FS: Bare Knuckle Pickups (Painkiller, Nailbomb, Warpig, etc)

[Azathoth43]

I am very interested in a BKP. I play an Ibanez RG1077xl. I'm kinda going for a "djent" kind of sound. I have an Evo7 in the bridge now (and I like), but I hear the painkiller is the way to go.

What do you think?

[MAJ Meadows SF]

My 2 cents is that the Painkiller is going to be a little bright in a basswood guitar. I tried it myself in a JEM, and it had an aggressive snarling tone, but a really bright high end. I could stand it fine, but I wanted more of a thicker growl, so I went with a C-Bomb which is now one of my favorite BKPs. Painkiller in the neck is awesome. But this is a 6 with that combo. Not really a djent tone because of the slightly scooped mids. I liked the dark tone of the EVO but needed more growl and clarity, and I got it now.

I'd say Aftermath for this guitar, or a Miracle Man, which I also liked in basswood because of its low mids and low end (massive in the right guitar). Misha uses Aftermaths in his basswood 7s and 8s.

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by MAJ Meadows SF

@ Zimbloth: Thanks for the advice and explanation. A lot of folks have been pointing me to the Black Dog. I love all the clips of it I have heard, but just worried it wouldn't have the output I'm looking for. Of course I'll be pushing it hard as hell through any rig I use, all high gain, so I would expect it to handle it as you say. The mid range growl it has and heft of single notes is the most important, as well as a strong but tight bass response. I'm digging your feedback for sure. I've been cautioned the Rebel Yell may be a bit bright for this guitar. I've been told good things about the Crawler 7 from guys that have it; I've just never heard it riffing or soloing.

I have some time to test these out, but I'm going to weigh it between the Black Dog and Holy Diver, leaning heavily towards the Black Dog because of it's qualities. Same with your neck advice, either Black Dog or VHII.

Thanks again! I'll be in touch eventually!

No problem man!

Originally Posted by Azathoth43

I am very interested in a BKP. I play an Ibanez RG1077xl. I'm kinda going for a "djent" kind of sound. I have an Evo7 in the bridge now (and I like), but I hear the painkiller is the way to go.

What do you think?

The Painkiller is similar to the Evo. It has a big upper mid focus, bright, tight, clear. He's right though, its not exactly a warm pickup. If you want something with a little more balls you could go with the Nailbomb, Holydiver, or Warpig.

[metaljohn]

Looking for suggestions on pickups, as I'm trying to ditch these Emg's. I have an ESP ltd viper 400 all mahogany/rosewood fretboard. I'm playing through a Krank Rev+. My main band's tone is Entombed/Dismember/Rotten Sound style buzzsaw tone from our Boss HM-2s(just a bit more refined sounding, and more bass heavy). The other band is a modern hardcore/metal band with pretty average high gain tone.

What pickups would you recommend for that setup? I prefer a darker sound, definitely not too keen on brightness, as the HM-2 adds enough of that on its own. Not worried so much about cleans, I usually just roll off the volume knob for that(do prefer darker cleans, though).

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by metaljohn

Looking for suggestions on pickups, as I'm trying to ditch these Emg's. I have an ESP ltd viper 400 all mahogany/rosewood fretboard. I'm playing through a Krank Rev+. My main band's tone is Entombed/Dismember/Rotten Sound style buzzsaw tone from our Boss HM-2s(just a bit more refined sounding, and more bass heavy). The other band is a modern hardcore/metal band with pretty average high gain tone.

What pickups would you recommend for that setup? I prefer a darker sound, definitely not too keen on brightness, as the HM-2 adds enough of that on its own. Not worried so much about cleans, I usually just roll off the volume knob for that(do prefer darker cleans, though).

I would recommend the Aftermaths. They're really ideal in mahogany neck guitars and also are good for both death metal and modern 'core styles. It's really aggressive and tight, with ample balls and clarity. If you have any questions or would like to discuss it further feel free to get in touch any time.

