THE best metal pup/pup config.

[paulbag]

i'll be doing some pup swaps in an axe or two, and since there are so many pups out there and i haven't heard/played them all i ask you, the forum, this. hands down, what is THE best overall metal pup/pup configuration? i've already gotten some good advice from a couple of you, but i would like to hear everyones thoughts and opinions before i start shelling out the dough. the first victim will most likely be my wrmg, so i've also got the afterburner in it...? [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[dinkyjacksonman]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

I like
JB/59.
For something more metal,
Distortion in the bridge and 59 or Jazz in the neck position.

[RR05xx]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

81/85 is what I use generally (or 81/81 or 81/60 is cool too).

[Learn Guitars]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

I've always been a fan of letting the amp do some of the work, so I prefer Duncan 59 or Jeff Beck, with a coil tap in the bridge and a hot single coil in the neck position. I dig the
Phil Colin Archtop configuration.
Mike

[ripley156]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

This is largely based on personal preference for sure...Pick-ups change the sound of a guitar, but maybe not as much as we would hope...Different for sure, but not radical...Kind-of like the way Compression or a Chorus on really low settings changes your sound...Different, but not earth-changing.
Anyways, I have used the Invader, Super Distortion, Dimarzio PAF, EMG 81 and the JB..
I usually have a '59 in neck position..

I have a SD Custom coming soon from the factory. From what I have read on this board, it is a favorite..

So far, for metal I also like the EMG 81..Not as "warm", but high-gain out the wazhoo!

Dan

[sworn_enemy]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

I have 81/85 in my KV and Jb/Jazz in my RR and they both sound great. The Distortion and the Invader are also great bridge pickups for metal.

[Gurj]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

I like the Bill Lawrence L500XL, but if you're not a disliker of the DiMarzios, the Evolution is a damn hot pick up.

[Jacksonite]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

The Demon sounds great in a Mohogany guitar, but I have been told that it doesnt sound as good in alder or poplar, Inazone said "Screaming my ass"
I have a PC1 with the Super 3 in the bridge and it is great, but I think the JB and the Duncan Distortion have the best metal sound. I also have to say, I have no experience with EMG's.. So I dont know if a 81 would sound better, I know the HZ sounded pretty weak..

[toejam]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

The Screamin' Demon is more like the "Purring Kitten". It's not high output... made to be used in a very high gain amp. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

My choice of best metal pups:
DiMarzio X2N or Super Distortion with a Super 2 in the neck.
EMG 85 bridge with either an 81 or 60 in the neck. [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

[jtr]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

Emg 89 for active ( it has a 85 &a SA in one cover) and X2N over the top drive. I wouldn't use a X2N with a combo or open back cabinet speaker movment is extreme.

[srommes]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

In a H/S/S config, I like a JB in the bridge, Classic Stack or Duckbucker in the middle and a Hot Rails in the neck. This way, you have a great, well-rounder bridge pick-up for any style, in the middle, you have your nice clean or quack strat tone and in the neck, you have a higher output oick-up for runs etc. This config has always worked for me. The only problem is the middle pick-up is not as hot as the others, so you might have to boost your clean channel to compensate for volume differences. In a H/H config, I like a JB, Distortion, Tones Zone etc. in the bridge and 59', Jazz or PAF Pro in the neck.

[xenophobe]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

85 in the bridge, and who gives a flying F in any other position. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[quiksilver]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

DiMarzio Evolution (singing, lotsa gain, very touch responsive)
EMG 81 or 85 (81 is more biting, 85 is more crushing)
Seymour Duncan Custom Custom (early VH tone)

[MBreinin]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

I dig my Tone Zone. I also like PAF Pros as well as JB or '59s. Neck, I like a mellow S/C or a mellow stacker like a little JB or little '59.

Mike

[Learn Guitars]

Re: THE best metal pup/pup config.

[ QUOTE ]
I like the Bill Lawrence L500XL, but if you're not a disliker of the DiMarzios, the Evolution is a damn hot pick up.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes,
you are correct. They do totally rock. I forgot how much I dug them.

Mike