New PUP's for an Ibanez RG 220

[BrownPanick]

Trying to find a new set of pickups for my Ibanez RG 220B. It's a H-H configuration, Floyd Rose licensed trem, basswood body, bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fretboard. I will typically play Classic Rock, Grunge, Metal. I think for now I just want to replace the bridge pickup and worry about the neck later. It currently has the stock pickups in it, not sure what they are but they lack sustain, tone, and just generally are sub-par. I consulted the tone wizard and it recommended a JB or a Custom 5. I checked the audio samples and the JB didn't sound any better than what I currently have (how accurate are these samples anyway?!).

I guess I'm looking for some suggestions for a good bridge pickup. Based solely on the audio samples, I'm liking the Pearly Gates. Close runner up is the Screamin' Demon. I also took a look at the Alnico II Pro and the Invader, but it seems like those might have too much output for my tastes (again how accurate are the audio samples?!). Need something with good sustain, better harmonics, nice chuggable lows and highs that aren't too shrill and piercing. Any help?

Thanks!

 

[Mr. B]

Re: New PUP's for an Ibanez RG 220

I always associate Ibanez guitars with Dimarzio pickups. I've tried Duncans in mine because Duncans are usually my favorites, but I find more Dimarzios that work in RG's. I like the Air Zone quite a bit in my RG, and it does have good sustain, good harmonics, fairly tight lows, and does not have shrill highs. The Screamin Demon works well, but overall, that pickup makes me work too hard. I've never found the Audio Samples on the Duncan sight to be worth anything. Go find videos on Youtube. It will give you a better idea.

 

[BrownPanick]

Re: New PUP's for an Ibanez RG 220

Thanks for the info. I suspected that based on the awesome reputation the JB's have that the audio sample is more likely not doing it justice. I kind of looked at DiMarzio, but I always got the feeling that Seymour Duncans were better quality and just in general seemed to sound more like what I'm going for. I'll probably take another look at some though, though I am leaning more towards the above mentioned SD's.