If you'd like to order you can do so here: BARE KNUCKLE PICKUPS ORDER FORM (NEW FOR 2011) -- THE AXE PALACE / 508-921-9973 --

[zimbloth]

We just got in a shipment of the new BLACK HAWK pickups, in both 6 and 7-strings. These are in stock and available for immediate shipment. If anyone is interested hit up my website or give me a call. Of course you can PM also.

[JaeSwift]

Hey Nick, have you had the chance to hear these Blackhawks yet? I'm curious as to what you make of their sound.

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by JaeSwift

Hey Nick, have you had the chance to hear these Blackhawks yet? I'm curious as to what you make of their sound.

Honestly, no. These are the first batch we've received. I ordered them the day they were announced. I ordered a bunch of 6 and 7-string sets, plus some single bridge pickups. Depending how fast these sell out, I may install one in one of my guitars to see what I think. If not, I'll hit one up on on the next batch.

I have a feeling these would probably be best in balanced-to-warmer guitars, but I will reserve judgement until I try them out extensively and analyze my customer feedback. They're supposed to be fairly balanced so they should work in any type of guitar, but we shall see

[mikernaut]

Nick do you think a Rebel Yell would be a good fit for a Maple neck thru (ebony board) with Mahogany wings tuned to Drop B?

[Valennic]

Hey Nick, most generic question in the world really, but I was looking into a new set of pickups for my new 007, because the stock pickups suck terribly, and I figured I'd go to you since the Dominions kick all kinds of ass, and I have you to thank for that.

So, the 007 is all mahogany, neck and body, and she's a set neck. I've got the single coil in the neck model, so I'm only gonna be needing a bridge pup, but what I'm wondering is if BKP has a 7 string pickup similar to the Dominion pickup from Dimarzio. I'm absolutely in love with that pup, the tight low end, the clearness of it, the crunch, and just the sheer amount of balls it has. Any recommendations that you think would sound similar? It'll be played through a triple rec that I'm getting in a month or so, if that helps the decision. Thanks

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by mikernaut

Nick do you think a Rebel Yell would be a good fit for a Maple neck thru (ebony board) with Mahogany wings tuned to Drop B?

I've had the Rebel Yells in a guitar with similar specs and it sounded great. It will have a bit of a upper mid kick, but if you dont mind that, it will have a nice tight, crispy, clear sound. Typically RYs are best in warmer guitars but with the lower tunings its a really great sound. I had a mahogany wing, neck-thru maple, ebony board BRJ guitar with the RY7 in and it sounded terrific.

Originally Posted by Valennic

Hey Nick, most generic question in the world really, but I was looking into a new set of pickups for my new 007, because the stock pickups suck terribly, and I figured I'd go to you since the Dominions kick all kinds of ass, and I have you to thank for that.

So, the 007 is all mahogany, neck and body, and she's a set neck. I've got the single coil in the neck model, so I'm only gonna be needing a bridge pup, but what I'm wondering is if BKP has a 7 string pickup similar to the Dominion pickup from Dimarzio. I'm absolutely in love with that pup, the tight low end, the clearness of it, the crunch, and just the sheer amount of balls it has. Any recommendations that you think would sound similar? It'll be played through a triple rec that I'm getting in a month or so, if that helps the decision. Thanks

Hey man. Glad to hear the Dominions are working out. As for the 007, I would recommend the Painkillers in that. Really tight, brutal, clear, nice midrange grind that blends well with the mahogany/rosewood of your guitar.

If you need any help or want to order, let me know

[Stealthdjentstic]

So is BKP doing fanned pickups yet? I heard something about it a while ago, but never anything more.

[maxoom]

deleted question

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by Stealthdjentstic

So is BKP doing fanned pickups yet? I heard something about it a while ago, but never anything more.

Not that I'm aware of but I'll find out for you.

