Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

[Guitarrman]

Hi, I have a Jackson RR which currently has a set of EMG´s (81/89) in it. I´m looking to change them for something brighter and slightly lower output to get rid of the nasal tone. I´ve been looking at either getting a JB/Jazz set or a Custom/Jazz set, any comments? I really like the sound of a Full Shred in an SG but want something slightly fatter while still retaining brightness and note separation. The guitar is a maple neck thu with alder wings and an ebony fretboard. Any advice would be very appreciated.

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

Hi, welcome to the forum Guitarrman!

That's a sweet axe you have there. IMO you can't go wrong with the JB/Jazz set. The Custom/Jazz would make a nice pair as well, but the JB/Jazz is a legend! The real recommendations that we can give you though will be based on answering these questions:

What kind of music are you playing with this guitar?

What kind of amp do you usually play through?

 

[Archer250]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

JB/Jazz, JB/59, Custom/Jazz, Custom/59, 59-Custom/Jazz

IMO, can't go wrong with these.

But you're looking for something specific. The JB might do the trick, but it *can* sound nasal depending on amp settings and guitar.

I don't have much experience with the Custom.

 

[Aasinsilta]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

JB/Jazz appears in some production RR's, so that's definitely worth a shot. You might be able to even demo a Rhoads with them before you install them, your guitar could be a bit different tonally but it would give you a ballpark idea of it you'll like it or not.

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

In my experience the JB is a little too muddy for my tastes in a neck through, I love the JB in a bolt on though.

If you want something that is a little fatter than a Full shred yet still bright and articulate, I would take a hard look at a Black Winter Set.

 

[Guitarrman]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

I play mostly metal but with some hard rock mixed in there. Right now i'm using a really old (probably '80s) Roland cube 60 with a vintage Ibanez super metal for my gain tones, but i'm saving up to get something like a 6505

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

I play mostly metal but with some hard rock mixed in there. Right now i'm using a really old (probably '80s) Roland cube 60 with a vintage Ibanez super metal for my gain tones, but i'm saving up to get something like a 6505

Hah I use a Ibanez SM9 with a black face bassman for my punk tone..

If you havent you really should try your EMG's at 18volts. It only costs another battery clip and battery to try and makes a pretty big change to the way they sound and feel in particular it clears up the congestion.

If that doesnt work get the JB... pair it with a Jazz...

Oh and dont forget to buy new pots for the guitar cause the EMG ones wont work and add a ground wire from the bridge.

 

[jonsick]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

Hello me, meet the real me

I'm on the same tonal quest with Jackson (and ESP). I came from EMGs and I go between a TSL100 and a 6505+ amp.

So far, I have a DiMarzio Super Distortion bridge and Gravity Storm Neck in my SL2h. I really like the combination. Both pickups are a pleasure to solo with and the rhythms can get as smooth or as crunchy as you like. I find it works with both amps.

I presently have a JB and Jazz set in the KV2. I like the Jazz but the JB isn't quite gelling with me. I have a Screamin Demon and will try that next.

My favorite so far is the DiMarzio set in the SL2H.

 

[Guitarrman]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

Hah I use a Ibanez SM9 with a black face bassman for my punk tone..

If you havent you really should try your EMG's at 18volts. It only costs another battery clip and battery to try and makes a pretty big change to the way they sound and feel in particular it clears up the congestion.

If that doesnt work get the JB... pair it with a Jazz...

Oh and dont forget to buy new pots for the guitar cause the EMG ones wont work and add a ground wire from the bridge.

What kind of difference could I expect if i add another battery?

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

What kind of difference could I expect if i add another battery?

You get more head room... they are a lot less compressed... they dont clip when you hit them hard so they seem cleaner and feel more dynamic

 

[Guitarrman]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

You get more head room... they are a lot less compressed... they dont clip when you hit them hard so they seem cleaner and feel more dynamic

That sounds like i should try it out. that would certainly be a lot cheaper than getting new pickups (like i said i wanna get a 6505)

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

It really is worth a try... a battery clip is 6 bucks... its cheap enough that it more than worth it to try

 

[MkIII Renegade]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

Hi, I have a Jackson RR which currently has a set of EMG´s (81/89) in it. I´m looking to change them for something brighter and slightly lower output to get rid of the nasal tone. I´ve been looking at either getting a JB/Jazz set or a Custom/Jazz set, any comments? I really like the sound of a Full Shred in an SG but want something slightly fatter while still retaining brightness and note separation. The guitar is a maple neck thu with alder wings and an ebony fretboard. Any advice would be very appreciated.

My advice to you is the same as I give to all EMG users-----try the SPC midboost control. It will greatly boost mids while rolling off highs in comparison and warm up your tone. I don't think it's needed in Les Paul style guitar, but most everything else needs it to sound right to my ears. I use about 1/4 boost for rhythm and up to full for leads, and it is like going into God Mode. :argh: :firing:

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

I wouldn't go with the JB if you are trying to avoid nasal. I wouldn't go with a Super distortion if you want note separation. Custom/Jazz would be a good place to start.

 

[jonsick]

Re: Pickup suggestions for a Jackson Randy Rhoads

I tried the 18v mod on a few of my guitars. Notably, anything tuned E-E I noticed no real difference. There was a difference on guitars I have lower tunings on which actually meant they stayed put and was happy with them. But for the standard or D-D tuned stuff, I still found them too compressed and lacking dynamics (i.e. picking strings strong or soft).