Neck Pickup Dilemma

[B1GM3]

BEWARE - I am an absolute newbie at this so bare with me. Flaming is not appreciated.

I was planning on buying a Dean ML XM and replacing the pickups and tuners. I have pretty much decided on tuners and I'm fairly sure I want to put an invader on the bridge (I want to play heavy stuff) but I am stuck for a neck pickup. I have thought about the '59, possibly the SH55, (and forgive me for this) but also the dimarzio air norton or D activator X. I want a passive pickup that won't distort at high volume and has clean, sharp highs. I am not worried so much about the bassy end as I plan on using the bridge for that. Can anyone help me decide?

 

[mudpuppy]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

The Jazz definitely has clean, sharp highs, but may be too low in output to match with the invader. I especially like it split to the slug poles. Some folks like a Jazz bridge pup in the neck position for more output. Be warned though, a lot of people hate the Jazz, finding it sterile and without character. Your results may vary.

 

[B1GM3]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

Is a full shred neck a good combo with the Invader? OR Custom 5? It sounds built for the purpose I had in mind.


Can't choose...

 

[B1GM3]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

Could a Seth Lover Neck work? Or perhaps bridge to try to balance output?

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

I would like to recommend an idea that the forumbro Zhangliquin suggested some time ago. I did this and i like it very much. I first had the 59N (too bass boomy on the low E); the JazzN (not bad uncovered, but a little bit flat/bland in the clean dept), the DiMarzio PAF (muddy,bassboomy), an AntN (too woody, no bite) and the Seth Lover (better, but i missed the PAF honk. Now Zhang said take the Seth Lover and swap in an Alnico 5 ... and bang. This is it. Its even better than my Gibson Shaw Neck.
The SLneckA5 has honk, bite, not boomy and clear as hell.
The SLneckA5 has a more output than the stock version:

 

[B1GM3]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

Sounds cool, but I am utterly new to the concept of fiddling with the electrics on my guitar. And, whilst it may not be much, I can't afford to screw up. I don't even have the tools I'd need let alone the know-how.

 

[WoodyTone]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

Sounds cool, but I am utterly new to the concept of fiddling with the electrics on my guitar. And, whilst it may not be much, I can't afford to screw up. I don't even have the tools I'd need let alone the know-how.

I started doing this when I was a teenager. Takes a $15 (around that amount) soldering gun and patience. Highly recommend that you learn, but if not comfortable take it to a tech -- and ask him to show you how he does it.

 

[B1GM3]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

I'll give it a shot then. Thanks for all your advice mudpuppy, hamerfan and woodytone, it's appreciated greatly.

P.S. And thank Zhangliquin for me!

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

before you spend any money, do some searches and have a good read on this forum.

 

[Mark Cearlock]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

before you spend any money, do some searches and have a good read on this forum.

+1,000,000!!!!!:friday:

 

[El CHupacabra]

Re: Neck Pickup Dilemma

btw, I haven't seen a single flamer on this forum in my entire MONTH (yes, that's right, month) of being here.

And DimArzio isn't a taboo here either. Although I stick to the FINE Products offered by Seymour Duncan©!(wink wink)