Passive pickups in active configuration

[Big V]

I'm just wondering about how passive pickups would sound in an active-configuration(ie. Pickups close to the strings), will it work, will it sound really muddy?
I play mostly extreme-metal, an I really want the tone of a passive pup, but with the clean and articulate tones of am active pup.
I have this guitar(just for references)http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-ART300 (Although,mine is a limited edition black cherryburst(signed by Galder and Silenoz from Dimmu Borgir :headbang1)
Any inputs? I would also like recommendations on pickups--- PRICE NO HINDRANCE!

 

[Steve_Karl]

http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-ART300

Inserted clickable link

 

[Patrick from Davis]

There are lots of options for passive pickups.  If you put them close to the strings, like the way active pick ups are set, they will sound bad.  The magnets will pull on the strings killing the sustain, and the strings will make all kinds of bad noises being to close to the pick ups.  Just doesn't fly.

For passives, I would look at the four models from Bareknuckle Pickups that are more metal-centric.  I have a set of the Nailbombs, and really like them.  The Cold Sweats are a nicer lower output, but very clear pick up.  The Pain killers are quite mid heavy, crisp, and loud.  The Warpigs are just a big big big, loud, and technical metal sound.  Check them out at the BKP site.  As I said earlier, I happen to have a set of the Nailbombs and they are very nice.  Good cleans without any roll off for a higher output pickup, and a very nice rich but tight sound when the amp is cranked.  The Nailbombs tend to be the loosest of the four mentioned, more suited for Metal to Hard Rock.  But if you play technical stuff, they keep up just fine. 

However, there are lot of other options out there, and the other forum members should chime in with their reviews as well.
Patrick

 

[Dan025]

i think you can do this with lace sensors, maybe others but traditional style stuff has too much pull creating ghost harmonics and "stratitis" singles are more prone to this problem especially in the neck position but for extremely close gaps you need a low pull pickup design.

 

[Big V]

Took a peek around on the forum, and I decided that I'll go for some Nailbombs.
I also noticed that there was another post with the same context (http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=12290.0), so let's just end this thread