'83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

schammeltoe

schammeltoe

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IMG_20140814_183940.jpgNew to pups. Recently I traded my age old Fender DG-7 for an '83 Ibanez RS315 in mint condition. I just ordered a set of rotosound purps to f*** around with and want a new pup because im growing tired of my single, near 30 year old passive humbucker and want a Blackout, keep in mind i only have ONE pup, one vol, and one tone with no switch. I have all the room I could possibly need for pots, wires, and battery. My main question is, can I do the transition?
 
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Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

Well, being an old Ibanez guy, I wouldn't do anything unless the pu really sucked. The stock is a Maxon V2, kind of like a Super D. Nevertheless, the conversion should be pretty straightforward.

Keep in mind that the dimensions of these old Ibanez pu rings is different to modern ones (of any type, afaik), as I found out when went to replace a ring on my RS525 for one without the two holes on the bass side. Correct sized repros with single holes here: http://www.reproguitarparts.com/. Alternatively, you can just drill an extra hole in the middle.

You'd need correct value pots as well. 500k isn't used with active pups.
 
Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

Im ordering the hb1 pkg with pup, pots, rings, and batt clip. Thanks for the help man. Im saving that site, knowing ill need it sooner or later. I dont plan on getting a new guitar for a while. Hopefully this mod makes me love it even more lol. The rings probably come with the pup. If not Ill just buy them from the link you shared. Thanks again man.
 
Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

Ashurbanipal said:
Well, being an old Ibanez guy, I wouldn't do anything unless the pu really sucked.
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IMO, the stock pickup does, indeed, suck somewhat.

Also, I am not certain that a Blackout or BO Metal would be an improvement.

The construction of the guitar lends itself to beefed up Fender tones. I would stay passive and maximise the sonic options with a Triple Shots mounting surround and a push-pull tone pot for phase reversal between the two coils.

Being a Holdsworth fan, I would suggest a JB2.
 
Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

Its great ax but the pup gives it an ugly sound. Not the clear crunch i want out of it. Combine that with a mustang 3 combo and its a let down. I have ahb-2s on my schecter hellraiser and theyre amazing, before them, it had cheap clones on it. Long story short, Im going to find a way to make this old Ban better.
 
Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

schammeltoe said:
Im ordering the hb1 pkg with pup, pots, rings, and batt clip. Thanks for the help man. Im saving that site, knowing ill need it sooner or later. I dont plan on getting a new guitar for a while. Hopefully this mod makes me love it even more lol. The rings probably come with the pup. If not Ill just buy them from the link you shared. Thanks again man.
Click to expand...

No problem. I wish I'd know about this guy before buying some random rings, or that the old Ibanez ones were a different size to begin with.

Anyway, interested to hear about the guitar when you do the mods :). A 315 is on my bucket list of old Ibz I'd like to have - most are blue or red burst, but a couple were done in dark burgundy (not in any catalogues).
 
Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

The stock RS315 pickup is an Ibanez Super something or other. A hot/vague one rather than the rather sweet Super 58 PAF clone.

Back in the Eighties, somebody I replaced in a band upgraded his RS315 with an SH-1 '59B. (This was so long ago that it could even have been a double cream bobbins example!) As a result, his guitar sounded more toneful but less ballsy. This was what he wanted.

In my opinion, it would be worth your while researching methods for blocking off the Ibanez Pro Rock'r vibrato.
 
Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

So from my understanding, the rings are a completely different size? And maybe way later on down the road I'd consider a trade or sale, but no where in the near future. I have never seen the aqua sb, only the marine sunburst and the sunburst. If I find a dark burgundy, Ill let you know. Anyway, off track has anyone tried out RotoSound? I just order a pack of purples. Still waiting for them in the mail, but they should be arriving thurs... Stupid question: What pup should i try the bridge or the neck? And is there a difference in the way they're manufactured or not? Thanks again guys
 
Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

I'll figure something out. As i asked before is there a difference in the way Neck and bridge pups are made? If there is, which should i go with? Thanks again
 
Re: '83 Ibanez RS315 Single Passive to Single Active

Neck usually has lower output, and that is because the strings are 'louder' at that point. So, you should get a bridge version.
 
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