Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

[Royler]

Please, only qualified experts! Just kidding..

So, I have the following material to work with...

Guitar: Ibanez RG470 '97, made in Korea
Wood: basswood (a huge probability is that the wood is of lesser quality, than on RG470's made in Japan)
Neck: maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
Finish: black, looks pretty thick and strong, probably polyurethane

Now the main stuff...

Bridge: Floyd Rose, ORIGINAL
PUP's: stock Ibanez, INF1, INFS1 i INF2.

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As you can see, my guitar is not really the best material to make something out of it. But, I'm really defiant about this fact, and desperately want to make a decent guitar out of my RG, which can serve me in various situations. I'd like to get a best-possible-configuration, that is, to pull out a maximum from the given limitations.

The switch from terrible Lo-TRSII tremolo to Original Floyd Rose was unsurpassed, and the enhancement of the sound was at least 50%, with tons of sustain and tonal clarity. Now, the rest 50% of problem are terribly muddy and undefined stock pickups, especially for my intention to make a decent guitar out of this Ibby.

I've heard that DiMarzio pickups are generally more sterile and even sounding, while Seymour Duncans's are generally more warm and distinguished. But, I've also heard that SD's shed more light to the tonal quality of the guitar itself, namely the quality and type of wood, while DiMarzios are a bit less sensitive to that.

My styles of playing are not (as you could imagine by the type of guitar) metal or trash-metal, but rather classic rock, just a bit of old-school metal (early Maidens, Sabbath..), fusion, and also flirting with blues and jazz.

So, I'm asking you experts or experienced users, what PU's would you suggest to me?

Generally, I'm in quest for all-round sound, with emphasis on classic rock and NOT metal.

Thank you very much for any help!!

 

[AlexR]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Personally I would go the Parallel axis route. The bridge position #3 gives a thinner toned guitar a classic LP vibe/sound. The 1 is heavier and will give heavy rock tones as well as classics. The neck #1 is lower o/p, and more like a PAF in strength. There is also a SC for the mid too, which is supposed to be a warm vintage type sound.

Those who have tried the PATB range will say they are clear for their output level. I have a 3(B) and a 1(N) coming, but they're not yet in the guitar so I have no personal experience of the exact tones as yet.

 

[zakk_speed]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

I have a very similar guitar - Its an MIJ RG470 from '97, basswood body, original wizard maple neck with a rosewood board, an original floyd rose with an upgraded L-shaped sustain block from floydupgrades. I also have a 500K CTS volume pot and a 1Meg CTS tone pot with the stock caps.

BRIDGE : Having gone through both Evo's, a custom-custom, a tone zone, an air zone and a TB-6 in the bridge, I've found the best bridge sound for me is a PATB-2 distortion.

MIDDLE : For the middle I tried a hot rails and a vintage rails before settling on a cool-rails bridge model as it matches well output wise. I've seen a hot-stack recommened here as well, depends if you want volume-matched or volume-drop for the middle. I have it pretty low, with the 5 way set to coil split the other pickups on the 2 and 4 settings, and I use it for clean parts. For looks the PA single stack would be great here, but I'd be concerned about it fitting the route, as its a squeeze to get the cool rails in there. (If anyone has fitted this please post pictures!)

NECK : For the neck i went through evo, air zone and distortion-neck before settling on the PATB-1 neck - honestly as much for looks as for sound, as i felt the guitar looked a bit odd with the PATB in the bridge and a standard PU in the neck. It matches well with the PATB-2 for quick neck-bridge changeovers in a song.

The sound I get is a classic-rock to 80s/90s metal, and the PATBs seem to sit particularly well with the singing sustain from the upgraded trem block. The challenge you may have with this setup is the bridge is high output, and while not as compressing as a distortion will not get great glassy cleans or blues out of this..when I play blues I lift a different guitar.

I've heard a lot of folks like the Breeds in this guitar too, but I'm happy with the combo I've got.

