Need a bridge pickup for my explorer

[man-in-moon]

I am converting my explorer to bridge pickup only. I never use the neck pickup anyway. So what I am looking for is a pickup that will cover a lot of ground. It doesn’t have to be 100% perfect for any certain sound. I will use it for dirty blues think ZZ Top and heavier stuff like A.I.C. And C.O.C. Some cleans every once in awhile. But I don’t care for crystal clear. I’m not a shredder or fast player I tend to prefer a slower grinding sound.

 

[EmiAba]

Re: Need a bridge pickup for my explorer

If I were you I shall put a JB with a A2 in it

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Need a bridge pickup for my explorer

'59/C Hybrid. For the three knobs: volume, tone, splin-a-split to the Custom coil.

 

[Securb]

Re: Need a bridge pickup for my explorer

WLH will get the job done.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Need a bridge pickup for my explorer

I've had a Custom in the bridge of my Explorer since 2002. It might be a little much for ZZ Top depending on the signal chain, but it's great for AIC.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need a bridge pickup for my explorer

I would think any medium-to-high output A5 or ceramic pickup would do it for you. Maybe with a split or series/parallel switch.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Need a bridge pickup for my explorer

I have a BKP Rebel Yell at the bridge in one of my Explorers and it's great there, with a bit of extra presence that balances the Explorer's natural fullness perfectly. Dynamic, touch-responsive, bouncy but not soupy, drives an amp well and cleans up very nicely at gain if you don't need dead cleans. Can cop vintage type tones but at heart it's a modern animal.

For something with one foot in vintage territory I concur with the recommendation for the Hybrid, one of my favorites especially in mahogany. Quite versatile. Less aggressive than the Rebel Yell, slightly looser in overall character. Still has good attack when you dig in, retains excellent definition across chords and sings well with drive for lead lines.