo, and I normally play with a Tube Screamer in the front. My style of play is your typical 80's stuff, but I do have a liking for modern tones as well.

The axe currently has Duncans, a JB in the bridge, stack in the middle, and Hot Rails in the neck - typical configuration for Metal. Let me say that I do like the sound of the JB and the HR. I really like the rhythm sound of the JB, but I find that the leads tend to get mushy for the lower strings (E to D), or lack definition for lack of better terms - pull-offs just sort of mush together. Pinch harm's are difficult, but I come to discover this is a quirk of the Soloist by nature.

If I could describe the tone I seek, I would call it Molten Honey. I like good smooth gain which doesn't bite, has a full thick sound, maybe even a tad compressed and "processed" sounding. I understand that some other gear is probably necessary at some point - like say a Marshall.

The Neck-thru seems to be a completely different animal both sonically, and playing-wise than either my Les Paul and my Bolt on Jackson.

My question is: Does anyone have any experiences with the Miracle Man on Neck-Thru axes? Will it be too bright? Too Mushy? Any other recommendations?

Tim · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2005, 10:04:34 AM »

I think Jonathon over at Feline Guitars has several Miracle Man loaded axes and if memory serves me correctly, one was a neck through so maybe PM him.

The Miracle Man, which is powered by a ceramic magnet, has a very tight bottom end response and harmonics are very easy to get from it-the highs are really clear...........you may well find the MM has a little too much cut for you and moving up to a Warpig is a better choice. More power, slightly controlled highs and plenty of organic mids.

JammerMatt · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2005, 06:17:47 PM »

Thanks Tim,

I'll PM Jonathan.

Afghan Dave · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2005, 07:40:01 PM »

Hi Matt,

I have a Neck Thru with a FRED in the neck and a BKP Miracle Man in the bridge.

The MM is very tight - a touch too "clean" for my tastes in this guitar esp when I conpare it to my RG with a FRED and the wonderful Warpig.

The MM is an incredible pickup which I am moving to my LP (where the quality of this pickup will shine) as soon as I order another Warpig for the Neck Thru Vandenberg.

To sum up.. I'd go with the Warpig in this application unless your setup is so
woolly it goes BBarr... :lol:

JammerMatt · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2005, 07:53:47 PM »

Thanks Dave. I have a Duncan Distortion in my Les Paul. It's alright, but still seems to lack something. I just think a heavy LP should have a heavy bottom end, but it doesn't.

Your Vandenberg... is that an Adrian Vandenberg axe? I've never seen one.

Afghan Dave · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2005, 08:39:13 PM »

Ohh, I only wish it were true... owning an original you could say would be my holy grail.

Sadly it is a sub standard reissue Peavey V-type NTB which is growing as close to my dream through modding as money and time allows.

I fell in love with the Original Vandenberg in 1988 (I believe) at the london music fair.

You know the story.. I was young and she was so goddam sexy and just slightly "trashy", with curves that felt so right in my hands... I held her briefly and then had to let her go. I thought "is this love?" :crazy2:

I've never forgotten that stolen time we spent together when our paths crossed like "sailing ships" and long to one day make "slow poke music" with her again. Sure there have been others..LPs RGs and Fenders but none have stired the same feelings that I felt that day at Earls Court... That little Vandy stole my heart and I can't help but search for her on ebay "In the still of the night".

Sorry.. I just realised "here i go again" boring people with my story of lost love.

For advice and support and FACTS from other Mad Vandy lovers visit

http://www.geocities.com/vandenberget/

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2005, 10:47:52 PM »

Afghan Dave, that was one of the funniest posts I have ever read!

I think you and JammerMatt are gonna be good friends! :)

JammerMatt · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2005, 07:10:01 AM »

Afghan Dave, I understood every word you said - and I can empathize. If I could get my hands around a GL Kamikaze (the "In My Dreams" video one), that would be all I could handle.

As for the Snake, I saw 'em just the other night. So, that's all very fresh in my mind.

As a matter of fact, my CD collection is missing "This burning heart in, won't let me be...." You know, Vandenberg Vandenberg. Had the tape back in the day, but it's long gone. Must visit Ebay now.

-Matt

Afghan Dave · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2005, 01:29:37 PM »

To all who have loved and lost, I hope one day we all find the special one that got away...

PDT_032

JammerMatt - No need to ebay if you want to find Vandenberg -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000002JM6/qid=1120477998/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/026-5432282-8579618

As for the Snake, I missed the last tour date in London but have seen them every time since Donnington 1990 - That was a TOTALLY BRILLIANT day.
Stood in a field with my real "flesh and bone" first love, watching Aerosmith then Whitesnake headline with Vandenberg and Vai.
I have a recording of that day on audio tape which went out live on BBC radio ( I had my mum at home editing.. )

I need to master that onto CD - A project I could spend a disgusting amount of time on. That day was also filmed but never released, I'd give up a kidney or a testicle for that!

Talking like this to you guys makes me remember when and why I fell in love with this music lark, it used to be more than marketing.

I'm getting wound up now so I better sit alone in a dark room before the doctors strap me down and beat me again....

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2005, 01:55:03 PM »

Quote from: JammerMatt

Afghan Dave, I understood every word you said - and I can empathize. If I could get my hands around a GL Kamikaze (the "In My Dreams" video one), that would be all I could handle.

I will keep my mouth shut on a potential guitar project I've discussed with Laz, then. ;)

Afghan Dave · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2005, 02:09:52 PM »

Ahh, I too have been planning an "Uber" Vandy Project after lusting around the Feline Guitars site...

Soon Jonathan will be a richer man and she will live my friends... soon PDT_010

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #11 on:** July 04, 2005, 02:13:28 PM »

I don't think it would be difficult for a custom builder (such as Feline) to make a replica of the Vandy ... you can get a replica neck made, but to your spec's, as well -- that would be cool, esp if you go with a variation on the graphic; say, the puzzle graphic, but with yellow/black instead of white/black.

Sorry, for the hijack, Matt.

Afghan Dave · « **Reply #12 on:** July 04, 2005, 02:33:53 PM »

Yup, I see you've been reading my thoughts with Alien technology.

The puzzle graphic is a damn cool and really tasteful touch that no custom project I plan other than an totally outragous quilt top would be without.

The more I plan the more I think I need two... Hardtail Quilt + BKP VHII + gold hware / Trem "custom puzzle" + BKP callibrated Nailbombs + cosmo blk hardware.. maybe..

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #13 on:** July 04, 2005, 04:04:36 PM »

A miracle man sounds great on a Jackson thru neck - just did one for Johnny Mac....I'm surprised that he hasn't posted on this one yet

Big tight and ballsy!

As for me making a Vandenberg - yum ! That will be fun....
I love Ade Vandenberg as a player and his Peavey axe is a cool one.
Suspect the new reissues may need some work to make them 100% but they seemed good value for money to me.

But I look forwaed to any possible projects :P

JammerMatt · « **Reply #14 on:** July 04, 2005, 04:20:49 PM »

Quote from: Afghan Dave

I need to master that onto CD - A project I could spend a disgusting amount of time on. .

You must be a perfectioninst like myself. Just easier in the long run to never start it seems....

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

I will keep my mouth shut on a potential guitar project I've discussed with Laz, then. ;)

Ben, you're killing me :D

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Sorry, for the hijack, Matt.

Hadn't even noticed. Always time in the day to discuss when METAL ruled the world.

Quote from: FELINEGUITARS

Big tight and ballsy!

That's what I'm talking about!! Thanks