Have a search in the forums on 'PATB' as I know there a lot of posts about that pickup in this style of guitar.


HTH

 

[Royler]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Thank you all so far for your help!

I have a very similar guitar - Its an MIJ RG470 from '97, basswood body,

Hey, are you sure it's '97 AND made in Japan? Because mine is from '97, and I seriously doubt that they produced parallel lines of 470's in Japan and in Korea back then.

Maybe it's MIJ but not from '97, or maybe it's from '97 but not MIJ?
What serial do you have on your neck? Mine is C7127666.

original wizard maple neck with a rosewood board, an original floyd rose with an upgraded L-shaped sustain block from floydupgrades. I also have a 500K CTS volume pot and a 1Meg CTS tone pot with the stock caps.

Oh, by the way, did you use your original trem posts, or put OFR ones?
I did put new ones. I'm also planning to upgrade my sustain block. I think floydupgrades.com is a serious deal!

The sound I get is a classic-rock to 80s/90s metal, and the PATBs seem to sit particularly well with the singing sustain from the upgraded trem block. The challenge you may have with this setup is the bridge is high output, and while not as compressing as a distortion will not get great glassy cleans or blues out of this..when I play blues I lift a different guitar.

I've really heard some good stuff about PATB's, but need to investigate a little bit furher. The main difference between me and majority of RG470 players is, that I'm not into metal - well maybe 20%. I like classic rock/di Meola sound, and although I don't have an expensive Les Paul like most of these guitar players, I'd like to get as close as I can to that sound.

 

[AlleeCat]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

:banana::banana:Royler, I just did a mod job on my Ibanez grg 170 dx (yes I know it was a cheap guitar), with a Basswood body.

I used 3 HB's, 3 TS's, 3 on/off/on switches (for on/off/phase), and 3 volume pots. The pick ups were Invader in the bridge, Pearly Gates b in the middle and a Pearly Gates n in the neck position. I couldn't be happier with the tones! So many combinations with the TS's and the 3 volumes! I get series/ palleral/coil split/ out of phase combinations. The Invader is great for metal tones, and the Pearly Gates pickups do the rock tones. This set up has left my bandmates wanting to upgrade their Fenders and Gibsons!

I also upgraded to Graph Tech saddles, and nut. That combined with a professional setup by Guitar Tex, I have the coolest axe I've ever played, and yes I do own vintage Gibsons and Fenders. But none of the even come close to the tone, and varations of tones I now get from this setup!

By the way, don't listen to anyone ragging on you about upgrading a cheap guitar. I could have spent 2 grand on a LP, and still not have the this setup. What ever guitar I started with, I would still have needed to add new pickups, TS's, switches and pots to get this flexibality and range of tones. Good luck with your project.

AlleeCat

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Generally, I'm in quest for all-round sound, with emphasis on classic rock and NOT metal.

Thank you very much for any help!!

JB (TB-4) and a 59n....just like they stick in US Jacksons and Charvels at the factory. You get lots of mileage from that combo. It works great for classic rock, and the JB is hot enough to go further, but not so hot that you can't back things down for great crunch.

 

[John E Rokker]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Royler,

You will not be happy with the sound of that guitar until you install an F-spaced Dimarzio Steve's Special in the bridge, and an Air Norton in the neck. As for the middle... eh, just leave it. This combo will allow you to do any style with basswood.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

If you are going with Duncans.....I highly recommend the PATB-1 for the bridge and a matching PATB . You can go with a lot of things in the middle single slot, but the PATB STK single is a great, great sounding pickup....very sweet.

The PATB-1 reads like it's pretty hot, but to me it's a lot like the CC in the Custom line...not as hot as you would think. It can do everything from lower gain classic rock to Priest, Maiden and Sabbath. Really an underrated pickup line. If you're interested and can tolerate the sloppy playing, I'll list a couple of recordings I have done recently with the PATB-1 in the bridge of my basswood Dana Alvarez Scoop with a licensed floyd rose, maple/maple neck.

