Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

I honestly think AHB-1 Blackouts are pretty versatile. You'll have to spend some time tweaking the volume, gain, and EQ to suit them well, but they're completely versatile once you do. Everyone I know is always surprised by the tones I manage to achieve with them, both clean and distorted.
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

As already mentioned on this thread, I highly recommend the Black Winter pickups. While they have no problem giving you a brutal, heavy tone perfect for metal, they also have proven to be very versatile for other styles as well. I just got done recording our new disc using the BW pickups for the first time in the studio and they worked beautifully. We go through a lot of different kinds of moods and colors from really heavy death/black metal style at times to clean alternative type rock tones and so forth, and I was able to use my BW's for all of it without a problem. Played through three different amps (Framus Cobra, Peavey 6505+, and an Orange Tiny Terror on the 15 watt setting), I was able to get some very diverse tones and they responded well when I'd roll off the guitar's volume knob to get some cool in-between slightly gritty sounds happening as well. I'd definitely consider checking them out.
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

I like my new D Activator X pickups in my Ibanez RG. It can do the metal from 80s to brootal, but also on a clean amp it sounds Fendery for the blues. Turn down the tone and it goes all smooth jazz. Split it, it sounds like Kiss by Prince or the number 2/4 positions in a Strat especially with the PGn together sounds like Dire Straits, or bloomy jangly like some alt band.
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

EMG HBs are not really about versatility, although the 85 or 89 are the best overall choice at the bridge for more range. The 81 only wants to kill. Listen, and understand. The 81 can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until your enemies are dead. :D

For actives, the EMG 60 rules the neck to me. EMG singles are bit more versatile, but that's another thread.

Kazillions of guitars aren't shipped out with the JB/'59 combo by accident (it works), although I think the Distortion/'59 combo is even better as long as you have coil tapping ability for better clean sounds. If you aren't going to have coil tapping, the JB/'59 is better for cleans.
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

I've never tried a Black Winter but I want to! That may be the best choice. I have however used the Custom in all its forms and the stock Custom would fit the bill nicely. It's one of those pick ups that probably doesn't do anything the best, but can do most things really well.
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

that thing is hell cool, i really thrash mine, with a 250k tone pot and .047 cap can turn a ton of metal distortion onto a fuzz, cleans, i basically don't use them but they sounds like if other guy play my guitar can dial up a great clean tone
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

so i found a good deal on some gus g fire blackouts. whats the main difference with those compared to regular blackouts? is it just ones active and ones passive?
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

Rockstar216 said:
Honestly I think versatility comes more from what amp you have but thats just me, as for you wanting a versatile pup for metal it sounds like Metal is the top priority. So with that being known i'd suggest something hot in the bridge and something low output in the neck and also have a coil split wired.

I'd suggest in the bridge either a Custom, Distortion, Black winter, or a PATB-1. In the neck i'd say either a 59, Alnico 2 pro, Jazz, or the PATBn-1.

Now my personal suggestion of what I would do is use a Bill Lawrence L-90 in the neck and a L-500 in the bridge.
Click to expand...


i found a L-500xl but i cant find a L-90 anywhere
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

gus g blackouts are actives but the preamp is mounted into a volume pot so the pickups had a more traditional contruction, so they actually inproved the passive like dynamics that blackouts were design to had

the L-90 can only be direct buyed form the wilde's retail page http://wildepickups.com/Wilde_Bill_s_Twin_Blades.html
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

EDX said:
gus g blackouts are actives but the preamp is mounted into a volume pot so the pickups had a more traditional contruction, so they actually inproved the passive like dynamics that blackouts were design to had

the L-90 can only be direct buyed form the wilde's retail page http://wildepickups.com/Wilde_Bill_s_Twin_Blades.html
Click to expand...

thanks. How come this ones dont say bill lawrence on them or usa? Also, ill admit im a noob. what does it mean when you go to buy a pickup and the choices are 2.0H, 2.8H, 4.0H etc...Is it like the sizes of strings? like how my guitar had 7's and i put 10's on it?
 
Re: Versatile "metal" pickup(s)?

I'm surprised no one mentioned the EMG 81X, all the benefits of active with a passive feel to them
 
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