Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

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nikosteph

New member
Hi everyone,

On the SD site it says that the Custom (and thus I assume the Custom 8) are better for "balanced and warm" instruments, and I've heard that it goes really well with mahogany in particular. I had a C8 in a Les Paul and it sounded fantastic in that.

Out of curiosity, how would one sound in an Ibanez RG series? Is it just a terrible mismatch for that type of guitar body/wood (basswood)? Or has anyone had good experience with it?

I currently have a Dimarzio Evo 2 pickup in this guitar, and it's great for screaming, searing tone, but I'm curious if the C8 would keep this power but add a little more beefiness and complexity to the tone.

Thanks for the help!
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

The A8 Custom sound terrific in superstrats, being basswood, alder or ash.

HTH,
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

Thanks! From what I can tell from my limited time on the forum, you're both A8 experts, so your opinions mean a lot...
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

Random, somewhat-related question (just out of curiosity): does the Custom 8 sound bad in any guitars? If it's awesome in Superstrats and obviously in LP's (it was the best-sounding pup I ever had in mine...), what is it a bad choice for?
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

nikosteph said:
Random, somewhat-related question (just out of curiosity): does the Custom 8 sound bad in any guitars? If it's awesome in Superstrats and obviously in LP's (it was the best-sounding pup I ever had in mine...), what is it a bad choice for?
Click to expand...

Maybe in a hollow body but I wouldn't know since i've never tried that. I can say that the cleans aren't horrible on it but could be better just a bit to much midrange for good cleans.
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

nikosteph said:
Hi everyone,

On the SD site it says that the Custom (and thus I assume the Custom 8) are better for "balanced and warm" instruments, and I've heard that it goes really well with mahogany in particular. I had a C8 in a Les Paul and it sounded fantastic in that.

Out of curiosity, how would one sound in an Ibanez RG series? Is it just a terrible mismatch for that type of guitar body/wood (basswood)? Or has anyone had good experience with it?

I currently have a Dimarzio Evo 2 pickup in this guitar, and it's great for screaming, searing tone, but I'm curious if the C8 would keep this power but add a little more beefiness and complexity to the tone.

Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

A Custom and Custom 8 are different. Don't assume they are the same.

Both will rule in an RG
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

Great to hear all the positive feedback! Yeah, I know the Custom and Custom 8 are different, I actually had a Custom in a Les Paul, and it was so badass, but too "ceramic-y" (i.e. cold and brittle) for my tastes. Thanks to the good folks here on the forums I was steered to the Custom 8, which fixed all the downsides without sacrificing the good stuff! I'm just new to Ibanez guitars, so I don't have a good sense for what goes well in them if not a full-on shred-monster of a pickup (like the Evo 2 which I have in it now...).
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

IMO, the Custom 8 could slay in about anything. There is always a chance of mismatch and whether it sounds good to you. I have several of them in several guitars and LOVE em! Let us know how it goes in the RG!
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

I only have a JB 8, but love the custom. I would imagine it would sound fantastic….I defer to the experts.
 
Re: Does the Custom 8 sound good in an Ibanez RG?

Rockstar216 said:
Maybe in a hollow body but I wouldn't know since i've never tried that.
Click to expand...

Before going full "boutique", for over for years my #1 all-maple 335 copy hosted an A4 '59n/A8 Custom set. Between gigs, jams, rehearsals and studio dates I've made about 800 performances, playing the most varied types of music with many different artists and bands. Everybody was happy, starting with the different band- or project- leaders. Dig it? ;)

Rockstar216 said:
I can say that the cleans aren't horrible on it but could be better just a bit to much midrange for good cleans.
Click to expand...

My experience is exactly the opposite: cleans were great, midrange was just right, bass was tight, and the highs were airy and sweet, and the "chirp" (both-on position) was to die for. When Overdriven, the tone was commanding and articulated, and the note separation was second to none.

Also, hitting the right notes at the right time helps a lot with tone too, you know...? ;)

HTH,
 
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