Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

[ShredCrazed]

I recently aquired a custom Randy Rhoads style flying V. From what I know it was hand made in a small shop somewhere in South Carolina. Unlike the newer Jackson RR's this one is very true to the origional design, keeping the 4 knob configuration and a toggle switch on the top with the trademark pearl white finish and black pinstripes (much like the custom Zakk Wylde has.) and it even has a nice little engraving on the back "In Memory of Randy Rhoads." Randy was a very early inspiration to me and because of that I want this ax to be as much of a tribute to his style and tone as possible so I wanted to post here to ask for advice as to what Duncan pickups should be put in it. Just looking around I've seen many people say that the Distortion/Jazz combo is what Zakk has in his and that is what Randy used but I am also interested in hearing other opinions as well.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

I recently aquired a custom Randy Rhoads style flying V. From what I know it was hand made in a small shop somewhere in South Carolina. Unlike the newer Jackson RR's this one is very true to the origional design, keeping the 4 knob configuration and a toggle switch on the top with the trademark pearl white finish and black pinstripes (much like the custom Zakk Wylde has.) and it even has a nice little engraving on the back "In Memory of Randy Rhoads."

There´s a reason Jackson makes the Rhoads the way they do: THe Shortwing / Concorde original design you´re referring to was the prototype, and Randy wasn´t 100% satisfied, he wanter it sleeker w/ better high fret access...

The Changes he spec´d out, and held in his hands (and was supposedly happy with) were "THe Black Rhoads"...

....that you can also see in the "classic" Rhoads -Couch-Axes pic (which I for some reason can´t find...).

The PCS Series was a perfect carbon copy of these, and the evolvements to today´s RR-1 are minimal, biggest differences are the larger Sharkfins and changed neck angle on TREM models. W/ the exception of the larger Sharkfins and the JB, todays RR-1T (T = Tune-O-Matic) is essentially Randy´s Axe the way he held it in hands on that pic.

Btw, here´s a somewhat rare 2nd shot w/ the lester, same setting

Just a piece of trivia that may interest you, there are quite a few people that think that THAT was Randy´s Holy Grail....If It were, do you think Jackson would have changed the design?

Now, to the actual question: IMO Distortion/Jazz sounds perfect in a Rhoads, Crunchy and clear, with output to spare. Although I can also see myself using a JB in the neck.....

 

[ShredCrazed]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Thanks for the info. Although I know the Jackson design change was Randy's idea I still value my RR simply because there aren't many out there like it. (makes sense because it was a protype design) Whoever made it obviously made it this way to comemorate Randy's early career since in alot of old pictures thats what you see him playing (that or the white Les Paul) The Distortion/Jazz is what I would choose even if it wasn't for this guitar which is why I wanted second opinions lol.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Thanks for the info. Although I know the Jackson design change was Randy's idea I still value my RR simply because there aren't many out there like it. ...

I´m always looking for a Shortwing or an LTD, but who knows if I´ll ever find one when I can afford it

 

[theodie]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

If I remember correctly, Randy used a Dimarzio super distortion in his polka dot V.
A Duncan distorion/jazz would be a great choice. I suppose it will depend on what Randy tones you want.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

The Jackson V was a Distortion/Jazz and the Polka Dot was a (DiMarzio) Super D/PAF, correct?

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

The Jackson V was a Distortion/Jazz and the Polka Dot was a (DiMarzio) Super D/PAF, correct?

DING DING DING...What do we have for him Jonny?

Go with the DD/Jazz, don't for get the MXR Distortion Plus (wanna buy mine...it's a Pre Dunlop, Block Logo...just like Randys!), and the 6 band EQ...push the mids until you can't push them anymore!

 

[ShredCrazed]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Thanks for the feedback reguarding the pickups. For anyone interested this is the guitar...





for 400 including shipping anyone think it was a good buy?

 

[theodie]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Bad link bro!

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Thanks for the feedback reguarding the pickups. For anyone interested this is the guitar...





for 400 including shipping anyone think it was a good buy?

SWEET...DD and jazz all the way!

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

for 400 including shipping anyone think it was a good buy?

Assuming it plays and sounds as good as it looks, um... YEAH!

 

[Forbes]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Looks very nice, that thing will rock with duncans.

 

[Budweiser]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Nice Axe!! The only difference I can see between yours & Randy's is your headstock & the dot inlays.

I had a Distortion/Jazz in a Jackson KVX10 & was very pleased with the RR tones I could get!

 

[rocksoldier]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Randy never used a floyd either...
Look´s great anyway though!

 

[Kac]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Let me first say, that guitar is beautiful, and I love it!

Now, if it was me, I would replace the neck with a Jackson neck that had no locking nut, but locking tuners, and also block the bridge.
It would be just that much closer to Randy's then, but that is just me and I cpmpletely respect your Randy Tribute guitar, he is wihtout a doubt one of the greatest of all time, and one of my all-time favorites.

Rock On :13:

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Randy never used a floyd either...
Look´s great anyway though!

Replacing a vintage trem with a floyd-type should be overlooked. Zakk Wylde went with a Floyd on his Polka Dot Randy guitar after having a vintage trem on his Jackson RR

 

[rocksoldier]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Replacing a vintage trem with a floyd-type should be overlooked. Zakk Wylde went with a Floyd on his Polka Dot Randy guitar after having a vintage trem on his Jackson RR

I agree, i see the floyd as a good thing myself, i just mean it wasn´t "right" for a complete replica of rhandy´s axe, but it should kick ass anyway...

 

[WICKED LESTER]

Re: Pickups for a Randy Rhoads tribute guitar

Thanks for the feedback reguarding the pickups. For anyone interested this is the guitar...





for 400 including shipping anyone think it was a good buy?

Bro this is a no brainer!
in THAT RR jackson use what randy used!
Distortion in the bridge and a jazz in the neck