All user reviews of 4/5 for the Bare Knuckle Pickups Nailbomb

Alnico Nailbomb bridge mounted on an SG Standard since May 2011, the neck pickup just joined. This guitar was equipped with Seymour Duncans JB and Jazz when I got it, which frankly did not believe me (see drafts muddy, no definition, and not going in the mix again). First I tried a couple BKP RiffRaff (bridge) and The Mule (neck), very nice but not too vintage for what I wanted, I replaced the RiffRaff (I bought a pair subsequently for another guitar) by Nailbomb which is just what I expected for this guitar, I kept the first Mule in the neck for the quality of its clean but the imbalance is too great (and voicing level) me finally led to replace the Nailbomb neck which is (surprise, surprise) the ideal complement to the bridge.

So here we have a micro quite resolutely "modern" in the sound - thick but well defined, with strong bass and aggressive medium - as in the volume of output (close to some ceramics) while keeping with the magnet alnico V the organic side and a few roots of a vintage microphone. Volume up it is clearly in the large register his 90s (metal / grunge / hardcore), not far from Jerry Cantrell on the first AiC but less "synthetic". Lowering the volume is approached surprisingly the very vintage RiffRaff with less shine and more "body" certainly winding forces, but little trouble attacking directory classic rock and even blues (muscular) with these microphones.

The neck pickup keeps the main features of the bridge - biting, thickness and definition - but less abrasive, warmer and more "vocal" in lead, short sleeve version of what <g> . The balance between the two microphones is excellent, you can go from one to the other in the middle of a sentence without giving the impression of having changed guitar.

Defects? Let say they have the defects of their qualities: too hot to be really aggressive and root, and probably too root for metalheads of extremists "chuggah chuggah". Aggression may also not be suitable for all guitars, I think that they fit better (and better start value) a little dark guitar with the body and not too high-medium, short to put on a rather mahogany board on the maple, beech or alder (I mean, IMHO huh). Finally, the clean sound is more than adequate for this type of microphone - it is even quite usable - but it is obviously not comparable to RiffRaff or Mules.

1 month of use situation, repeated and concerts

other models tested ... a good part of the SD, I also kept SH1, SH5 SH6 and SSL for humbuckers and 6 for the simple

EMG I have not kept the 60 and 81 I found no personality! on the other hand I have a kit with Steve Lukather booster / equalizer Gilmour all on a stratocaster ...

Kami microphones! Black Rose and micro excellent French Arashi!

SR mics not bad at all!

and microphones BKP Rebel yell kit is excellent and I recently fell for a Cold Sweat neck and I hesitated between Alnico V Nailbomb and version 2 ceramic and are very good with a bit more treble for version céramic! SR for my Deluxe with Floyd Rose vibrato I kept Alnico V to compensate for the Floyd Rose!
Value for money correct! yes I remake this choice because it is the sound that I looked for this guitar!
I see that the critical BKP pickups but merely transcribe the violin the violin so good guitar with good pickups it works ... lutherie average with good mics it does not always work!

The Bare Knuckle Pickups Nailbomb is part of BKP’s contemporary line. It is a fairly high output pickup that has a more even tone. It’s almost like the Painkiller’s more versatile little brother. Like all BKPs, this can come with various options regarding wiring, covers, screw colors, etc. The one I had was wound for the bridge position and came with four conductor wiring and an Alnico V magnet.

The Nailbomb is probably one of the more organic pickups that Tim offers. What I mean by that is that it can do nearly any style you can throw at it with ease. The website says that it’s a mix between old school and modern tones, and I agree with that 100%. The pickup itself is fairly even if you get the Alnico V version. Bass, middle and treble all sit nicely with each other and never try to dominate the mix in any particular area. The bass is fat, but it’s never overly bass heavy. The midrange is present without being boxy or “narrow” sounding. The treble is cutting without being too piercing.

The harmonics with this pickup absolutely scream. It works in most any wood, but it seems to really favor neutral to brighter woods. Those of you who tune down fairly low and have darker woods might want to try one of the other models because the bass isn’t super tight in this pickup. The best part is that it cleans up amazingly well. Just roll the volume knob down a bit, and you got a great British-esque clean tone going on.

If you’re looking for a more boutique pickup, and you find yourself wanting something that’s a mix between the old school pickups of yesteryear but with all the great benefits of today’s humbuckers, you should really check this pickup out. It’s probably one of the most versatile pickups in the BKP line.