For a bolt-on, basswood bodied 8-string, the Invader? Or something else?

[Despised]

Hello again all,

I am considering picking up another 8-string in the future, and I'm not sure what to put in it. The guitar is most likely going to be an ESP LTD H-208, and I already know the stock pickups will be junk. And I'm looking at the bolt-on for a change of pace, since I have an ESP LTD FM-408 w/ an EMG 808X, EMG SPC tone control and a 9-18V switch in it. And since the 8-string has enough low end to it already, I am looking at the bolt-on for a brighter tone than the next model up, the H-338 (mahogany bodied bolt-on...) and tuning on it would probably be a half step down, Eb - Eb wb low Bb and low F, using the Ernie Ball 8-string Slinky set...

So with this being said, what would be a better replacement set of pickups for it? I was thinking a set of Invader 8's, with chrome pole pieces and in the soapbar sized housings. That, and the Invader would help darken the sound a little bit too. I'm not looking for something super bright like the Distortion or the Nazgul. I was also considering trying an H-S-H configuration if I went with a set of DiMarzios, but I'm not sure if I should try the D-Activator 8's with the Ionizer middle SC, or run the whole Ionizer set... If I go the DiMarzio route, I'm going for the coil splits and all. But if I do the Invader 8's, I'm probably only looking at two independant volumes - one for each pickup - as I've heard that the Invader don't really have any good split coil tones to it... But I'm really attracted to the thought of having them debo chrome pole pieces of the Invader sticking out of the covers and matching the black w/ chrome hardware...

So what would you folks recommend? I'd like to try and start trying and using more of the Duncan stuff for a change, but I know what the Ionizers are going to sound like and be more diverse... Any thoughts and suggestions welcomed, with the exception of recommending somethin boutique like BKP, Lundgren, or anything like that. So what say you for this one???

Thanks again!

 

[vinta9e]

Re: For a bolt-on, basswood bodied 8-string, the Invader? Or something else?

Maybe... personally I don't even want to think about possible pickup candidates until I have the guitar in my hands. Wood is an organic material so every piece has its own tone. An Invader might work or not, depending on both the wood, and what you want to achieve.

 

[chris effect]

Re: For a bolt-on, basswood bodied 8-string, the Invader? Or something else?

I don't think the distortion or nazgul would be a lot brighter than d-activators. I'd definitely give the Pegasus some thought.. It would be more versatile lilke the ionizer. and as you know The duncans come in active size housings... I'd go for the Pegasus / Sentient combo, i think both of those clean up and split well. My second choice would be an Ionizer set. The Invader set is still an option too. I would just imagine they'd be a little muddy, i don't know for sure though.

 

[Inder_Cine_Mann]

Re: For a bolt-on, basswood bodied 8-string, the Invader? Or something else?

I dont feel a distortion would be too bright in basswood. My nazgul is in the mail and will go in a basswood 7 string RG. I can tell u how it sounds once i put it in. It will also be wired to split as you are doing so i can tell u how that sounds also!

As for Ionizers i have no idea but ive noticed that Mr Abasi like very bright tone in general. Especially when he was playing EMGs

 

[Despised]

Re: For a bolt-on, basswood bodied 8-string, the Invader? Or something else?

@ vinta9e: I agree with you about how every guitar will sound different due to the wood(s) used, but swapping a junk set of pickups for something far better is a vast improvement. Then if it becomes an issue of not liking the pickups, I can either return, exchange or sell them. I just need to get a better feel for what would be better for this particular guiar, and what I am really looking to get out of it...

@ chris effect: The Pegasus is one I'm considering, but I'm leaning more towards a higher output pickup, as I can always tweak the amp accordingly to compensate. I do also know that a few of the Duncan models come in the soapbar sized housings, which is why I am considering the Duncans for a more smooth and cleaner look. However, I'm not opposed to having the little spacing on the sides of the humbuckers either with the DiMarzios - especially if I wind up doing an H/S/H configuration on it...

@ Inder_Cine_Mann: Thanks for that, and yes please do keep me updated on that and how the Nazgul works in Basswood, and with how the splits sound. And I think a lot of Tosin's tone is coming from the Axe FX he runs, but I know the guitar has a good bit to do with it.

And after seeing another video regarding his new signautre model, it's going to feature the basswood body like a typical RG, and the Ionizers sound rather surprising. Granted, I know that the H208 isn't going to have a wenge & bubinga neck like the Ibanez will, but I at least have a rough idea of what they'd sound like.

And again, if I do the Invaders this would be pretty much a strait shred face guitar, especially with the tuning. However, I would like to start getting into some new teritory of style and playing and tonality of something like the Ionizers... So it's really up in the air for the time being, but I'm doing the homework before taking it in and it'll probably be a package buy - the guitar wouldn't really be played until the new pickups go in it.