Pickup Suggestions

[Metalman_666]

The other guitarist in my band asked me what sort of bridge pickup he should get for lots of harmonics ("a lush wave of them that are just waiting to ooze out") and crunchy palm mutes. The music is mostly heavy metal, in the vein of Arch Enemy and In Flames, and Metallica, Lamb of God... yeah. The guitar is probably a Gibson SG Standard, or a Jackson SL2 (Alder body, ebony board) He's already tried the Duncan JB and the EMG 81 and 85.

My first thought was the Pearly Gates, just because I've heard it has plenty of harmonics, but I gather it isn't too crunchy in the bridge. Then I thought maybe even the DiMarzio Evo? Am I way off?

 

[Travis]

Re: Pickup Suggestions

Umm, Distortion. It's got some of the best harmonics and crunch I've heard in a pickup. If you want something a little less aggressive, look into a Custom. Both pickups will to metal very well. But the Distortion is the way to go for heavier music like you describe.

 

[marshallartist]

Re: Pickup Suggestions

I have to agree with Travis on the distortion. It's hard to find better harmonics and crunch in one package.

Have you considered the Dimarzio Breed? It's not as hot as the distortion or Evolution but it can pull of some pretty impressive harmonics and has great warmth and sustain. I have a bridge model in my Ibanez S and I love it. I also have the neck model installed in the bridge of my Les Paul and it makes a good all-around rock/blues/jazz/country pickup when something a little hotter than the PAF is needed. It sounds a lot better there than it did in the neck of my Ibanez.

 

[ibanezrocks]

Re: Pickup Suggestions

I wouldn't suggest the Evolution for chunky palm mutes, although its good for them theres definitely better options IMO. Although you want a tight sounding pickup for good palm mutes, I feel the Evo is just a little too tight for metal rhythm stuff. Its great for lead, and does have tons of harmonics though but can really make you sound sloppy if you mess up at all (I'm still working on controlling my technique with it).