It seems like everyone thinks the EMG 81/85 records incredibly well, but is there a standard "go to" passive pickup for modern heavy metal? I would imagine something offered by DiMarzio or Duncan, rather than BKP or anything like that would be more standard.
Is there a preferred passive recording pickup?
- Thread starter electricred
- Start date
opinions on this are all over the place...but a lot of guys on here seem to love the SD alt8 lately
I've been using Duncan JB's for many years. I've dabbled with other pickups but seem to mostly come back to the JB. (Mahogany and Alder super strats.)
Duncan JB or BKP Nailbomb/Painkiller for me.
Really don't dig the sound of EMGs, unless it's on metalcore type music. I don't dig their sound for technical stuff.
Really don't dig the sound of EMGs, unless it's on metalcore type music. I don't dig their sound for technical stuff.
raisedfist
Member
JB all the way. Just did some demos with EMG and for live I prefer them but still hooked on the JB for recording
Firaxis
Member
I'm gunna say duncan sh-6. Check this video :-
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZYDYiOIuC8&feature=player_embedded[/ame]
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZYDYiOIuC8&feature=player_embedded[/ame]
Ermz
¯\(°_o)/¯
Silly related question: do pickup covers make a difference in sound? I have nickel(?) covered distortion/59 pickups that came stock on my Schecter, and wondered if there would be a difference if I got the uncovered ones that everyone else seems to have...
JeffTD
Senhor Testiculo
Firaxis
Member
It's said that pickup covers darken the tone a bit, easiest way to find out is to try taking them off yourself.
Back on topic, I've also played and liked the Dimarzio steve's special but I'm not into super tight modern tones and that pickup is pretty scooped too.
EffigyForgotten
New Metal Member
Id say the distortion was getting like 90% of the votes on olas and keiths pickup comparison videos. To me the pickups that sound good for recording wont be the ones I would use when practicing or playing gigs. (for instance michael romeo from symphony x used emgs for recording but used the dimarzio x2n/tone zone combo live)
I have a les paul with a distortion in it and I would say that even though in their videos it sounds tight as hell my bkp holy diver in my prs custom 24 which is suppose to be one of their loosest high output pickups they make sounds way tighter than the distortion while having the best lead tone i've heard and the neck pickups cleans are epic.
I have a les paul with a distortion in it and I would say that even though in their videos it sounds tight as hell my bkp holy diver in my prs custom 24 which is suppose to be one of their loosest high output pickups they make sounds way tighter than the distortion while having the best lead tone i've heard and the neck pickups cleans are epic.
Well it depends on the type of wood in your guitar too. I've never heard a sound from BKP that I didn't like. A lot of guys with tones that I dig use D-Activators, but those are mainly in extended range instruments where there's fewer options. Lundgrens also have a good reputation, never used them but I've heard good recordings of them. DiMarzio Evolutions are topshelf, expensive but totally legit.
nervirasme
Dismember
I'm going to check out the SH-6 since it seems to be Ola's preferred pickup, and sounds great in Keith's and other videos I've seen.
I used to use JB's but switched them out for Lundgrens because I liked the more focus direct tone and also loved how little noise came out of them as they're waxed. They just sounded less fizzy and sharper. But honestly I kinda miss the JB's a little know because they added character. The Lundgrens kinda feel like EMG's in that they lack personality.
