What Alnico V pickup would sounds good through my VH4?

[Veritas0Aequitas]

I own a 2011 R0 Historic and I love everything about it with the exception of the Burstbuckers. I mainly play hard rock (Tool, APC, style etc) and I like the sound of my other LP Standard with BKP Riff Raffs (A5 calibrated set) through my Diezel VH4 stack.

I've learned I definitely need to stay in the 8k-9k range for the bridge pickup and let my amp do the driving. I'm open minded as to getting a new neck pickup but that's not my priority although I heard a A2 in the neck compliments an A5 in the bridge well. Something punchy, fat, clear and focused.

Any suggestions for an Alnico V bridge pup that might sound even better or should I just stick with what works and go back to the BKP Riff Raff for my Historic?

Thanks!

 

[Ventura]

Riff Raffs sounds spectacular through Diezels - just sayin'...

But for the tones you're talking about? I'd be into Mules and RRs; and for a slightly more interesting flavor, check out the VHIIs and the Blackdogs.

Oh, and these are all BKPs and I have little knowledge or experience with any other pickup manufacturer for the last 8 years

 

[Veritas0Aequitas]

Hey Mo! Long time. You're right, the RR sound amazing through the VH4.

I should probably just go back to the RR and not try to reinvent the wheel, eh? Maybe do a RR in the bridge and a Mule in the neck.

 

[cardinal]

Tim at Bare Knuckles really knows his products. You can send him an email describing your rig and what you want out of it and he'll give you pickup recommendations. He did this for me and nailed it. I otherwise would have bought something different but he explained why I wouldn't like that as much.

 

[kahawe]

I throw A5-Bombs in the ring.

I've learned I definitely need to stay in the 8k-9k range for the bridge pickup

I know this is a popular notion on here and I agree that the whole "can really push the preamp into overdrive" is one of those sentences I never-ever want to hear or read again in my entire life along with "...and it can be used as a clean boost!".
BUT The A-Bombs sound good and papa recommended them too on here but a few weeks ago, I think stapferpit has played or plays them too and I think there is a Nailbomb in the "screaming D" guitar they had their local luthier (who is a major BKP- and Diezel-head) build for them. So I wouldn't take the 10k-Ohm as some sort of unquestionable law but rather a personal preference worth exploring and challenging because any good pickup sounds stellar through (especially) a vh4 and pretty much all of Tim's pup are just that.

If YOU yourself tried them and they just aren't doing it for you then by all means, more power to you and as always, asking Tim or Ben directly at BKP is a great idea! Those guys are always nice and helpful. For what it's worth: everyone seems to agree that the VHIIs are a bit "dry" so that might not be everyone's cup of copper if you really want fat and juicy - sounds more like BlackDogs or you go "Vintage" with the Mules, those are good pickups all around.

Just my €0.02!

 

[Peter Diezel]

Nailbomb

 

[Krankenstein]

Nailbomb

Holydiver sounds awsome as well!!
Although it s a high output pu still sounds nice with Diezels!

however the best i ve heard on a VH4 was the nailbomb on a blackmachine b2.

 

[ProgFree]

Don't disregard the Häussel pickups (or Haeussel). In 2 of my guitars where in the past were bkp now there are Haeussel.

You should give them a try. They sound perfect with Diezel amps.

Maybe its a German thing, that they come along together!?

 

[Krankenstein]

I will look into them ProgFreak.

But to be honest you can't go wrong with anything that bears the stamp MADE IN GERMANY.

 

[daemon barbeque]

But to be honest you can't go wrong with anything that bears the stamp MADE IN GERMANY.

Yes you can! Me!!!

The Black Dog is a mighty PU indeed. Especially on an LP.