Recommend me a Bareknuckle Pickup

[crankyrayhanky]

Bare Knuckle has outstanding customer assisstance; make sure to ask them for advice as well. I have a set of Aftermaths & a set of Miracle Mans. Probably not perfect for your needs, but I love them so much I'm sure the other recommendations (Rebel Yell, Nailbomb, etc) or solid for your needs

 

[JKae]

just send a mail to tim at bareknuckles since its he who make them so he´ll know best he allways answer fast and give good advice, i bought my nailbombs after a recomendation from him for my ibanez rga321 and it was exactly how i wanted it

just tell him what kind of tones your after, what amp and guitar with info on all wood etc

 

[JonVengeance]

Sounds good, JonVengeance. Definitely transparent. I can hear that signature VHT sound. But looking at it on Bareknuckle's site, it may be too high of an output for me. The VH4 likes lower output pickups, same thing with the Chupa. And I don't think it would work well in my LP. Maybe in something like an ESP Eclipse or Caparison.

I hear back from Bareknuckle and their recommendation was an Alnico Nailbomb. But after listening to all the clips on their site, I definitely interested in a Black Dog and Holy Diver as well. The Black Dog sounds pretty mean, yet still has good cleans. Might have to try all three.

Yeah, I think one of their lower output pickups might work well for you. I have an Alnico Nailbomb in my LP standard and that sounds great. Even though it's in their contemporary series, the Nailbomb is not a super high output pickup. I was also thinking about changing the Painkillers in my LP Custom that we recorded those clips with to BKP Riff Raffs to make the guitar more versatile, but the painkillers just sound so good.

Just to clarify those clips we in my full weight 1987 Les Paul Custom. So it should be a good point of reference for you even if you want to go with something else. It at least gives you an idea of the a similar guitar to yours with Painkillers.

 

[FourT6and2]

Stick with what you know and like...you'll just be chasing your tail otherwise. If you like the JB, try the vintage style one that they recently released...I've heard great things about it (smooths out the ratty high mid harshness supposedly).

I like the "ratty high mid harshness" of the JB. That's what it's known for. I'm not really chasing any specific tone. I'm happy with what I have right now. But I just feel like seeing what else is out there for shits and giggles.

just send a mail to tim at bareknuckles since its he who make them so he´ll know best he allways answer fast and give good advice, i bought my nailbombs after a recomendation from him for my ibanez rga321 and it was exactly how i wanted it

just tell him what kind of tones your after, what amp and guitar with info on all wood etc

I did already. Look at my last post... The recommended the Alnico Nailbomb. And I may grab one, as well as a Black Dog or Holy Diver.

Sounds good, JonVengeance. Definitely transparent. I can hear that signature VHT sound. But looking at it on Bareknuckle's site, it may be too high of an output for me. The VH4 likes lower output pickups, same thing with the Chupa. And I don't think it would work well in my LP. Maybe in something like an ESP Eclipse or Caparison.

I hear back from Bareknuckle and their recommendation was an Alnico Nailbomb. But after listening to all the clips on their site, I definitely interested in a Black Dog and Holy Diver as well. The Black Dog sounds pretty mean, yet still has good cleans. Might have to try all three.

Yeah, I think one of their lower output pickups might work well for you. I have an Alnico Nailbomb in my LP standard and that sounds great. Even though it's in their contemporary series, the Nailbomb is not a super high output pickup. I was also thinking about changing the Painkillers in my LP Custom that we recorded those clips with to BKP Riff Raffs to make the guitar more versatile, but the painkillers just sound so good.

Just to clarify those clips we in my full weight 1987 Les Paul Custom. So it should be a good point of reference for you even if you want to go with something else. It at least gives you an idea of the a similar guitar to yours with Painkillers.

Yep, I'll probably grab a Nailbomb and one of those others. Thanks!

On a side note, has anybody compared the Nailbomb and the MCP Afwayu? Because the Afwayu was too dark and smooth for my tastes. And I want to make sure not to get a similar pickup from Bareknuckle.

 

[Skrapmetal]

I've had good luck with my Miracle Man, but it's too hot for what you want I'm sure. I just got a Black Dog neck pup but I haven't installed it yet.

 

[spirit7]

Stick with what you know and like...you'll just be chasing your tail otherwise. If you like the JB, try the vintage style one that they recently released...I've heard great things about it (smooths out the ratty high mid harshness supposedly).