Here is the first one: Talk Dirty To Me

2nd one: Back In Black - this one is not finished...no lead guitar or rhythm fills, but it will give you a better idea of the lower gain tones available.

Sorry for the long post.

 

[mustaine-who?]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

I would not use any of what has been suggested for classic rock and not metal as you stated. Get a Dimarzio Super Distortion bridge and an PAF Pro for the neck and call it a day. PATB-2? Way too modern. Steve Special? Again too modern and scooped. Air Norton neck? Too modern as well. PATB-1 maybe...

 

[AlexR]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Ah, but the patb #3 as I suggested earlier is like a '59, but with a more rounded top-end. This is I believe the perfect pup to make a floyd strat sound 'classic rock'

 

[Metalblaze]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

I've tried the Air Zone in my RG270DX with very nice classic rock tone results. Great midrange crunch and fat sound.

The JB was also cool in it. A different kind of classic sound. Smooth distortion and rounded highs. More a upper mid snarl than the mid mid crunch of the AZ.

PAF pro. I remember I liked the sound a lot just can't describe it as it was only a short while in the guitar.

Finaly the Demon was great. Very crunchy and tight and when cranked up had a huge bass thunk. Kind of deep tone to it.

 

[Royler]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Again, thank you all for your invaluable inputs!

By the way, don't listen to anyone ragging on you about upgrading a cheap guitar. I could have spent 2 grand on a LP, and still not have the this setup. What ever guitar I started with, I would still have needed to add new pickups, TS's, switches and pots to get this flexibality and range of tones.

Good luck with your project.

Thank you very much, sir!

JB (TB-4) and a 59n....just like they stick in US Jacksons and Charvels at the factory. You get lots of mileage from that combo. It works great for classic rock, and the JB is hot enough to go further, but not so hot that you can't back things down for great crunch.

I've heard some stories that JB hum is very sensitive to the type and quality of wood in the guitar, hence it sounds best for example on LP's. Some people say it doesn't sound as nearly as good on basswood guitar with floyd rose bridge. Would you say there is truth in that?

Here is the first one: Talk Dirty To Me

2nd one: Back In Black - this one is not finished...no lead guitar or rhythm fills, but it will give you a better idea of the lower gain tones available.

Sorry for the long post.

That YOU for your will to demonstrate these pickups, and for soundclips! You play very well. I like the second soundclip, and the sound of guitar! It sounds like classic rock tone - AC/DC and Free. Very nice. I may consider PATB hums for myself too. Now, do you recommend series 1, 2 or 3? What's the difference?

I would not use any of what has been suggested for classic rock and not metal as you stated. Get a Dimarzio Super Distortion bridge and an PAF Pro for the neck and call it a day. PATB-2? Way too modern. Steve Special? Again too modern and scooped. Air Norton neck? Too modern as well. PATB-1 maybe...

Now that you mention Super Distortion, I've read in a lot of inet-places, that the new Super Distortion hums are not anywhere near to the old '70s/80's SD's in terms of sound. A lot of users said it. Would you agree?

 

[zakk_speed]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Thank you all so far for your help!



Hey, are you sure it's '97 AND made in Japan? Because mine is from '97, and I seriously doubt that they produced parallel lines of 470's in Japan and in Korea back then.

Maybe it's MIJ but not from '97, or maybe it's from '97 but not MIJ?
What serial do you have on your neck? Mine is C7127666.

Oh, by the way, did you use your original trem posts, or put OFR ones?
I did put new ones. I'm also planning to upgrade my sustain block. I think floydupgrades.com is a serious deal!


I've really heard some good stuff about PATB's, but need to investigate a little bit furher. The main difference between me and majority of RG470 players is, that I'm not into metal - well maybe 20%. I like classic rock/di Meola sound, and although I don't have an expensive Les Paul like most of these guitar players, I'd like to get as close as I can to that sound.

