Jazz neck, SSL-1 middle, 59/Custom Hybrid bridge for an Ash Ibanez Prestiege ?

[2percentmilk]

Trying to make my ash bodied ibanez prestiege less metal and more versatile. I've always been a shredder but the last couple years I've switched up my style. I'm on the fence about selling the ibanez for something a little more geared towards what I'm playing which is pop-punk, Indy, alternative with some shreddy leads here and there. Do you think this set up will get me close to my desired sound or should I sell it and go with another guitar . I was originally going to go with the JB / 59 combo but I'm opting for a less aggressive sound.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Jazz neck, SSL-1 middle, 59/Custom Hybrid bridge for an Ash Ibanez Prestiege ?

Welcome to the forum!

This all depends on the difference between the sound of your guitar now, and where you want it to go. The combo you mentioned (Jazz/SSL-1/Hybrid) is a great combo, but you have to decide on the EQ, too. The SSL-1 & Jazz are bright pickups, so if that EQ works for you, then go for it. You might consider a stacked pickup for the middle to make all positions humbucking, however.

 

[Shooweri]

Re: Jazz neck, SSL-1 middle, 59/Custom Hybrid bridge for an Ash Ibanez Prestiege ?

Like Mincer just said, it depends on what kind of EQ you're after. For a bright setup Jazz and SSL-1 are gonna work just fine. However, as Ibanez's usually have flat fretboard radius I would go for flat pole single in the middle, like SSL-2.

If you want slightly warmer tone from midde/neck -positions take a look at APS-2/APH-1n combo. 59/Custom is gonna work well with either setup.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Jazz neck, SSL-1 middle, 59/Custom Hybrid bridge for an Ash Ibanez Prestiege ?

Like Mincer just said, it depends on what kind of EQ you're after. For a bright setup Jazz and SSL-1 are gonna work just fine. However, as Ibanez's usually have flat fretboard radius I would go for flat pole single in the middle, like SSL-2.

If you want slightly warmer tone from midde/neck -positions take a look at APS-2/APH-1n combo. 59/Custom is gonna work well with either setup.

Ibanez guitars do not come with a flat radius fretboard, but they do range from 17.5" radius to a rounder 12".

To the OP, I'd actually recommend a Sentient neck (which isn't too far off from the Jazz). It's not quite as clean as the Jazz, but it's not far off either. It isn't quite as bright as the Jazz, which is also something I prefer in a neck pickup.

For the middle I would recommend a 5-2, which has A5 polepieces under the bass strings and A2 under the treble. They keep the low strings tight and percussive and stop the top strings from being thin or shrill.

I agree with you idea of the 59/C in the bridge. It is a great pickup.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Jazz neck, SSL-1 middle, 59/Custom Hybrid bridge for an Ash Ibanez Prestiege ?

The Ssl1 will be quieter than the hbs. You could use a master spin a split to get it to balance or use a twang banger for more output or go full power with a quarter pound. I have a quarter pound in an hsh and it sits at the same height as the hbs.

 

[2percentmilk]

Re: Jazz neck, SSL-1 middle, 59/Custom Hybrid bridge for an Ash Ibanez Prestiege ?

Appreciate all the responses. I might decide to trade in the ibanez for a tele just because I really don't need the floyd rose and stuff for what I'm playing now. I Definetly am aiming for a warm mid range feel but still with enough crunch for chugs. I should have mentioned it'll be tuned to drop C#

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Jazz neck, SSL-1 middle, 59/Custom Hybrid bridge for an Ash Ibanez Prestiege ?

Appreciate all the responses. I might decide to trade in the ibanez for a tele just because I really don't need the floyd rose and stuff for what I'm playing now. I Definetly am aiming for a warm mid range feel but still with enough crunch for chugs. I should have mentioned it'll be tuned to drop C#

That's not really what Teles are for. Teles tend to excel at smooth types of jazz with the neck pickup and twangy types of country on the bridge. They don't really chug and will likely not sound the greatest in drop C#.

Prestiges are nice guitars, so chances are that you might be able to get a better tone not by getting a new guitar, but rather by honing your skills; after all, you did just switch up your style.

 

[2percentmilk]

Re: Jazz neck, SSL-1 middle, 59/Custom Hybrid bridge for an Ash Ibanez Prestiege ?

That's not really what Teles are for. Teles tend to excel at smooth types of jazz with the neck pickup and twangy types of country on the bridge. They don't really chug and will likely not sound the greatest in drop C#.

Prestiges are nice guitars, so chances are that you might be able to get a better tone not by getting a new guitar, but rather by honing your skills; after all, you did just switch up your style.

Touchè, I do own another prestiege too, not to mention an standard RG. I was looking into that Telecaster HH FMT which is more of a modern take. Thing about playing the music I'm currently playing, it seems excessive. The jumbo frets, floyd rose, locking system. But if I can get a better tone out of it with a pickup switch, then it'd be enough for me to overlook that stuff. Thanks for the input