I need some pickup help!

[rcker5150]

Looking to replace the humbucker in my 1988 Kramer Focus 3000 (Strat Style H-S-S) guitar. I need something that has some bite but smooth and chunky, I also use quite a bit of pinched harmonics and natural harmonics. I also play in the style of Early EVH (Albums 1 and II) (well I try). The guitar has an Original Floyd Rose and is setup as low to the fretboard as possible (raised just enough not to buzz).

My rig setup consists of:
1. Toneworks Mosvalve 80W per channel power amp.
2. ART SGX 2000 Express processor (I only use the crunch, compression, EQ and volume.
3. Alesis Midi-verb (I use the Reverb, Delay and Chorus).
4. Peavey 6505 4/12 split in stereo w/ Celestion 75's.
I plan on getting another Peavey 6505 4/12 and rewiring the first one back to mono so I can use both 4/12 cabinets (right and left).

I also have a 1986 Kramer Focus 6000 (Jackson Style H-S-S) Looking to replace the Bridge pickup also. Currently it has a Dimebucker (I hate it) and 2 stock single coils, this one I really needs Chunk.

Then I have a Custom made Ernie Ball EVH (H-H) style guitar with original Floyd Rose, looking for the "For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge" sound.

Any ideas?

Email me or post it, I just need some good advice, quickly............

 

[Travis]

Re: I need some pickup help!

Sounds like the Custom/Custom is what you desire. It's got early VH written all over it. The A2 magnet will be smoother while still retaining that chunk you're looking for.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: I need some pickup help!

For your 3000, definately the Custom Custom, unless you want to go with a custom shop pickup. The CC will fit almost exactly with what you described, and hits the VH I and II sounds very very well. You could also do a search on the forum for a "Hybrid" pickup, I believe it's a Custom/59' hybrid...BatchtoRock is the member who got this started. He swears this is THE pickup that nails the early VH sound, and many, many agree. It's not a pickup that is made by Duncan, rather a combination of two different pickups. I believe he may make some upon request, or I see them for sale from time to time here.

For your 6000, if you really need "Chunk" either the Distortion, or my preference the Custom. The Custom will have tight and focused lows, nice mids and cutting highs, without being icepicky. The Distortion will be more compressed and grainey...not in a bad way, just different. For the style you mention, the Custom is just better, IMO.

As for the Ernie Ball and the Unlaful Carnal Knowledge sound...I'm not quite as famalier with that...although I know his amp was a Soldano, and the sound is tight and bright. I'll leave this one up to those who know better.

 

[MartinSixStringCustoms]

Re: I need some pickup help!

+2 for the Custom Custom

 

[rcker5150]

Re: I need some pickup help!

I appreciate all the input from you all. If the person with that Hybrid pickup is out there, please respond, I would love to hear your opinion also.

Thanks all.

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: I need some pickup help!

I appreciate all the input from you all. If the person with that Hybrid pickup is out there, please respond, I would love to hear your opinion also.

Thanks all.

Send him a private message...BachToRock. He made me a 59/Custom Hybrid with an A5 mag and it does nail the old VH tone.