Your're right - My serial on this neck begins F99 which puts it as Japan but 99 - blame it on the fact that I've also got an '87 roadstar and 3 kids - good spot. IIRC the neck is stamped 550 on the heel. This one originally came with the Lo-TRS (not the II) so im pretty sure body/neck are correct and MIJ.


They are the orginal trem posts as they were in good condition. I went with a 32mm L-block for the floyd, you could likley fit a 37mm in there but it may require taking off the back cover for the springs to clear - the tolerance is tight if you like a low action with a 37mm.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

I've heard some stories that JB hum is very sensitive to the type and quality of wood in the guitar, hence it sounds best for example on LP's. Some people say it doesn't sound as nearly as good on basswood guitar with floyd rose bridge. Would you say there is truth in that?

I have found that is much pickier about electronics than wood. Some like it with 250K controls, others like a single 500K volume. It is a solid choice for what you want to do, the JB will likely sound brighter than your INF pups.

 

[Despair]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

PATB-3 if you are more concerned with cleans & low gain, but may venture higher.

PATB-1 if you care more about medium gain tones and up. It can do cleans, but takes some knob-twiddling to get it to sound right, and may feel a bit stiff. Does low gain tones VERY well. Medium gain and up it's just effortless. Ridiculous range of tones just playing with the knobs on the guitar.

PATB-2 pretty much doesn't do clean, it's a great pickup, but probably not what you are looking for.

Sorry for terseness, family visiting, can clarify later if needed.

 

[Despair]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

In more detail, I'd recommend:
PATB-1b or PATB-3 in bridge.
PATB-1n in neck.

For middle, there's a number of options, depending on what particular single coil tone you want, and whether you want better volume balance with the humbuckers, or if you tend to use it by itself on another patch/channel than the humbuckers.

Your best bet is probably to get the neck & bridge installed & sorted out first. Then decide whether you want the middle from the Parallel Axis line, or whether you want to balance for volume or aim for classic tone & output.

The PA-STK1 is a nice glassy high output tone, but it's not a pure strat single coil, it's sort of a hybrid tone, a bit strat, a bit P-90, a bit all it's own thing. A good sound clean or distorted by most accounts. It might require enlarging the route to fit, though.

Other than that, you could go with an SSL-2 for a non-humbucking classic strat pickup. Or an STK-4 Classic Stack Plus for a near identical noise-cancelling pickup. But I'd probably recommend an STK-S7 Vintage Hot Stack Plus, which should be just enough hotter to balance better, without losing the classic tone. Seymour Duncan doesn't have a stock non-humbucking equivalent to the STK-S7.

Some even go for the STK-S6 Custom Stack Plus for best balance against the full humbuckers, but most people prefer a slightly weaker middle pickup, as long as it isn't COMPLETELY unbalanced. There's also the Custom Flat SSL-6 if you prefer non-humbucking single.

There are of course others, but I would probably stay away from the 5-2 or A2 designs in a basswood superstrat, likely to sound too midrangy.

I'd go for the PA-STK1 or STK-S7, myself.

 

[Royler]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Thank you very much for these detailed descriptions, Despair!
I appreciate it!

When I select and change my pickups, and test them, I'll post my experience here... probably in a month or two!

Thank you all, again!

 

[RichardFX]

Re: Need advice: pickups for Ibanez RG470 MiK

Let us know how you go with your RG470 mate.

I was going to suggest the Seymour Duncan JB4's for the bridge.

I accidently bought a SH version rather than a TB version, as liked the colour choices, hehe, however the sound is amazing. I will eventually swap them over for a TB version. If you are interested in hearing them in my RG470, I am starting to finally get some sound tests up here in this post: http://www.jemsite.com/forums/f21/rg-470-93-mik-trem-amp-pickup-mods-108323-8.html

I will be putting in some Seymour Duncan Blackouts next (ABH-1 model).

Just found this post while searching for mine funnily enough, however I thought it might help you :wink: