Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

Orville said:
If it matters, my RG550 is a HSH with a 5 way switch.
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Ibanez 5-way for HSH wasn't designed for that. Fender's Super Switch can do what you want and still give you the flexibility to try other things. I got mine for under $20.
 
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Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

Mr. B said:
The HS3 and YJM are pretty low output, and would mean a big dropoff in volume in the middle position.
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Not in split mode, which is how and why these are recommended.

+1 on the Chopper. Of all the full-sized DiMarzio HBs, the Chopper is closest to the PAF Pro, which is essentially the thinner precursor to The Breed Neck. The Air Norton S would be pretty good if you want to go darker and heavier.

Of the Seymour Duncan side-by-sides I would probably go for one of the hotter bridge models. I wouldn't look at anything weaker than the Hot Rails Neck. The JB Jr. Bridge could be a good fit, but I honestly think the DiMarzio Chopper will be the best fit (at least on paper ;)).

The Cruiser Bridge would be a great option if the OP still wanted something side-by-side and Strat-ish in the middle. I think it would still be pretty weak in conjunction with The Breed set, though. I still think a split HS-3 would be a better choice to balance with the set (not that I particularly like Steve Vai's Strat-style cleans), but the OP says he doesn't want to go that route.
 
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Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

Dude the SSL-1 or the Antiquity Surf.

Bro...they blend...they sound great alone...they quack...they chuck...they LOVE overdrive.

I'm chubbed just thinking about it.
 
Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

Ignore my earlier post, I should have noticed that you were asking about a HSH-setup and not a HH-setup! :doh:
In a HSH-setup it's best to work with a 5-way super switch as suggested by Gregory, one of the Schaller Megaswitches could be another alternative.
As for a middle pickup that is side by side and hum-canceling in your HSH, I personally have a Fast Track 1 in a HSH Ibanez and it's pretty good.
 
Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

I'd steer clear of the Megaswitch. Each version is designed for a specific combination and is of limited use otherwise. The Super Switch allows you the flexibility to do what any Megaswitch version can do without forcing you down paths D, G, W or Q.
 
Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

I don't mind the MegaSwitch as long as you are set in what you want. But you really can't alter the wiring afterwards. I have to admit, when I use a SuperSwitch, I have to look at it for a minute to remember how it works. I'm still all for an inexpensive solution using small dip switches to change each position of the switch.
 
Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

4 groups of 6 pins seems fairly self-explanatory.

The only issue I can see is whether the cavity is large enough. EDIT: I'd be shocked if it wasn't!
 
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Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

gregory said:
4 groups of 6 pins seems fairly self-explanatory.

The only issue I can see is whether the cavity is large enough.
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True, except when you don't do it a lot (or not as much as I used to). I am a musician by trade, not a tech (though I had done that years ago). And I have a terrible memory, so I always have to think about it a bit.
 
Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

DiMarzio True Velvet. I had it with a pair of Breeds in an RG550 for years, and it was a complete rock machine, capable of anything from blues to classic metal.
 
Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

Little Pigbacon said:
DiMarzio True Velvet. I had it with a pair of Breeds in an RG550 for years, and it was a complete rock machine, capable of anything from blues to classic metal.
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Interesting. I had thought of a Red Velvet in the past but was kinda interested in hum cancelling initially.

I have to say option anxiety is also taking over and I am thinking maybe all this super switch, etc might have diminishing returns. A harmonically lively middle with some beef is really my bottom line. If the 2 and 4 positions don't sound stratty but they are still good useful sounds then I am good.

Continued thanks for the responses.
 
Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

Hi all,
I keep getting sidetracked on this project. Was waiting on a pickguard that never showed up and fell behind on my honey do list ! I was suggested by a friend to check out the Lil' Pearly Gates for the middle. Not too much on the web for this as it's a custom shop ( $$$). I did see one video on it and it seemed to split pretty well. Anyone have any opinions on this one? Thanks !!
 
Re: Suggest me a middle p/u for HSH Ibanez RS550

I haven't been impressed with the split sound of side-by-sides and suspect it has more to do with the constraints caused by the physical dimensions of the coil and the shape of the magnetic field than anything else.

The decreased output caused by the weaker magnet isn't going to work in your favor either.

Unless you've changed your mind on what you asked for last I say the Chopper is still the best choice. If you want a single then the HS-3 wired to be split (at least when combined with one of the Breed coils).
 
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