Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

[arcana]

Hey,

I am psyched at upgrading my 7 String Ibanez with a Seymour Duncan Distortion Bridge Pickup. However my first intention was to leave the neck pickup in for now, and upgrade later. I have no idea if this is a bad idea or not? or whether its not worth doing unless I do both? Open to recommendations!

Also if I were to go ahead and upgrade the neck pickup, do I get the 'set' as in the distortion neck pickup. Or do ppl mix and match them?

I'm not too sure what best practice for this is. My guitar specs are below

Cheers!

Arc

Ibanez RG7321
Neck Pickup: AH1-7 (Axis Seven 1)
Bridge Pickup: AH2-7 (Axis Seven 2)
Body material: Basswood
Neck material: 5-Piece Maple/Walnut
Controls: 1 Volume / 1 Tone / 5-Way Lever

 

[Big Flannel]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

You can change them out together or go one at a time, it depends on whether or not you have decided on a new neck pickup and finances. With that said, common practice on the forum is to mix and match but some people enjoy the sets. Its my understanding that the distortion is a rather hot and heavy pickup so you may want to go with a lower output neck pickup like the sh-2n jazz for versatility.

 

[Big Flannel]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

Also, letting us know what kind of amp, effects, etc. you are using would help with recommendations.

 

[arcana]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

I rarely play through an amp these days, mainly through my Alesis Monitors via computer setup. Guitar Rig 5 for effects. The 7 string is going to be mainly for heavy rock playing. I have my Jackson RR3 which yes was a more expensive guitar but even so its amazing how much better the sound is on it. That is what led me to start researching new pickups for the 7 string and finally came across Seymour Duncan pickups.

The fact that I have my Jackson RR3 for good lead guitar playing (Floyd Rose Bridge etc.) means I can focus the 7 string mainly on rhythm/riffs. I looked at blackouts to see what the fuss was about, and yes sound dam good, but just a lil too much(heavy) for what I want. SH6 Distortion sounded the one on the Seymour Duncan pickup test video. (Also liked the custom-5)

Money is an issue at the mo. I have spent too much on music bits recently, but on the other hand messing around with wiring and solder later could be a pain. Wouldn't want to regret not adding a decent neck pickup in there. I purchased new jack, pots and even screening tape for behind the pickups. Thought id make an effort on my first changeover.

 

[dd12939]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

If the neck pickup sounds good to you there's no point in changing it.

 

[arcana]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

To be honest it doesn't sound good at all. Maybe I should just upgrade the thing now rather than later...
If I have the Distortion Bridge in there a nice neck pickup for clean tones could be good! Will have another look at some now.

 

[Big Flannel]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

For clean tones, definitely check out the sh-2n jazz. I personally like the 59 neck but in some guitars I've heard it can get kinda "woofy". Plus side of the jazz is that it stays articulate with a lot of gain so if you play legato licks on the neck pickup, it will suit you well.

 

[owj]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

Maybe a Sentient?

 

[arcana]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

I had a good look at the sh-2n and was torn between that and the sentient. In the end I clicked buy on a sentient. So the deed is done.
Just hope the thing fits in now as they only had a sentient black metal cover in stock. I noticed they are more boxy. Whereas the pickup slot in the guitar body has more humbucker style curved sides. If not i'll be getting the drill out! Its going in one way or the other. lol

 

[Big Flannel]

Re: Buying Bridge Distortion 7 String - Keep default neck pickup?

Did you order the emg styled sentient? If so, its not gonna fit