Buying a ESP LTD 400AT

[rcker5150]

I am buying an ESP LTD 400AT and it comes with a JB and a 59, however I already have 2 other guitars with that pickup setup and I am wondering if I should put a Custom Custom in the Bridge and don't know what to put in the Neck. Also, I am considering on installing the EMG Zakk Wylde Setup.
Any ideas?

Looking for a solid crunch and I use quite a few pinch harmonics, natural harmonics and squeals.:bowdown: :smokin:

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Buying a ESP LTD 400AT

I had a ec-300 a few years ago and now own a 1000 in ambersunburst.

Great guitars for the money and I'm sure you'll enjoy your 400at.

Personnaly, I prefer the Custom over the CC in the bridge of these guitars. It should, however sound good anyways, just not my cup of tea.

A lot of pick-ups would compliment your CC nicely. APH2 comes to mind, Jazz and '59 would also be good (although some people find the '59 bassy in the neck).

My favorite setup is Custom and PGn for these guitars.

Good luck!

 

[Rowan]

Re: Buying a ESP LTD 400AT

The tone chart says the custom custom works better for brighter instruments. The archtop has a mahogany neck and body so its probably going to have a darker tone. Maybe a distortion or custom? Of those two, however, the distortion is going to be more similar to the jb, which is rock solid pickup btw :banana:

 

[rcker5150]

Re: Buying a ESP LTD 400AT

What is the PGN?

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Buying a ESP LTD 400AT

What is the PGN?

I'm sorry,

PG is Pearly Gates. N is neck... so neck position Pearly Gates pick-up would be my choice.

It's a PAF-type pick-up (lower output with the vintage LP vibe) but with a little more sizzle to the tone. Works wonders in the neck for me.

 

[rcker5150]

Re: Buying a ESP LTD 400AT

Well I broke down and bought the EC 1000 instead of the EC400AT. I got the Vintage Amberburst, BEAUTIFUL, but this thing buzzes bad at the first fret on all strings and the low E and A on the second fret, BIG BUMMER!:yell:
What do I do, and now I'm in search for the pickups on this monster. Like I said previously I tend to use alot of pinch harmonics but don't want a real twangy sound, how can I TRY and get the Zakk sound without EMG's and buying 4 Marshall stacks?

Need help quick........:bowdown:

 

[Rowan]

Re: Buying a ESP LTD 400AT

Congrats on the new axe man. I've heard sometimes they'll have fret buzz, but that can be adjusted.

I was actually in the same boat as you man. My ESp came with a jb and I wanted to change it because I already have another guitar with a jb. So I tried a duncan distortion, but found it too compressed and inorganic compared to the jb. It was kinda like a jb with a bit more low end, but I wasn't digging the tone. So I ended up switching back. The jb/59 is sweet in an ESP.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Buying a ESP LTD 400AT

Nice choice going with the vintage burst..classy looking axe!

Bridge pick-up: Custom all the way. Seriously. lots of gain, bottom end, sizzle, and still, it'll sound good clean once you roll the volume down.

Neck: '59 if you want super smooth clean tones
Pearly Gates for a really sweet neck tone with a little more grith

Enjoy!