Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
- Thread starter TheThunderShark
- Start date
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
I know what your saying, because I hate when people simply suggest pickup changes as the answer for everything (see JB). My only problem with the Burstbuckers (really the after market ones) is that they are unpotted. Pickups that are used with high gain and are unpotted have a tendency to squeal. A lot of player use that to their advantage, but some don't. If he's looking for a bridge pickup to do high gain, then I'd really take a look at the Distortion. Especially with his issues on tone of the Burstbuckers. They are okay for PAF on steroids tones, but they really aren't that great for anything. Like Brendan Small said in the video, he likes to play classic rock as well, so unpotted pickups work for him, but for super high gain, they don't.
I know what your saying, because I hate when people simply suggest pickup changes as the answer for everything (see JB). My only problem with the Burstbuckers (really the after market ones) is that they are unpotted. Pickups that are used with high gain and are unpotted have a tendency to squeal. A lot of player use that to their advantage, but some don't. If he's looking for a bridge pickup to do high gain, then I'd really take a look at the Distortion. Especially with his issues on tone of the Burstbuckers. They are okay for PAF on steroids tones, but they really aren't that great for anything. Like Brendan Small said in the video, he likes to play classic rock as well, so unpotted pickups work for him, but for super high gain, they don't.
GilmourD
Burritotoneologist
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
I can't argue with a Distortion for the bridge and would probably put a Jazz or a '59 in the neck, although I do hear amazing things about the Distortion neck. I would probably put a Custom or a Dimebucker in the bridge, though, if it were for ME, but it's not.
But that's just the thing... I've played this guitar model through a cranked-out high-gain amp and it didn't squeal. I'm willing to bet that they are indeed potted. I unfortunately don't know any Dethklok songs but I was playing some Pantera and Metallica stuff and the guitar performed admirably.
I can't argue with a Distortion for the bridge and would probably put a Jazz or a '59 in the neck, although I do hear amazing things about the Distortion neck. I would probably put a Custom or a Dimebucker in the bridge, though, if it were for ME, but it's not.
TheThunderShark
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
Sorry I haven't responded much, been busy lately. So, to bring the situation up to speed, I have my first show on October 15th, so you know yay!!..?? But all joking aside, I've been really considering the JB and the Distortion, but I feel that my question has yet to be answered regarding passive EMG H2 pickups. To respond to the person that asked my interest in these, one, the paint will match my guitar's aesthetics seemlessly, two, I own a guitar with active EMG's and they kick ass, but have a little too much sometimes, so I figured passive EMG's would be a sweet spot that allowed huge amounts of output and clarity, but also versatility as well. If anyone can make a case now for these EMG's, then I will make my decision from those three. Again, thanks for the help deciding everybody, this forum has been nothing but class, and to Rand-O-Monium, I'll post some pics lol
But that's just the thing... I've played this guitar model through a cranked-out high-gain amp and it didn't squeal. I'm willing to bet that they are indeed potted. I unfortunately don't know any Dethklok songs but I was playing some Pantera and Metallica stuff and the guitar performed admirably.
I can't argue with a Distortion for the bridge and would probably put a Jazz or a '59 in the neck, although I do hear amazing things about the Distortion neck. I would probably put a Custom or a Dimebucker in the bridge, though, if it were for ME, but it's not.
Sorry I haven't responded much, been busy lately. So, to bring the situation up to speed, I have my first show on October 15th, so you know yay!!..?? But all joking aside, I've been really considering the JB and the Distortion, but I feel that my question has yet to be answered regarding passive EMG H2 pickups. To respond to the person that asked my interest in these, one, the paint will match my guitar's aesthetics seemlessly, two, I own a guitar with active EMG's and they kick ass, but have a little too much sometimes, so I figured passive EMG's would be a sweet spot that allowed huge amounts of output and clarity, but also versatility as well. If anyone can make a case now for these EMG's, then I will make my decision from those three. Again, thanks for the help deciding everybody, this forum has been nothing but class, and to Rand-O-Monium, I'll post some pics lol
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
:headbang:
:headbang:
TheThunderShark
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
Been busy lately, I've also decided to keep the burstbuckers for a while, they're actually pretty good. The pic is of me playing the Thunderhorse at a gig at Sullivan Hall.
:headbang:
Been busy lately, I've also decided to keep the burstbuckers for a while, they're actually pretty good. The pic is of me playing the Thunderhorse at a gig at Sullivan Hall.
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Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
I haven't tried any passive EMG's at all. I prefer passives over actives any day of the week and twice on Sundays, but really am not sure about them. I know Alexi Laiho uses one in the bridge of his guitars, so that's something to listen for. His tone isn't bad by any means.
I haven't tried any passive EMG's at all. I prefer passives over actives any day of the week and twice on Sundays, but really am not sure about them. I know Alexi Laiho uses one in the bridge of his guitars, so that's something to listen for. His tone isn't bad by any means.
CountFeedback
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
not that this will get you where you want to go:
I think last news I heard Brendon Small had switched the pickups in his Thunderhorse to Dimarzio 36th Anniversary
but most Deathklok is a regular Mahogany Gibson Explorer with EMG 89 bridge & occasional Stock LP.
my $0.02
Bridge - Duncan Distortion or SH5 Custom
Neck - Jazz or Alnico2pro
not that this will get you where you want to go:
I think last news I heard Brendon Small had switched the pickups in his Thunderhorse to Dimarzio 36th Anniversary
but most Deathklok is a regular Mahogany Gibson Explorer with EMG 89 bridge & occasional Stock LP.
my $0.02
Bridge - Duncan Distortion or SH5 Custom
Neck - Jazz or Alnico2pro
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Myaccount876
Amira-Maker
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
Honestly I'd say: go with EMGs or Blackouts of some sort. So far people have been suggesting their personal favorites, but the bands you listed mostly use actives to begin with. If the active EMGs sounded like too much, try the 85 in the bridge and something else in the neck. If that is still too much, venturing into SD actives may work.
