Re: Serious question -can an EQ pedal do it all?
Dynamic EQ is a little different than Static EQ, which is what an equalizer does. At different points in the attach, decay, sustain, release of a guitar note, the EQ will be different. To effect Dynamic EQ is going to take a pickup change or mod.
The broader frequency spectrum adjustments like more mids, less bass, fizz removal, notching, etc. can be done by an EQ. EQ accounts for many differences in amps, pedals, guitars, etc. that subjective terms like tight, loose, hollow, fat, sweet, harsh, etc. are used to decribe.
As little as 1db difference over a broad enough frequency range can be heard, sensed, or "felt" in emotional terms. That's why one resistor or capacitor change in an amp can make a big difference in tone and/or sales.
Anyone serious about tone probably needs an EQ in there rig, unless things are perfect without it. Different Rooms, amps, pedals, etc. may need different EQ that is easier to change than pickups.
With distortion, EQ changes before hand are different that EQ changes afterwards. You can use both a pre and post distortion EQ.
One way I look at it is that the pickup does the pre EQ. You probably need to get as close to what you like with the pickup and then adjust the overall tone with an EQ.
I think EQ is WAY under utilized and understood, but for some changes, only a different pickup will do. IMHO