I like the "ratty high mid harshness" of the JB. That's what it's known for. I'm not really chasing any specific tone. I'm happy with what I have right now. But I just feel like seeing what else is out there for shits and giggles.

just send a mail to tim at bareknuckles since its he who make them so he´ll know best he allways answer fast and give good advice, i bought my nailbombs after a recomendation from him for my ibanez rga321 and it was exactly how i wanted it

just tell him what kind of tones your after, what amp and guitar with info on all wood etc

I did already. Look at my last post... The recommended the Alnico Nailbomb. And I may grab one, as well as a Black Dog or Holy Diver.

Sounds good, JonVengeance. Definitely transparent. I can hear that signature VHT sound. But looking at it on Bareknuckle's site, it may be too high of an output for me. The VH4 likes lower output pickups, same thing with the Chupa. And I don't think it would work well in my LP. Maybe in something like an ESP Eclipse or Caparison.

I hear back from Bareknuckle and their recommendation was an Alnico Nailbomb. But after listening to all the clips on their site, I definitely interested in a Black Dog and Holy Diver as well. The Black Dog sounds pretty mean, yet still has good cleans. Might have to try all three.

Yeah, I think one of their lower output pickups might work well for you. I have an Alnico Nailbomb in my LP standard and that sounds great. Even though it's in their contemporary series, the Nailbomb is not a super high output pickup. I was also thinking about changing the Painkillers in my LP Custom that we recorded those clips with to BKP Riff Raffs to make the guitar more versatile, but the painkillers just sound so good.

Just to clarify those clips we in my full weight 1987 Les Paul Custom. So it should be a good point of reference for you even if you want to go with something else. It at least gives you an idea of the a similar guitar to yours with Painkillers.

Yep, I'll probably grab a Nailbomb and one of those others. Thanks!

On a side note, has anybody compared the Nailbomb and the MCP Afwayu? Because the Afwayu was too dark and smooth for my tastes. And I want to make sure not to get a similar pickup from Bareknuckle.

Let's compare notes when you get your Nailbomb. I'm currently having my LP Custom fitted with an Alnico Nailbomb bridge and Black Dog neck - will be interesting to hear your thoughts!

-C

 

[FourT6and2]

Stick with what you know and like...you'll just be chasing your tail otherwise. If you like the JB, try the vintage style one that they recently released...I've heard great things about it (smooths out the ratty high mid harshness supposedly).

I like the "ratty high mid harshness" of the JB. That's what it's known for. I'm not really chasing any specific tone. I'm happy with what I have right now. But I just feel like seeing what else is out there for shits and giggles.

just send a mail to tim at bareknuckles since its he who make them so he´ll know best he allways answer fast and give good advice, i bought my nailbombs after a recomendation from him for my ibanez rga321 and it was exactly how i wanted it

just tell him what kind of tones your after, what amp and guitar with info on all wood etc

I did already. Look at my last post... The recommended the Alnico Nailbomb. And I may grab one, as well as a Black Dog or Holy Diver.

Sounds good, JonVengeance. Definitely transparent. I can hear that signature VHT sound. But looking at it on Bareknuckle's site, it may be too high of an output for me. The VH4 likes lower output pickups, same thing with the Chupa. And I don't think it would work well in my LP. Maybe in something like an ESP Eclipse or Caparison.

I hear back from Bareknuckle and their recommendation was an Alnico Nailbomb. But after listening to all the clips on their site, I definitely interested in a Black Dog and Holy Diver as well. The Black Dog sounds pretty mean, yet still has good cleans. Might have to try all three.

Yeah, I think one of their lower output pickups might work well for you. I have an Alnico Nailbomb in my LP standard and that sounds great. Even though it's in their contemporary series, the Nailbomb is not a super high output pickup. I was also thinking about changing the Painkillers in my LP Custom that we recorded those clips with to BKP Riff Raffs to make the guitar more versatile, but the painkillers just sound so good.

Just to clarify those clips we in my full weight 1987 Les Paul Custom. So it should be a good point of reference for you even if you want to go with something else. It at least gives you an idea of the a similar guitar to yours with Painkillers.

Yep, I'll probably grab a Nailbomb and one of those others. Thanks!

On a side note, has anybody compared the Nailbomb and the MCP Afwayu? Because the Afwayu was too dark and smooth for my tastes. And I want to make sure not to get a similar pickup from Bareknuckle.

