Pickup Choice???

[Lee Bob]

I just bought a ESP LTD M-302 and am planning on changing the pickups in the near future (perhaps get them as a B-Day present). This guitar is a maple neck thru with mahogany body wings and a flamed maple top (prolly veneer) and rosewood fretboard. It currently has the EMG HZ-4's in it which I will give a thorough testing of when the guitar arrives next week. What I am looking for is a nice lead guitar for Metallica leads and Satch and Vai stuff. I currently have an Epi LP for rhythm and most cleans. I was originally planning on slapping some active EMG's in it (either 81b/85n or 81b/60n) but have heard some accounts from unsatisfied people recently. Can you guys recommend some passive pups ie. Duncan or Dimarzio that can possibly fit the bill?

Summary of what I'm looking for:

Bridge: -tight low end, shimmery highs and articulate under high gain
Neck: -buttery leads, nice full cleans

Thanks in advance

 

[flank]

Re: Pickup Choice???

C5 bridge has nice defined low end and shimmery highs and is articulate.... but it may not be perfect for metallica and vai type stuff DEPENDING on what amp your playin into?

APH neck would probably be nice for the neck pickup.......

 

[Lee Bob]

Re: Pickup Choice???

I'm currently looking at the C-5/59 combo for my LP so I want something a little different. From reading some other posts regarding moom, I think the Steve Special/Air Norton sounds like sorta what I'm looking for...but please give more advice.

 

[Lee Bob]

Re: Pickup Choice???

Does anyone here have any experience with Lace Sensor humbuckers ie the Drop and Gain or Hemi series?

 

[Lee Bob]

Re: Pickup Choice???

Bumpity Bump

 

[Chestnut King]

Re: Pickup Choice???

There's a LTD at the studio where i record my stuff and i have to say that the EMG H4s dont sound bad at all....give 'em a whirl. On the other hand, if you want exact Metallica type sound, active EMGs would probably be the best...

 

[\m/(00)\m/]

Re: Pickup Choice???

i guess maybe a custom for the bridge position
and a 59 for neck

or for a total tiught agressive sound i guess a dimarzio evolution for bridge and somehting for neck

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Pickup Choice???

I'd go with a Duncan Custom Myself. I love the tone they put out...... :32:

 

[APB_4]

Re: Pickup Choice???

I think that active pickups are an aquired taste so try before you buy otherwise I'd agree with GuitarGuy Custom bridge is nice