New pups for Ibz RG 2550 Prestige

[Despair]

Re: New pups for Ibz RG 2550 Prestige

There are different grades of basswood, and some companies even silently substitute agathis. I would not be surprised if they only consistently use the better wood in the signature lines. The better grade is supposed to be a bit less muffled in tone. That's one possible explanation for why the JB works in basswood for some people, but not the majority.

Ibanez very consistently uses DiMarzio pickups in their basswood guitars, as do most companies that heavily use basswood.

EVH has a maple cap on his guitar, which is a totally different story. I'm surprised that's not more common. Or walnut caps.

Satriani used to use Seymour Duncans early on, before he started using basswood guitars. But some of his signature models have mahogany bodies. Some JS-6s, the current JS1600...

 

[BloodRose]

Re: New pups for Ibz RG 2550 Prestige

My RG570 has a Duncan 59bridge model in the neck. (bridge model gives alil more bluesy cream tone) Have a Dimarzion Virtual Vintage Blues in the middle and a Duncan PATB3 in the bridge. I can get everything out of that axe! Plus, I have a Dtuna mounted on it.

The PATB3 has a huge fat tone. It isnt particularly hot, but my amp has enough bake..

 

[The Tone Ranger]

Re: New pups for Ibz RG 2550 Prestige

@ Despair - Yeah, that's why I ended up going with Dimarzio even though I prefer the tone of Duncans. Out of all the Dimarzio pups I seriously looked at the D-Activator, Steve's Special, Mo'Joe and Tone Zone. I noticed that the current RG 3550z Prestige they put in an Air Norton/Tone Zone combo. I really don't like the Air Norton and don't see what all the fuss is about. It sounds way too bassy for me. I guess if you just played jazz it would work, but I really prefer a bluesier/vintage neck tone...so the PAF Joe is wonderful.

I tried to like the Tone Zone, but all the clips I listened to...it just sounded buzzy and too "clinical" for my tastes. The D-Activator seemed like my dream pup since I love EMGs, but don't want to go active. However, some sound clips sounded great while others just sounded horrid. I like the way it sounds in the Xyphos and Iceman, but I don't think it sounds good in a Tele (John 5) - way too bright. It also seemed to lack some warmth. I know Chris Broderick now uses D-Activators in his basswood 7-strings and he used to use Duncans and Bare Knuckles. So I don't know...maybe if I tire of the Mo'Joe I should look at the D-Activator.

The Steve's Special to me sounds killer for chords, but it was the lead playing that kinda sounded thin to me. I know it has scooped mids and I was worried I wouldn't be able to pull harmonics out of it. Although if I were to think of replacing the Mo'Joe with another Dimarzio...I would strongly consider this pup.

Like I said, I probably need to hear my current setup through a nice tube amp before I consider switching again. Plus, since I know NOTHING about repairs/mods, it costs me $$ and at least 3 weeks of time before I can have my guitar back (George's Music tech to do install/setup).

I'll save my cash for a tube amp or another guitar that is a fixed bridge 22 fret model like the Ibanez Art 300/320 which I think is a great guitar for the $$. Of course that Jackson MM Dominion will be mine...one day! I'd also like to have the Charvel San Dimas 1 with the '59/JB, a Tremonti PRS or Custom 22, a Les Paul with Pearly Gates pair, and a Xyphos that I would put a Blackout set in. I think that would satisfy You gotta dream!