Let's compare notes when you get your Nailbomb. I'm currently having my LP Custom fitted with an Alnico Nailbomb bridge and Black Dog neck - will be interesting to hear your thoughts!

-C

Absolutely. I'm gonna grab the Nailbomb, Holy Diver, and Black Dog and try all three.

 

[killertone]

Had a Nailbomb A5 in my LPC for a year. Very bright pickup and a bit harsh. At least it was for me. Maybe with a VH4 it will work though.

Still going with the Black Dog for what you listed in the op, though. Fits all the criteria perfectly.

 

[Ventura]

Looking to try a new pickup in my LP Custom. It's a '79 with Mahogany body and Maple neck. It's a solid, one-piece body. No weight-relief or chambering. I currently have a Duncan JB and I like it. But I'm willing to experiment. I've tried a MCP Afwayu, but it was too dark and muddy (granted it was an overwound version). I play mostly 90's hard rock and metal as well as lower-gain stuff. But things like Tool, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse, Deftones, Karnivool and etc.

Bareknuckle has some interesting models to choose from. And I need something that's not overly bass-heavy, yet not overly bright. I like a lot of midrange grind — something aggressive. But something that's also really sweet and pleasant sounding when playing clean. As well as a LOT of harmonic content and character, while being clear. I'm assuming a high-output pickup is not the way to go. I don't need to slam the front end of my amps as they are high-gain monsters. I play mostly in Drop D, no detuned stuff.

To date, the best pickup I ever tried was a Lindy Fralin, custom-made in a Gadow guitar a number of years ago. It was a one-off pickup. So no clue what its specs were.

Best clips of a pickup I've ever heard were a ThroBak. But I'm not ready to fork out $500 on a pickup...

So, any recommendations with regard to Bareknuckle? Basically I need a pickup that's MEAN with high-gain, but SWEET with cleans (and cleans up when rolled down on the volume knob).

The closest I can recommend would probably be the Emerald. It's semi-high output, very angry sounding....but with an Alnico V magnet that can clean up nicely when the volume is rolled back. Again, pickups will sound very different in individual guitars....and your amp obviously has a ton to do with it.

Wow, I read the OPs post and right-off-the-bat was thinking "Emeralds", then I scroll down and BOOM, there it is.

Ya, I've got Emeralds in my 3 pup '57 Black Beauty and they're incredible sounding pups with a LOT of character. Not as mid-rich as the BlackDogs, but for the music I'm playing on my triple pup (much the same as what you play), the Emeralds have added a new element to my tone, and a very very good one at that.

Mo

 

[FourT6and2]

Had a Nailbomb A5 in my LPC for a year. Very bright pickup and a bit harsh. At least it was for me. Maybe with a VH4 it will work though.

Still going with the Black Dog for what you listed in the op, though. Fits all the criteria perfectly.

Yeah, after listening to lots of clips the Black Dog and Holy Diver seem like what I want. But the guys at Bare Knuckle recommended the Nailbomb. I'll give 'em a try and sell the ones I don't like.

One thing I should consider, though. Should I get the short-leg versions (instead of long-leg) so I can try 'em in my PRS as well? I know Gibson pickups are the long-leg variety. But will there be any issue with using the shorter version in an LP?

 

[FourT6and2]

Looking to try a new pickup in my LP Custom. It's a '79 with Mahogany body and Maple neck. It's a solid, one-piece body. No weight-relief or chambering. I currently have a Duncan JB and I like it. But I'm willing to experiment. I've tried a MCP Afwayu, but it was too dark and muddy (granted it was an overwound version). I play mostly 90's hard rock and metal as well as lower-gain stuff. But things like Tool, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse, Deftones, Karnivool and etc.

Bareknuckle has some interesting models to choose from. And I need something that's not overly bass-heavy, yet not overly bright. I like a lot of midrange grind — something aggressive. But something that's also really sweet and pleasant sounding when playing clean. As well as a LOT of harmonic content and character, while being clear. I'm assuming a high-output pickup is not the way to go. I don't need to slam the front end of my amps as they are high-gain monsters. I play mostly in Drop D, no detuned stuff.

To date, the best pickup I ever tried was a Lindy Fralin, custom-made in a Gadow guitar a number of years ago. It was a one-off pickup. So no clue what its specs were.