Honestly I'd say: go with EMGs or Blackouts of some sort. So far people have been suggesting their personal favorites, but the bands you listed mostly use actives to begin with. If the active EMGs sounded like too much, try the 85 in the bridge and something else in the neck. If that is still too much, venturing into SD actives may work.
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Falloffthebonetone
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
BLACK WINTERRRRRRR!
BLACK WINTERRRRRRR!
Falloffthebonetone
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
Also the BB 1-2 set in the epiphone thunderhorse ARE nonpotted
http://www.epiphone.com/News/Features/Features/2013/Ltd-Ed-Brendon-Small-Thunderhorse-Explorer.aspx
Says so right nyah. Same goes with the Gibson version.
He uses the more vintage and unpotted pickups so it translates more of what his fingers are doing through the gain he lays on from his amp. Plus the lack of potting, and slightly mismatched coils the BBs have really bring out a lot of overtones and harmonics. AND his humbuckers are wound parallel according to the gibson spec sheet. So he has very bright, low powered airy pickups that give his tone you hear in Galaktikon and Dethalbum III when combined with all the gain that he gets from his set up.
This is actually my philosophy too. Responsive, bright and flexible pickups, then get gain and power from the amp. That way more dynamics and technique shines through the gain, while using your amp to it's potential.
Also the BB 1-2 set in the epiphone thunderhorse ARE nonpotted
http://www.epiphone.com/News/Features/Features/2013/Ltd-Ed-Brendon-Small-Thunderhorse-Explorer.aspx
Says so right nyah. Same goes with the Gibson version.
He uses the more vintage and unpotted pickups so it translates more of what his fingers are doing through the gain he lays on from his amp. Plus the lack of potting, and slightly mismatched coils the BBs have really bring out a lot of overtones and harmonics. AND his humbuckers are wound parallel according to the gibson spec sheet. So he has very bright, low powered airy pickups that give his tone you hear in Galaktikon and Dethalbum III when combined with all the gain that he gets from his set up.
This is actually my philosophy too. Responsive, bright and flexible pickups, then get gain and power from the amp. That way more dynamics and technique shines through the gain, while using your amp to it's potential.
Falloffthebonetone
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/07/27/rigged-dethkloks-brendon-small/
He also uses the Kerry King Marshall, which has a built in noise gate that he uses to prevent so much feedback and squeal which he mentions nyah. As well as his other pieces of his set up and some of his philosophy on guitar tone.
http://www.metalsucks.net/2011/07/27/rigged-dethkloks-brendon-small/
He also uses the Kerry King Marshall, which has a built in noise gate that he uses to prevent so much feedback and squeal which he mentions nyah. As well as his other pieces of his set up and some of his philosophy on guitar tone.
Falloffthebonetone
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
A pearly gates set in general would get rid of feedback and increase bite and harmonics while giving it a little more power.
A pearly gates set in general would get rid of feedback and increase bite and harmonics while giving it a little more power.
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
I dont know about the passive EMGs you mention, but the only passive EMG I ever played was one of the SA's I think, and it was like a turd with a wire.
How do you like that phenolic fretboard? I have one on a washburn and I like how slippery it is!
I dont know about the passive EMGs you mention, but the only passive EMG I ever played was one of the SA's I think, and it was like a turd with a wire.
How do you like that phenolic fretboard? I have one on a washburn and I like how slippery it is!
Gone_Shootin
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
Just for the heck of it I threw that same Burstbucker set into my Gibson Explorer, and I like 'em. They're not high output by any means, but I like the tone.
But that said, I also really liked my Duncan Screamin' Demon in the bridge & Pearly Gates in the neck of the same guitar.
Just for the heck of it I threw that same Burstbucker set into my Gibson Explorer, and I like 'em. They're not high output by any means, but I like the tone.
But that said, I also really liked my Duncan Screamin' Demon in the bridge & Pearly Gates in the neck of the same guitar.
CountFeedback
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
I tried a Demon in my Explorer Bridge as well and it was a bit of not bad. The lead sound was very alive and responsive, and the clean is really-really-good, a better clean than you get out of most humbuckers that are that tight distorted. My only problem with it is I'm more of a medium gain living on the volume knob kind of player and the demon didn't have the same mojo in that situation (&that guitar) that a JB or 59 seem to have.
The O.P. I would think is doing more High Gain X Clean were the Demon should excel, definitely one to consider.
Great coil split sound on the hex side.
I tried a Demon in my Explorer Bridge as well and it was a bit of not bad. The lead sound was very alive and responsive, and the clean is really-really-good, a better clean than you get out of most humbuckers that are that tight distorted. My only problem with it is I'm more of a medium gain living on the volume knob kind of player and the demon didn't have the same mojo in that situation (&that guitar) that a JB or 59 seem to have.
The O.P. I would think is doing more High Gain X Clean were the Demon should excel, definitely one to consider.
Great coil split sound on the hex side.
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Gone_Shootin
New member
Re: Epiphone Thunderhorse pickup suggestions.
That set came in my Explorer. There's a reason I pulled them out and will never put them back in, unless I decide to sell the guitar.
That set came in my Explorer. There's a reason I pulled them out and will never put them back in, unless I decide to sell the guitar.
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