[zimbloth]

I asked Tim if he could do fanned fret 7-string pickups, his answer was this:

"yes we can produce our 7s with a 10 degree angle."

Cool!

[infreaks]

Hi Nick,

I wanna ask you some question regarding the aftermath 7 string set

I have Ibanez 7 string - RG 7421 fix bridge and would like to install new pickup, the Aftermath 7 string set, my question is :

- Is the aftermath 7 string set a perfect drop replacement for RG 7421 as the pickup ear/tab in RG 7421 is square shape ? or i have to do some routing or any wood work related ?

- from your site i know that the aftermath 7 string set is out of stock, when will you be able to have it in stock ? and is the price still $279.99 ?

thanks & have a good day

[Inverted11]

How would the Warpig in the bridge and Painkiller in the neck sound in a mahogany 7? I'm going for the Severed Savior lows and Loomis legato sounds. No problem with scooping.

[Gorodum]

Hey folks i've got a Caparison Dellinger 7 . And its already sounds awesome. But I've got an idea to improve it's sound by pickups upgrade. I like Periphery 7 string guitar sound, and know that Misha prefer Aftermaths. But last album he did record with MM JP and Carvin Dc wich has body basswood and alder as I know. I 've got an mahogany.
Can you advice me anything besides Aftermaths may be lundgren or other bare knuckles for better result?
BTW I 've got the same guitar as here on video, sounds close to what i like, but perhaps there are better choise?

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by infreaks

Hi Nick,

I wanna ask you some question regarding the aftermath 7 string set

I have Ibanez 7 string - RG 7421 fix bridge and would like to install new pickup, the Aftermath 7 string set, my question is :

- Is the aftermath 7 string set a perfect drop replacement for RG 7421 as the pickup ear/tab in RG 7421 is square shape ? or i have to do some routing or any wood work related ?

- from your site i know that the aftermath 7 string set is out of stock, when will you be able to have it in stock ? and is the price still $279.99 ?

thanks & have a good day

Since every guitar is different in terms of their pickup route/stock pickups, there's never any guarantees about things being perfect drop-in replacements. We install pickups every week in various guitars here at the shop, and often theres some minor finagling that is required. That being said the BKPs should install easily in your RG7421, as long as you get the uncovered one. Covered ones may require a bit more work.

I have a BKP Order Form on my site that people use to order. I usually dont have them "in stock" very often, because they make them in a million different varieties and they're all hand-made one at a time, it's just not practical to stock them all. We do occasionally get an extra set in stock but they usually sell out fast. If you want to order, you can do so at this link.

Originally Posted by Inverted11

How would the Warpig in the bridge and Painkiller in the neck sound in a mahogany 7? I'm going for the Severed Savior lows and Loomis legato sounds. No problem with scooping.

I don't recommend that set in any guitar, but especially in a mahogany one. The Warpig is better suited in brighter woods, such as alder, poplar, ash, etc. I also think there are much better neck models they make.

I would recommend the Aftermath bridge/Nailbomb neck or Miracle Man set in your setup. Seems to be more the sound you're shooting for, and a better fit for your guitar.

Originally Posted by Gorodum

Hey folks i've got a Caparison Dellinger 7 . And its already sounds awesome. But I've got an idea to improve it's sound by pickups upgrade. I like Periphery 7 string guitar sound, and know that Misha prefer Aftermaths. But last album he did record with MM JP and Carvin Dc wich has body basswood and alder as I know. I 've got an mahogany.
Can you advice me anything besides Aftermaths may be lundgren or other bare knuckles for better result?
BTW I 've got the same guitar as here on video, sounds close to what i like, but perhaps there are better choise?

As a Caparison dealer here in the US, I've installed BKPs in many Dellinger 7s. The models that tend to sound best in those for modern metal are the Painkillers, Aftermaths, and Holydivers. The Painkillers are bright and midrangey, but very tight. The Aftermaths have that same tightness but a little more balanced. The Holydivers are also very clear and powerful, but have a bit more of a warmer sound thanks to the Alnico V magnet. It all depends what you're going for.