Best clips of a pickup I've ever heard were a ThroBak. But I'm not ready to fork out $500 on a pickup...

So, any recommendations with regard to Bareknuckle? Basically I need a pickup that's MEAN with high-gain, but SWEET with cleans (and cleans up when rolled down on the volume knob).

The closest I can recommend would probably be the Emerald. It's semi-high output, very angry sounding....but with an Alnico V magnet that can clean up nicely when the volume is rolled back. Again, pickups will sound very different in individual guitars....and your amp obviously has a ton to do with it.

Wow, I read the OPs post and right-off-the-bat was thinking "Emeralds", then I scroll down and BOOM, there it is.

Ya, I've got Emeralds in my 3 pup '57 Black Beauty and they're incredible sounding pups with a LOT of character. Not as mid-rich as the BlackDogs, but for the music I'm playing on my triple pup (much the same as what you play), the Emeralds have added a new element to my tone, and a very very good one at that.

Mo

I listened to a bunch of clips of the Emeralds and I didn't like 'em.

 

[FourT6and2]

For reference, this sounds amazing to me. But the guitar is VASTLY different from a 10-pound LP. And the amp/speakers may have something to do with it.

 

[M.Axel]

Both the Holy Diver and Rebel Yell have a JB vibe.
Holy diver is fuller and have a thicker midrange...its still clear but better suited to bolt-on/bright guitars.Some think it sounds too polished and dark in a lespaul...some like it.If you go for a Tool tone its this pickup.
The Rebel Yell is clearer and more dynamic than a Jb. Lot of cuting high mids but controled treble.Lead sounds almost single coilesque. Its like a marshall in a pickup.

 

[FourT6and2]

Both the Holy Diver and Rebel Yell have a JB vibe.
Holy diver is fuller and have a thicker midrange...its still clear but better suited to bolt-on/bright guitars.Some think it sounds too polished and dark in a lespaul...some like it.If you go for a Tool tone its this pickup.
The Rebel Yell is clearer and more dynamic than a Jb. Lot of cuting high mids but controled treble.Lead sounds almost single coilesque. Its like a marshall in a pickup.

From that description, I'd like the Rebel Yell more. And those clips I posted are with the Holy Diver in a Parker, which is MUCH lighter and less dense than a LP. So that makese sense. But they don't have any heavier/metal clips on their website of the Rebel Yell, so it's hard to compare that way.

 

[chumbucket]

Yeah, from your description of the music you play, I would say Nailbomb A5.

 

[Ventura]

Looking to try a new pickup in my LP Custom. It's a '79 with Mahogany body and Maple neck. It's a solid, one-piece body. No weight-relief or chambering. I currently have a Duncan JB and I like it. But I'm willing to experiment. I've tried a MCP Afwayu, but it was too dark and muddy (granted it was an overwound version). I play mostly 90's hard rock and metal as well as lower-gain stuff. But things like Tool, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Muse, Deftones, Karnivool and etc.

Bareknuckle has some interesting models to choose from. And I need something that's not overly bass-heavy, yet not overly bright. I like a lot of midrange grind — something aggressive. But something that's also really sweet and pleasant sounding when playing clean. As well as a LOT of harmonic content and character, while being clear. I'm assuming a high-output pickup is not the way to go. I don't need to slam the front end of my amps as they are high-gain monsters. I play mostly in Drop D, no detuned stuff.

To date, the best pickup I ever tried was a Lindy Fralin, custom-made in a Gadow guitar a number of years ago. It was a one-off pickup. So no clue what its specs were.

Best clips of a pickup I've ever heard were a ThroBak. But I'm not ready to fork out $500 on a pickup...

So, any recommendations with regard to Bareknuckle? Basically I need a pickup that's MEAN with high-gain, but SWEET with cleans (and cleans up when rolled down on the volume knob).

The closest I can recommend would probably be the Emerald. It's semi-high output, very angry sounding....but with an Alnico V magnet that can clean up nicely when the volume is rolled back. Again, pickups will sound very different in individual guitars....and your amp obviously has a ton to do with it.

Wow, I read the OPs post and right-off-the-bat was thinking "Emeralds", then I scroll down and BOOM, there it is.

Ya, I've got Emeralds in my 3 pup '57 Black Beauty and they're incredible sounding pups with a LOT of character. Not as mid-rich as the BlackDogs, but for the music I'm playing on my triple pup (much the same as what you play), the Emeralds have added a new element to my tone, and a very very good one at that.

