Cliche question from a newbie!

[Kade Storm]

Hey there.

I use cr@ppy guitars. Yes, I buy low-end, entry-level, budget axes, and then modify them to my own taste. I like this method, and it's works for me. Problem comes with my particular tuning (Baritone B). EMGs go well with such a low tuning because the thin tone allows for a clear low B. Accomplishing a similar result, has always been a problem when it came to passive pickups - Duncans - DiMarzios; great tone, but low tunings usually sounded muddy.

(Sorry, I know this is getting long.)

I read that the Warpig, apparently, has the kind of high, loud screaming output that even blows the 81 out of the water. Does this mean that it could handle baritone tuning, while also providing a solid, heavy sound? Note: I plan to use this pickup on a budget guitar that's currently running on an EMG 81; I like the sound, but I'd like to switch over to passives.

So, will the Warpig accomplish the following for me:
- A killer distortion, while relying least on the natural tone of the guitar's wood.
- A high, screaming, yet heavy output capable of handling baritone tunings, and producing squealing harmonics?

Thanks.

[indysmith]

what guitar is it? what is it made of? what amp are you using? what kind of sound do you want? (band examples)

[Tarzan]

From what I've heard, you probably want a ceramic Warpig

[Kade Storm]

Well, mostly a Line 6 POD XT, coupled with my friend's JCM900 head.

Thing I really need is a clear, bright, low B distortion, and sharp harmonics. If I have to use an example of a band, then Machine Head would come closest.

As for the guitar brand and wood: I pair EMGs with plywood, agathis bodies. This current example is no different - a Jackson King V (The low end model with tune-o-matic bridge). I want the pickup to carry most of the axe for me.

[MDV]

I'd say miracle man.

But a word of warning: BKs do let your guitars woods through very clearly. Even the high gain ones. I've had this work to my detrement by putting a miracle man that sounded great in a custom dean and epi LP in a ply-bodied guitar, and it sounded terrible: the combo was really empty, thin and lifeless.....like plywood!

EMGs are a great choice for cheap guitars because, though they do vary quite a bit from guitar to guitar, they stubbornly keep much of the 'EMG sound'.

Switching to BK may make you realise how bad your guitars are ;)

[CJ]

bareknuckles aren't meant to mask the sound of cr@ppy guitars. they're good pickups, not bad ones. sounds like you need some 20 dollar pickups.

[Kade Storm]

bareknuckles aren't meant to mask the sound of cr@ppy guitars. they're good pickups, not bad ones. sounds like you need some 20 dollar pickups.

...I don't see who's implied masking as a good or bad trait. It goes both ways, which is why an active EMG's (81, specifically) best trait also happens to be its glaring flaw.

And no, I don't need 20 dollar pickups; that defeats the whole point of attempting to get some degree of decent sound out of a generally cheaper instrument. I know this can and is accomplished through often mixing EMGs active eletronics. I guess the Bareknuckle pickups would be better suited to taking full advantage of a good instrument.

Anyway, I'd have to go with MDV. EMGs work best at imposing themselves ontop of plywood instruments, so I'll stick with that combination. I think I'll reserve a 7string warpig for one of my better guitars that's made from solid mahogany.

Now, what's the 'Ceramic Warpig'? I only get access to the standard Warpig from the website's shop.

[Peter Antal]

A ceramic Warpig will be screaming, crushing yet surgically tight. It has a saturated sound with overdrive - heavy as hell with massive amounts of compression, it won't respect the guitar's wood too much. Although it probably sounds better in high-end instruments, AFAIK it's one of the heaviest and least transparent sounding humbuckers BKP make.

EDIT: If you want a ceramic version of the Warpig, you'll have to mention that in the comments box.

[Roobubba]

I've literally just received and fitted a Miracle Man pickup into my Ibanez RG470F. I also use baritone B tuning (but with a dropped A: A-E-A-D-F#-B).

This pickup has removed all of the mud that I was getting previously with the stock INF2 pickups (although they weren't *awful*, it must be said!), and I can thoroughly recommend it.  I still need to do a bit of mucking about to get the level exactly corrent.  From what I gather, the MM is lower output than the cWP - so if it's really high output you're after, you're best off getting someone who owns a ceramic pig to advise you!  For the record, I play machine head styles, very dropped tuning, lots of squeals and artificial harmonics - sounds a lot how you described your own needs...

Hope this helps

Roo

[Kade Storm]

Hey, thanks for the information, dudes. I'm probably gonna' go for the ceramic warpig--6 string version--and try it out on my new project of an axe. Hey, if it turns out well, then good for me. Otherwise, I'll use it on my custom explorer. (I am sorta' confident that it will work out; the guitar sounds half-decent with the stock pups, so yeah.)

Thanks again.

[Hell Hound]

I checked the specs of your Jackson, indian cedro body, it shouldn't be that bad. It seems like a fine  cheap guitar to me.

[OD-Black_Fire]

Down at the low levels of B, the low frequencies will rip the distortion right from the amp so you don't need a load of gain from the pickup. I'd say the Miracle Man would fit you better than a Ceramic warpig if you want that really tight jump metal tone like on Mnemics first Cd...if thats what your describing.

[Kade Storm]

Before I get to the latest post, I should address the issue of wood. You see, I opened on the disparaging note, just to avoid having some smart-mouth get in my face and tell me what a 'cr@p guitar' I'm using for such a project. Honestly, I prefer these low-end Jacksons to certain mid-range Epiphone guitars. For example, the guitars with the Indian Cedro wood seem to resonate with an active tone akin to consistent alder; compare this to my so-called "Mahogany Explorer" by Epiphone, and I'd take the Jackson ANY DAY! In contrast, the wood feels solid, as does the tone. The guitar sounds just fine with the 81 in the bridge, but I actually borrowed the 81 from another axe until I got something suitable for this one. I thought I'd go passive this time, and Warpigs have a solid underground reputation - as do most Bare Knuckle products in general.

Now comes the issue of the new pickups. I'm a little divided. I've read up some more, and most of the reviews, reports, and pickup physics hint towards ceramic pickups for the kind of sound that I desire. On the other hand, I got feedback from someone using the Miracle Man pup for an even lower tuning. See, I want that tight low end, but I also want as much output as possible (for some crazy experiments). So can't I get away with the Ceramic Warpig?

[MDV]

First mate, no one wouldve been abusive about your gear. This isnt harmony central ;) 'Tis a friendly place here  8)

And yes, I think the C-Pig would be ideal for you: a bit more output than an 81, extremely tight, massive bass, clear highs. If you've been on an 81 and like the tightness and the gain leve, I think thats the best option for you.

[Dom5412]

First mate, no one wouldve been abusive about your gear. This isnt harmony central Tis a friendly place here

It might not be so friendly if someone expressed displeasure with their pickups, because alot of you act as if BKPs are the end all/be all for everyone.

Not trying to start a fight, but I had to say something.

BTW, TC, huzzah for modding cheap axes!