Yes Mischa is fan of the Aftermaths, but he also uses/has used many other of their models in a variety of his guitars. The Aftermath is an excellent match for a mahogany body guitar, I'd argue even more so than the basswood/alder as its a bright pickup. So thats a safe way to go, but I'm also a fan of the Holydivers. A little sweeter lead tones, bit thicker lows, very sharp attack. Not as tight on the bottom end as the Aftermath but does a good job. The AM does have a more modern sound to it though, the HD rips for the brutal stuff in its own right but it does have a bit of that 80s metal character to it w/ the midrange.

Regardless if you have any questions feel free to ask. If you'd like to order, I'd be happy to ship to you. The order form link is can be found here.

[HighGain510]

Figured I'd throw this in here for anyone who doesn't check the recording section:

Did a little clip with the BKP Black Hawk 7 I bought from Nick (thanks again so much for the quick shipping, 2 days from purchase to my door! ), the pickups are installed in an Ibanez S7420QM so the body is mahogany:

BKP Black Hawk 7 Clip 1 by highgain510 on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

[Khoi]

you have an order for a Coldsweat! My first official BKP


but I'm still curious, how do you think the Black Hawk compares to the others?

[zimbloth]

Originally Posted by HighGain510

Figured I'd throw this in here for anyone who doesn't check the recording section:

Did a little clip with the BKP Black Hawk 7 I bought from Nick (thanks again so much for the quick shipping, 2 days from purchase to my door! ), the pickups are installed in an Ibanez S7420QM so the body is mahogany:

BKP Black Hawk 7 Clip 1 by highgain510 on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free

Thanks for sharing man.

Originally Posted by Khoi

you have an order for a Coldsweat! My first official BKP


but I'm still curious, how do you think the Black Hawk compares to the others?

The Black Hawk is so new, I have not been able to test it first hand yet. I just received the first batch of them but those are going to customers. All their models have a completely different vibe, it all depends the sound you're going for, the makeup of your guitar/rig, etc. What all models share is amazing clarity and a wide, 3D tone. The Cold Sweat is known for being bright, balanced, and versatile.

Thanks for the order dude

[Khoi]

Originally Posted by zimbloth

Thanks for sharing man.



The Black Hawk is so new, I have not been able to test it first hand yet. I just received the first batch of them but those are going to customers. All their models have a completely different vibe, it all depends the sound you're going for, the makeup of your guitar/rig, etc. What all models share is amazing clarity and a wide, 3D tone. The Cold Sweat is known for being bright, balanced, and versatile.

Thanks for the order dude

yeah, I figured as much, which is why I didn't jump into the Black Hawk quite yet.

and the Coldsweat description on your site was the exact description I've been looking for, I couldn't have described what I was looking for better than that.

[HighGain510]

Originally Posted by Khoi

yeah, I figured as much, which is why I didn't jump into the Black Hawk quite yet.

and the Coldsweat description on your site was the exact description I've been looking for, I couldn't have described what I was looking for better than that.

Just a heads up, I've played the Cold Sweat set in a few guitars and have a set of BH 7's in a guitar currently, they're both great pickups but tonally the Black Hawk set is a better all-around pickup IMO! Thing sounds fantastic, so much so that I'm tempted to order a 6 string set just to have on-hand for my next 6'er.

[JMP2203]

Originally Posted by HighGain510

Just a heads up, I've played the Cold Sweat set in a few guitars and have a set of BH 7's in a guitar currently, they're both great pickups but tonally the Black Hawk set is a better all-around pickup IMO! Thing sounds fantastic, so much so that I'm tempted to order a 6 string set just to have on-hand for my next 6'er.

hey, how the cold sweat neck compared to the BH Neck? any clips?