Recommend pickups for a mahogany Ibanez S540 LTD

Aja

New member
Just got one of these babies as a gift... It's really comfortable, easy to play, but the stock pickups leave a bit to be desired. I have a Peavey Predator with a Jazz and a Duncan Distortion, and frankly, it has more clarity and definition than the 540. The stock pickups are an Ibanez F1 (neck), C2 (mid) and F2 (bridge). Right now it's dark and a bit muddy. I guess that's also cause of the mahogany.

Here's a picture:

s540.jpg


I'd like to make this a very versitile axe - everything: rock, jazz, blues, metal, fusion, etc. I was thinking about a Jazz for the neck, but I'm not sure. I do think that I'd like a single coil for the middle, not a stacked humbucker. Otherwise I have no idea..

Any suggestions?
 
Re: Recommend pickups for a mahogany Ibanez S540 LTD

How about... Jazz neck, vintage staggered middle, and Custom bridge.
 
Re: Recommend pickups for a mahogany Ibanez S540 LTD

JB for bridge, jazz for neck, and vintage staggered single for middle.
 
Re: Recommend pickups for a mahogany Ibanez S540 LTD

Heh... I was actually thinking between a JB or a Custom for the bridge...

What is this Vintage Staggered?
 
Re: Recommend pickups for a mahogany Ibanez S540 LTD

vintage staggered is an ssl-1 with staggered pole pieces.
i think a jB may be better suited for that, though i love my Custom, the cleans are a bit iffy. i like the Jb's much better, plus i you cut through better with the JB IMO.
 
Re: Recommend pickups for a mahogany Ibanez S540 LTD

i have 2 S540: one being a Dimarzio proponent, the other, a Duncan champ :) i have the Invader (B) + Full Shred (N) in one & this is easily my fav guitar. it can pull off some very heavy riffs, as well as cater to my fusion needs.

s540sol_fullpic.jpg
 
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