Question about blackouts

[nimrod217]

I am thinking about getting blackouts, but I am very weary, not knowing if I'll like the sound after going through all the trouble of installing them. I listened to numerous audio clips and still can't really make a decision. I figured I'd ask you guys, but here are some of my preferences so you guys can make a better judgement if you think I'll like them:

I dislike the EMG-81, but LOVE the EMG-85 in both bridge and neck positions. I was not a fan of the JB or the JN, love the duncan distortion, love the invader, love the duncan custom, and I love the 59 neck. I just didn't like the EMG 81's treble detail, and it sounded kind of thin to me. The JB bothered me because of that upper mid spike, very harsh on the ears, the the JN sounded weak to me. So what do you think, maybe I'll like the blackouts?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Question about blackouts

This question requires context. i.e. What guitar are you thinking to modify with Blackouts? From what woods is it constructed? Does it have a double-locking vibrato? What amplification do you use?

In your position, I would visit a few guitar stores and try out Blackout-equipped guitars of similar design to your own through an amplifier of similar type to yours. For comparison purposes, try something with EMGs or Duncan Live Wire Classic IIs.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Question about blackouts

I've only been playing with Blackouts for a little while, and haven't tried EMGs so take this for what it's worth. With the pups you say you liked I think you'll like the Blackouts. Definitely not thin, they sound very thick and agressive but with enough high end and cut for leads. They're not nearly as mid-rangey as a JB, but not super scooped either. They are very high output. The channels I have dialed in on my Triaxis for them have the gain dialed back quite a bit. What I like about them is that they seem to retain an open quality that you get with lower output humbuckers while still pushing your amp and remaining articulate under gain. Technologically, I have no idea how this is done, but it's pretty cool =).

 

[alteredbeast]

Re: Question about blackouts

This question requires context. i.e. What guitar are you thinking to modify with Blackouts? From what woods is it constructed? Does it have a double-locking vibrato? What amplification do you use?

In your position, I would visit a few guitar stores and try out Blackout-equipped guitars.

Also what pickups are in the guitar now? im not a fan of the 81 either, yet i did like the 85 better than the 81, but i love blackouts more than the 85. My opinon is totally biased, ill tell ya get blackouts all day long.:friday:

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Question about blackouts

If you love the Distortion, Invader, and Custom, then why are you going to rewire your whole guitar? Is this an "I have to have active" thing? If so, that's fine, but I think you might be limiting your options quite a bit if you're just looking at actives.

I also have to echo what FunkFingers said. In order to make a sound recommendation, I at least would like to know what kind of guitar the pickup is going into and what kind of amp the guitar is going into.

 

[nimrod217]

Re: Question about blackouts

Thanks for the input guys, here's some follow up info.

The guitar I am thinking about putting them in is an all mahogany Ibanez Artist guitar, hum-hum config, 3 way switch, mahogany set neck, rosewood fingerboard, stoptail bridge piece.

The reason I wanted to make the switch is because I wanted to try and capture the sound I had a few years ago with EMG 85's, and I hear , generally, that Blackouts are superior in sound. I loved that sound, at least the distortion. I know I could just go back to the EMG 85's but the Blackout set is cheaper that buying to 85's and if they sound better, I figure I'll try them. But before I rewire my guitar, I wanted some user feedback. Thanks guys.