Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 8 2012, 04:59 PM

In a post focused on Guitar Nerd Glory, I wanted to share with you an AMAZING pickup called the BAREKNUCKLE NAILBOMB. Many of you know this piece well. I'm using it to clarify the

ALNICO VS CERAMIC PICKUP DEBATE (Which is "Better")

Some of you may or may not know that there is a difference in the type of magnets a a pickup uses and that this has serious impact on the tone/sound of the pickup. EMG pickups, and many Djenty pickups use CERAMIC magnets for their tight bass response and nearly "scooped" sound.

Alnico magnet pickups by contrast, are used quite often by "shreddy" guys for their greater clarity in the mid range, lack of "mud" and lack of "fizz". These pickups can sound a bit 80's Metal at times as that's when they were used widely in Metal guitars.

As Metal changed over the years and single string palm mute rythms took over a bit, Ceramic pickups gained a LOT of steam. It seems ALNICO pickups are making a come back from Boutique vendors like BAREKNUCKLE and others now. Even Seymour Duncan has a NEW Alnico 8 design. I"m thrilled about this as the alnico sound is IMHO perfect for lead/alternate picking/shredding. It helps the sound each strike of the string come through on higher strings so that picking fast doesn't sound blurry.

Here is a link to the NAIL BOMB page and you can get it in CERAMIC or ALNICO and hear samples of each on the page!

https://bareknucklepickups.co.uk/main/pickups.php?cat=humbuckers&sub=contemporary&pickup=nailbomb (Notice the EQ Graphic on the right!)



My beloved Ibanez RG560 has stock Alnico Pickups and I have actually searched for spares V2 stock pickups to try in other guitars. I recently got a XIPHOS with DIMARZIO ACTIVATORS and they are CERAMIC and I don't like em. But some folks LOVE EM. They are a bit bass heavy, scooped for me. But for DJENT / MESHUGGAH rythm work, these pickups and indeed this guitar would RULE.

But it's not really for me so I"M SELLING THIS GUITAR TOO! My guitar search continues.




Here is a link to

Posted by: Nihilist1 Aug 8 2012, 05:29 PM

Just buy the BK Nailbombs already and slip them in a guitar you like

I am going to buy one for the bridge of my Damien and put a Cold Sweat in the Neck. I want that guitar to be versatile.

Although, my next purchase is either going to be a Godin Exit 22, or, I am going to save up for a couple years and buy a Travis Bean. I don't like the idea of an Aluminum neck, but the guitar itself is amazing.

Posted by: DeGroot Aug 8 2012, 05:32 PM

Great info! I didn't know that actually. I would say I used to prefer Ceramic (EMG 81/85 )for heavier palm muting and Zakk Wylde harmonics but now I like using Alinco style more JB (Seymor Duncan). Has more of that 80's bite for sure. Can get the Judas Priest or Iron Maiden tones better IMO which is more up my alley.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 12 2012, 11:12 PM

Post some vids when you get your pickups in! Love to hear how they sound!

Same here I was a HUGE EMG fan for years but they seem to work best with honest tube amp. As I"ve been getting more and more in to software emulation, they don't seem to do as well in that arena. They are not bad by any stretch, just a different tonal character during recording through software than Alnico.

Also, the alnico does seem to have a bit more punch and clarity in the mid range. They typically less gain than the Ceramic versions of the same type, but somehow they work

Todd

Posted by: Max Sokolov Aug 13 2012, 06:26 AM

I tryed alnico version - it's a great pickup for sure

As for me, I'm a fan of alnico pickups, as they sound better to me on clean channel.

Posted by: Ben Higgins Aug 13 2012, 12:26 PM

I also definitely prefer the Alnico sound as I believe you really need your mids when it comes to playing solos !!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 13 2012, 10:38 PM

I agree 100 percent I've tried wads of pups, including EMG sets and I still like the Alnico for solo work. They seem to have better clarity in the mids. The ceramic pickups seem to to great on chuggy rythms, but IMHO can be a tad dark in the mids for solo work.





Well said yup, I'd say the same. The clean channel Alnico sound has a semi jazzy vibe IMHO and focuses the mids/highs well.