Long Shot: Humbucker for Andy Taylor's Sound

[Holzar88]

OK--so this feels like a long shot, but here goes.

I recently rediscovered Andy Taylor's (of Duran Duran) solo work--"American Anthem" soundtrack, solo album "Thunder" and his single "When the Rain Comes Down" which I believe was featured in a "Miami Vice" episode waaayyyy back in the day.

Not only are these great songs, I love his tone. It's just great a great, crunchy sound that epitomizes that '80s pop-rock sound.

For any other old dinosaurs out there who might be familiar with this stuff, what Bareknuckles pup would you recommend? One of BKP's takes on the hot PAF sound? VHII? Mule? Crawler? Those would be my guesses. Your thoughts?

Second, is anyone familiar with Andy's rig (guitar/amp) during that era? Can't seem to find anything online. But I figured there might be a few diehards left on your side of the pond with that info.

Thanks.

[Philly Q]

I'm slightly reluctant to admit it  :lol: , but I have Thunder (on vinyl!) and also the covers album Dangerous.

In terms of gear, I may be wrong but I think he was using Schecter Tele-types with humbuckers in those days?  Absolutely no idea about the amps though.

I haven't heard the records in years so I can't really remember the guitar tones, but the Rebel Yell is very focused, quite bright and punchy - I tend to think of it as an '80s American hard rock sound, though others may disagree...

[Holzar88]

Thanks for your thoughts, Philly Q. I figured there probably weren't a lot of folks familiar with that material.

The Rebell Yell was another pup I'd considered. It (and two singles) would be going in an alder-bodied, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard Kramer super strat. I've wondered from some of the many posts I've read if that pickup would be too bright and brassy with that combination of woods. Definitely bears considering, though.

Thanks for the feedback on Taylor's guitars, too. I think I'd noticed he's played some double hum teles in the Duran Duran reunion clips I've seen. But I had no idea of the brand, etc.

[Philly Q]

The Rebell Yell was another pup I'd considered. It (and two singles) would be going in an alder-bodied, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard Kramer super strat. I've wondered from some of the many posts I've read if that pickup would be too bright and brassy with that combination of woods. Definitely bears considering, though.

Yeah, now that you mention your guitar's a Kramer I think the RY might be a little bright.  Even in my The Paul it still has lots of presence.  Although you'll have seen there are guys on the forum who use RYs in bolt-ons, with good results.

Maybe the Crawler or even Holydiver, for similar output but a somewhat darker tone?