Choosing a neck pickup

[SpiderVenom]

I'm looking to put together a custom guitar with Warmoth parts, and obviously, since I'm posting here, SD pickups :duh: Of course, this is subject to money, and when you're 16, money is as common as getting some action (this is New Zealand, and no, getting some is not common here). Anyway, enough of my pathetic jokes, and onto the actual question.

I play (well... attempt to play) 80's metal, shred stuff, that sort of thing (think Metallica, Megadeth, Tourniquet, Iron Maiden, etc).

I'm pretty much set on a Full Shred for the bridge, but I'm not sure about a neck pickup yet. I was thinking of adding a Jazz for versatility, but then, judging by the tone chart, I wouldn't exactly have an abundance of mids from my pickups. I'm one of those toneless guitarists that shrink their mids down to the point of mosquitoism, but I'd like to have them available nonetheless, if I ever want to play anything other than metal :saeek: One pickup that looks promising is the Hot Rails for Strat (given I can have the pickup cavity routed however I like), but I wondered if the output might be too much over the Full Shred...

Anyway, I'd appreciate anyone's opinion on this matter. Cheers.

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Choosing a neck pickup

Welcome aboard.

Personally, I think you'd love the Jazz, but if you're set against it then a Hot Rails might be a good alternative. It should go with the full shred just fine.

What type of wood are you planning on going with? That may help some of the tone wizards around here dial in exactly what you need.

 

[Kommerzbassist]

Re: Choosing a neck pickup

I'd say Full Shred or maybe JB.

 

[pac112]

Re: Choosing a neck pickup

what kinda guitar is it?

 

[SpiderVenom]

Re: Choosing a neck pickup

Thanks, nice to be here...

OK, let's see. It's a strat shape body, solid mahogany, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, floyd rose trem.

One reason I thought the Hot Rails might be a nice pickup is that Dave Murray uses it, and Iron Maiden is another favourite band of mine, so being able to make a similar sound to that would be nice. I'm open to any recommendations though. This'll be my first decent guitar. Thanks to money troubles, I'll probably have to delay to Christmas now :yell: But I may as well plan it, I have nothing else to do Thanks for the help.

 

[SpiderVenom]

Re: Choosing a neck pickup

After thinking some more, I think I'll go with the Jazz for the neck. From what I've heard, it's very versatile, and can remain quite clear when distorted, as well as giving great clean tones. I think it'd suit what I want it for quite well.