Getting new pick ups for my V, help please!

[Neeradj]

While my V (mahogany body+neck, ebony fingerboard) sounded awesome when I had the pick ups changed last year, they don't match up to my KE2, especially played through my Powerball :smack:

The Bill Lawrence L500XL sounded awesome a while ago, but right now it sounds less full in my Gibson than the pick ups in my KE2, so I'm probably putting this one up for trade or sale. I'll also replace the Demon in the neck as it's only good for one thing (fat lead sounds with huge attack), and sounds muddy when playing rhythm pieces. I heard the Demon in the bridge of a mahogany guitar also isn't that much of a recommender so I guess I'm just going to put this one back in the case.

I want to use this axe for lower tunings down to B but usually D, it's just awesome for rhythm stuff. I generally play Progressive Rock, Classic Rock (Van Halen-ish) and a tiny bit of Metal. I'm also mainly a lead player and great clean ups and transparent harmonics are a must.

Now my own thoughts were either putting the Dirty Finger bridge back in (but I don't know if it'll handle the "modern" stuff I play) and getting a Full Shred neck. But the Custom or Distortion also appeal to me. Now for the bigger question, what are your thoughts? :dance:

 

[jimlp]

Re: Getting new pick ups for my V, help please!

While my V (mahogany body+neck, ebony fingerboard) sounded awesome when I had the pick ups changed last year, they don't match up to my KE2, especially played through my Powerball :smack:

The Bill Lawrence L500XL sounded awesome a while ago, but right now it sounds less full in my Gibson than the pick ups in my KE2, so I'm probably putting this one up for trade or sale. I'll also replace the Demon in the neck as it's only good for one thing (fat lead sounds with huge attack), and sounds muddy when playing rhythm pieces. I heard the Demon in the bridge of a mahogany guitar also isn't that much of a recommender so I guess I'm just going to put this one back in the case.

I want to use this axe for lower tunings down to B but usually D, it's just awesome for rhythm stuff. I generally play Progressive Rock, Classic Rock (Van Halen-ish) and a tiny bit of Metal. I'm also mainly a lead player and great clean ups and transparent harmonics are a must.

Now my own thoughts were either putting the Dirty Finger bridge back in (but I don't know if it'll handle the "modern" stuff I play) and getting a Full Shred neck. But the Custom or Distortion also appeal to me. Now for the bigger question, what are your thoughts? :dance:

I like a Pearly Gates neck in a mahogany guitar as it is a little brighter than the '59 but not as bright as the Jazz or AP-2 Pro. I would say get the Custom for the bridge, it sounds great for classic rock (Schenker) and I have heard it do some impressive high gain sounds in clips on this board. I was originally going to suggest a CC bridge as it cleans up really well but you probably want a tighter low end than it would give you. I also like Dimarzio Super Distortions on a V as well, it would do the classic rock/progressive rock thing very well but I do not know if it would cut the heavier stuff. Plus it doesn't clean up that well.

 

[Neeradj]

Re: Getting new pick ups for my V, help please!

Thanks, that was great help! I was considering the Super Distortion, maybe I'll pair it up with an Air Norton, who knows

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: Getting new pick ups for my V, help please!

I got Demons in both of my SG's but the Gothic with an ebony fretboard is rather disappointing. It sounds thinner than my rosewood fretted SG.
I'm gonna go with a Custom to see if it thickens and matches the other SG better.