Mo

I listened to a bunch of clips of the Emeralds and I didn't like 'em.

Ya, I wasn't convinced of them from clips alone - Tim said "try 'em, and if you don't like 'em, fine...send 'em back". Well, they're not going ANYWHERE!! They are outrageously amazing. But hey, YMMV

 

[luxxtone]

Get short leg for sure....that way you can use them in any guitar, including your Les Paul.

Also, it's nearly impossible to judge a pickup based on a clip, way too many variables. With the exception of something like James Lugo's pickup shootout....where it's the same guitar through the same amp with the same settings, same mike, etc.

 

[FourT6and2]

Get short leg for sure....that way you can use them in any guitar, including your Les Paul.

Also, it's nearly impossible to judge a pickup based on a clip, way too many variables. With the exception of something like James Lugo's pickup shootout....where it's the same guitar through the same amp with the same settings, same mike, etc.

Well, I think all the clips on Bare Knuckle's website were recorded with consistent variables, except the pickup, no? They don't say, though. But they all sound like the same song, same amp, speakers, etc. So at the very least one can get an idea how they all compare to each other.

 

[ras1988]

Hmmmm, may pick up a few pickups, then: Emerald, Abraxas, Nailbomb and Rebel Yell or Holy Diver. However, from the description on their website, the Nailbomb sounds like it will be too dark. The Holy Diver seems like it's a Rebel Yell, with less treble (which I may like). And the Black Dog is an overwound version of those two.

The Nailbomb isn't a dark pickup by any means it just sounds huge (the "eq" chart on the website isn't the greatest indication of the actual sound) because of the bass frequency representation and mid spread. It has a great midrange response when overdriven and absolutely sweet when clean. It has a really wide even frequency response and is probably the most versatile and well rounded high output pickup they make. Works well with picking dynamics and vol/tone control manipulation.

The RY is like the NB with respect to base tone and response it just has a slightly backed off bass response so it isn't as huge and it has a "snarl" to it (more tone buzz words ) because of the upper mid emphasis. It isn't as hot as the NB but has plenty of drive and output and is really sweet clean and coil split.

For the grungier stuff/Muse/Tool influence and sound you are looking for I would go for the NB. I know before going the P90 route Matt Bellamy was using the NB in the bridge position.

For reference I had these pickups in identical PRS CU24s going into either a Diezel Herbert or an Axe-Fx II

 

[FourT6and2]

Hmmmm, may pick up a few pickups, then: Emerald, Abraxas, Nailbomb and Rebel Yell or Holy Diver. However, from the description on their website, the Nailbomb sounds like it will be too dark. The Holy Diver seems like it's a Rebel Yell, with less treble (which I may like). And the Black Dog is an overwound version of those two.

The Nailbomb isn't a dark pickup by any means it just sounds huge (the "eq" chart on the website isn't the greatest indication of the actual sound) because of the bass frequency representation and mid spread. It has a great midrange response when overdriven and absolutely sweet when clean. It has a really wide even frequency response and is probably the most versatile and well rounded high output pickup they make. Works well with picking dynamics and vol/tone control manipulation.

The RY is like the NB with respect to base tone and response it just has a slightly backed off bass response so it isn't as huge and it has a "snarl" to it (more tone buzz words ) because of the upper mid emphasis. It isn't as hot as the NB but has plenty of drive and output and is really sweet clean and coil split.

For the grungier stuff/Muse/Tool influence and sound you are looking for I would go for the NB. I know before going the P90 route Matt Bellamy was using the NB in the bridge position.

For reference I had these pickups in identical PRS CU24s going into either a Diezel Herbert or an Axe-Fx II

Great info, thanks.

I would really like to have that "snarl" in the mids/upper-mids and less bass response that I hear in the Rebel Yell, Holy Diver and Black Dog. The "Marshall of pickups" is pretty much what I want. But I also need a touch of that modern metal and hard rock saturation that people have said the Nailbomb has.

While I play a lot of grungier stuff, the sound I want is not typical of "grunge." I don't like that 90's dark, muddy grunge sound. I like clear, articulate, mid-heavy and tight bass response, but not overbearing in the lows. And not harsh in the highs.

I'm very particular. But I'll see what happens. I'll probably grab a Nailbomb, Holy Diver and either a Rebel Yell or Black Dog.