Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

[Gooch]

Got a new Mockingbird. My gripe is I do not like the EMG's very much. Compared to my other guitars with a variety of Duncans (Custom, Custom8, JB, APII), they do not sound near as alive for some reason. I even replaced the battery. The EMG60 at the neck definitely needs some help, and I'm wondering how much of this is due to the 24 frets. I've only played it through my practice amp at home, but my other guitars still sound a little more alive through that practice amp. Acoustically, the guitar sounds lively, so I don't think it's the guitar itself. It's really well made with good components.

So now I'm back to which set. For the bridge, I already have a 59/Custom Hybrid. I think that may be good to start with, otherwise, I would go with another Custom8.

For the neck, I'm really torn. I understand I may need something with pretty good output to match the bridge, given the position. It sort of acts like a middle pickup, it seems. I'm reading a lot about the issues with 24 fret neck pickups, and I've read good things about the following in the neck:

1) Jazz (not sure if its a Jazz B or N)
2) Screamin Demon Bridge (not sure which way to orient this pickup in the neck)

...And I'm not a Dimarzio guy, but they seem to be in a lot of 24 fret, shredder type guitars, and I've read they do this a bit better than Dunanc, so...

3) Dimarzio Fred (neck)
4) Dimarzio Breed (neck)
5) Dimarzio PAF Joe (neck)

Any suggestions or experiences with any of this in this situation is greatly appreciated. I may have to start another threat focusing just on the neck pup. Thanks!!

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

I would definitely go with the Demon to start.

 

[Zacker]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

I would definitely go with the Demon to start.

I'd second that. The Demon is one hell of a pickup(no pun intended). And with a Dimebucker or 59/Custom Hybrid, it will bring your guitar to ABSOLUTE SHRED TERROR

 

[Gooch]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

I checked out a video of the Demon in the neck and it sounds really good, but still not as full as a 22 fret humbucker. See here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfbrlale9j8 . In this video, he's playing a 22 fret Fender with Floyd Rose.

So is there something like the Demon that cuts like that and sounds full in the neck of a 24 fret guitar?

 

[swissmountain]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

A 24 fret guitar can take a hotter pickup for the neck since the string movement is slightly shallower.

That Screamin' Demon demo is great but I suppose that guy could make anything sound great.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

IME, the distortion neck works okay in a 24 fret situation.

 

[HKZSquared]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

Given you have EMGs already, have you thought about trying other EMGs? I loved the 89 (85 with a coil split) since it was able to do a lot as both humbucker and split in 24 fret shreadders i've played it in (mainly played it in Schecter Hellraisers though) then there's other bridge pup options too from EMG... But for passive pups, demon bridge in the neck or dimarzio liquifire are my favs among various 24 fret guitars. Didn't much like the Jazz neck though. Good luck!

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

If you have EMGs in only that guitar, I suggest you tweak your EQ settings. Actives are not as range-focused as passives are, so you're going to get a different tonality from them that requires reconstructing your EQ profile considerably more than just tweaking the bass or treble when switching between a Custom and 59, for example. Set everything to the lowest setting and take it up slowly until they sound like you want them to.

However, if you're dead-set on blaming the pickups, then I'd suggest a JB in the neck, with a parallel switch for cleans.

 

[elelpe]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

I checked out a video of the Demon in the neck and it sounds really good, but still not as full as a 22 fret humbucker. See here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfbrlale9j8 . In this video, he's playing a 22 fret Fender with Floyd Rose.

So is there something like the Demon that cuts like that and sounds full in the neck of a 24 fret guitar?

PATB-3. Just installed it in my LP. Not as cutting as Demon yet still cuts. And yeah, fuller and still in PAF territory. I can see its benefit in 24 fretter.
For hotter neck pickup, Distortion N is a good idea. Even your hybrid. Just find hotter bridge pickup for it (Customs family, JB, or ALt8).
For regular neck pickup, Pearly Gates N is the best you can get for 24 fretter for your need. It's the fullest dedicated neck pickup in 22 frets guitar.

 

[Gooch]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

Well, I just heard from Dimarzio tech and all they recommended was a PAF 36 Anniversary. Not too impressed with their response, or lack thereof.

So, I'm back to Demon, Full Shred, and now looking at Pearly Gates Bridge.

Still hear that Dimarzio may have better options for the neck in 24 fret guitars. Ugh...

Help!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

I never liked the sound of a neck pickup in a 24 fret guitar. I never found one remotely close to what I want a neck pickup to sound like. Now I just avoid 24 fret guitars.

 

[Archer250]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

From what I know, most people here orient their Screaming Demon around the logo. I currently use a Duncan Jazz in the neck of one guitar and a Dimarzio PAF 36th in another. No dissatisfaction.

 

[Gooch]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

From what I know, most people here orient their Screaming Demon around the logo. I currently use a Duncan Jazz in the neck of one guitar and a Dimarzio PAF 36th in another. No dissatisfaction.

Cool... What do you mean "around the logo"? I presume I would put it in right side up, with the Duncan logo/screw slug further from the neck.

Also, the Jazz and 36th you have, are they in 24 fret guitars? Thanks!!

 

[Archer250]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

Cool... What do you mean "around the logo"? I presume I would put it in right side up, with the Duncan logo/screw slug further from the neck.

Also, the Jazz and 36th you have, are they in 24 fret guitars? Thanks!!

By making the logo readable and facing the bridge, yo. And yeah, both are in my Ibbies. I daresay that they might sound thicker in 22 fret guitars, but I'm fine with then as they are, even though at times they can have that hard attack not commonly associated with neck pickups.

I haven't tried the screaming demon, but a lot of people like it in the neck.

 

[SJ318]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

+1 Archer250 Jazz in the neck, sweet and salty in that position. Lots of high end A5 mag and add that to more string vibration in that position should be killer.
The Jazz Bridge sounds just like the Jazz neck, only a touch louder. The high end seems to be equally present in both, and I use both, so I am intimate with their sound. Me, with your current Bridge pickup or soon to be different but still hot Bridge pickup, it sounds like anyway, I'd go Jazz Bridge for the 24 fret neck pick up.
SJ

 

[Demanic]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

IME, the distortion neck works okay in a 24 fret situation.

Especially if you stick an A4 in it.

 

[Gooch]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

Think I'm gonna go for the Demon in the Neck. I've looked all over the 'net and it's just spiraling into too many opinions.

I'm also going to call Duncan today. They never responded to my email.

 

[Lucy Diamond]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

I use the Pearly Gates in the neck for everything.

I have two Ibanez Jems and an Ibanez USA Custom with 24 frets and the Pearly Gates is freakin magical.

 

[Gooch]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

I use the Pearly Gates in the neck for everything.

I have two Ibanez Jems and an Ibanez USA Custom with 24 frets and the Pearly Gates is freakin magical.

Pearly Gates Bridge or Neck?

 

[guitar74]

Re: Neck PUP Suggestion in 24 Fret Guitar - Help!

The Demon is great. I like the Full Shred in a 24 ret guitar. I am using a JB in a cheap Jackson Dinky (24 fret, basswood body, rosewood fretboard) and love it. I use the '59 in the neck of everything, but the Jazz would be a good pick, especially if you want a little more clarity.

I am NOT an active guy. Had an EMG 81 years ago, liked it, and then heard the custom custom in a guitar exactly like mine, swapped in the custom custom and never gave active pickups another thought.