Author Topic: bought myself an Explorer - what pickups? (Read 7876 times)

HTH AMPS · « **on:** March 23, 2007, 09:02:08 PM »

ok, I got instant GAS when I saw a Korina Epi Explorer today for £250 - it plays really nice too. the pickups are total shitee though, so now it's time to decide what BKPs to put in there.

I want to be able to cover most rock through to metal (more on the 'rock' side though). For comparison sake I have a Crawler in my Les Paul and am happy with that.

Suggestions? (I'm ruling out a Miracle Man as I thought it was a bit too sharp and midrange-light for my tastes). Warpig is out too as it's not really versatile (imo) and cleans are virtually impossible.

Holy Diver? Rebel Yell?

:twisted:

indysmith · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2007, 09:07:39 PM »

I'd say a rebel yell over a holydiver, which i think would sound far too thick in such a big guitar. congrats BTW. Always great getting a new guitar.

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2007, 09:27:26 PM »

More on the rock side ... Cold Sweat or VHII, I should say.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2007, 09:42:30 PM »

the Holy Diver description sounds like what I was TRYING to say...

"The Holydiver humbucker uses an Alnico V magnet for defined, powerful attack and classic hot rock tone. Individually scatterwound coils produce a fat midrange capable of grinding overdrive whilst retaining transparent highs and a punchy clean tone"

also, I should have said that I'm not a fan of ceramic pickups - all the pickups I've liked have been A5 so I think it's sensible to stay with alnico.

I'l most likely stay with the gold cover too so it matches everything on the guitar - I actually like the vintage Explorer look.

:twisted:

Twinfan · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2007, 10:28:00 PM »

I've been tempted by a Korina Epi Explorer or V in the past, so it's good to hear someone's taken a punt on one. Won't help my GAS though :lol:

With the korina being a bit lighter than mahogany, it depends how thick a tone you're after. I'd be tempted to go with a pair of VH2s for that bright and punchy sound. I think Rebel Yells will be too bright.

HDs might give it a slightly thicker sound, more traditional?

Pimped Epis (if you find a good one) make superb value for money guitars. I absolutely LOVE my upgraded SG and can't justify spending £1200+ on a '61 reissue Gibson that'll need fret tidying, new pickups etc and also I can't be bothered with the hassle of finding a 'good one' in the first place!

Cheap guitars rule :D

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2007, 10:52:15 PM »

Twinfan, I'm thinking HD's too for a traditional PAF tonality (that thick snarly midrange) but with a modern edge and more output that will handle lots of gain when called upon while souning good with a plexi.

Asking alot? - I always do (heh)

:twisted:

metal_god · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2007, 11:56:56 PM »

ouch £250 for an epiphone, some dude on here in the ermm selling section afew days ago was selling a gibson v with gator hard case and a boss ds-1 for £400 now thats a deal....

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #7 on:** March 24, 2007, 12:43:41 AM »

Quote from: metal_god

ouch £250 for an epiphone, some dude on here in the ermm selling section afew days ago was selling a gibson v with gator hard case and a boss ds-1 for £400 now thats a deal....

yep, £400 for a Gibbo Vee IS a good deal (unless it was one of those faded 'things', urgh)

to be honest, I judge guitars on a 'per unit' basis - this Epi just play nice and I like the way the Explorer shape hangs on a guitar strap. my Tele is a MIM one and probably not considered one of the more desireable models but it just 'rings'. fwiw, I've played some Gibsons that were total dogs - had to play quite a few before I bought my standard.

:twisted:

hunter · « **Reply #8 on:** March 24, 2007, 01:19:11 AM »

+1 on TOs reco ... a VHII would give you all of that, plus if you add a coil tap you can do all the funk and spank you like ...

ericsabbath · « **Reply #9 on:** March 24, 2007, 03:35:09 AM »

<----

gingataff · « **Reply #10 on:** March 24, 2007, 10:44:29 AM »

I'd be tempted to go VHII, for that sliced and diced korina Ibanez Women and Children First type tone.
Just don't get the drill and saw out to cut it to pieces.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #11 on:** March 24, 2007, 01:13:11 PM »

at 9k I think the VHII is too much of a hot-PAF type tone and the Crawler already does that (but hotter I'd imagine). I'm looking for something slightly more progressive than the Crawler, still A5 and a good all rounder.

something that could be pushed into service for a good 70s rock tone with a plexi but not lose steam when it comes to playing some metal through a 2203.

I'm phoning Tim to see what he suggests and will order this afternoon.

:twisted:

Antag · « **Reply #12 on:** March 24, 2007, 01:25:33 PM »

Why not a Nailbomb?

I imagine HD would sound VERY thick in that guitar. That's not necessarily a bad thing: HD in my Korina strat (Yeah, OK it's a bolt-on maple neck) is like molasses - I love it :twisted: HD in a Les Paul is almost too much - sounds massive but needs a little more treble dialling in when changing from other guitars.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2007, 02:05:34 PM »

a Nailbomb might do the trick but I've heard they a bit light in the bass and quite trebley - not my kind of thing. I like alot of weight to my tone.

:twisted:

Twinfan · « **Reply #14 on:** March 24, 2007, 05:30:17 PM »

You'd better start using Laney Klipps then mate :twisted:

Author Topic: bought myself an Explorer - what pickups? (Read 7876 times)

TwilightOdyssey