Rethinking the Blackouts in my ESP Eclipse II

[TattooedCarrot]

Well now that I've been able to spend some time with it on a couple amps and in rotation with my other guitars (Gibsons with passives), I'm not sure that actives are for me. I've always had an on/off relationship with EMG's, and comparatively I really dig the Blackouts. But much like the Mesa 50+ Caliber amp I just sold, as much as I like them when I hear them, or hear other people play the music I like with them, they just don't sound quite right when I play.

On one hand keeping the Blackouts in the Eclipse would make for some variety, as I have several other humbucker guitars with passives already. But then again I'm less likely to enjoy playing it as much, and thus I'll probably play it less.

I've really been digging the raunchy and aggressive, but traditional voicing of 57 Classics lately, maybe those, or maybe some Duncans. Or maybe I leave it alone. I don't know, maybe I should just play more and worry less about gear that's better than my skill level anyway- LOL.

I'm leaning towards Dimarzio Super Distortion & PAF Pro. I had a Super D in a FLying V before and it was very cool. I likened it to a passive version of an EMG 85 in its EQ curve and power. Might go regular black, but I am also considering white with black poles.

My other curent guitars:

• Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro - BB3 & 57 Classic (coil tap)
• Gibson SG 61RI - 57 Classics
• Gibson Flying V Duncan - SH5 Custom & Pearly Gates (coil tap)
• Gibson Flying V - Wolfetone Mean & Meaner P90's
• Custom ash strat - Fralin singles

Here's some mockup of what I'm thinking for the Eclipse

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Rethinking the Blackouts in my ESP Eclipse II

I'd sell the Blackouts and go with a white Custom/59 set. The guitar will still sound heavy, just with more traditional tone.

White pickups and black rings will look great in that guitar, judging by your mockup.

 

[aaron268]

Re: Rethinking the Blackouts in my ESP Eclipse II

by what you have tried, sounds like you want the more modern metal sounds, so 57's might be to old school sounding, dunno, if you want old school but raunchy punk maye try a SD Prails(splitable p-90/humbucker(not sure it will look the way you want though), or more new metal sounding into the Dimarzio Deactivator maybe, most dimarzio's come in different colors

 

[theodie]

Re: Rethinking the Blackouts in my ESP Eclipse II

That mockup is smoking!


Tried an ALT 8 yet?

 

[Iron Horse]

Re: Rethinking the Blackouts in my ESP Eclipse II

That mockup is smoking!


Tried an ALT 8 yet?

+1. That or the SD/PAF Pro set would prolly be killer.

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Rethinking the Blackouts in my ESP Eclipse II

by what you have tried, sounds like you want the more modern metal sounds,

Actually its the opposite, my go-to sound is pretty much solid in a hot rodded PAFish bridge and a PAF style neck. Probably my default pickup set in any guitar is an SH5 Custom/Pearly Gates. However, since I already have that in my V I'm looking for a little bit of a different flavor in the same ballpark.

So, I've settled on Dimarzios - a Super Distortion bridge and PAF Pro neck, both white with black poles like the picture.

Thanks !!

 

[blackjackatx]

Re: Rethinking the Blackouts in my ESP Eclipse II

visually looks so much better with blackouts!

 

[checo]

Re: Rethinking the Blackouts in my ESP Eclipse II

I went through countless pickups for my ESP Eclipse. For the bridge, i gotta go with a Motor City Pickups Afwayu w/nickel cover. Just awesome for hot rodded tones, but great for low/mid gain as well. Would not trade it for anything else in the bridge. Still working on the neck pickup. So far the covered Dimarzio EJ Custom neck pickup has blended just right with the Afwayu. Give it a shot, the guitar originally came with EMG 81/60, then tried JB/59, then Custom/59, Dimarzio PAF Classic (which was great)/PAF pro, Air Zone was great as well in the Eclipse (2nd to the Afwayu).