What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

Aussiepappy

New member
G'day Guys/Gals,
Have a question. Am putting together a Jackson Rhoads guitar and the body I have has no pickups. I am having trouble selecting a good set of humbuckers!! Should I go the tried/tested TB4 - SH2 route as are the norm with the USA Jacksons? What about a Screaming Demon in the bridge position instead?? I've also looked at possibly using Dimarzio Evolutions or EMG-HZ's?? I am into the classic metal of the 80's but also like the Vai sound, with playing influences from Ozzy, Kiss, Vai/Satriani, Van Halen etc. I am stumped and would love to hear some of your thoughts, and would be grateful for any help.
Thanks,
Pappy
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

A Custom/59 will do everything you listed above, and do it well !
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

Hey Racer X
Thanks for responding. Let me clear something up with your selection. Is it a Custom CUstom or Duncan Custom in the neck and a 59 at the bridge?
Pappy
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

Pappy, a SH-5 Custom in the bridge, and SH-1 59 in the neck. With this combo I can get tones ranging from 70s Zepp to 90s Metallica and everything in between. Just a awsome combo for Rock/Metal tone.
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

I am not sure so correct me if I am wrong but I think the Jackson Performer is an alder guitar which might weigh in on what pickup combo you want to use. I am putting a TB-5 in my basswood Heavy Metal Strat because it lacks brightness. I think that in an alder guitar the TB-5 Custom might be too bright but it depends on your musical taste. I am a big fan of the TB-11 Custom Custom in my alder strats but that is me. I play alot of 80's metal/hard rock and can nail the tones of Van Halen, ZZ Top, Kiss, Scorpions plus 70's metal like Zeppelin and Cream etc....with the Custom Custom. I had a JB in my Alder strat and didn't like it (balanced but dull in my opinion nothing really jumps out with this pickup) and also tried the Screamin Demon (great clarity and sparkle but lacks in the low end department) in it and it didn't mesh. My first choice would be the TB-11 Custom Custom and an Alnico Pro II in the neck or possible a 59 if you want a little more bite as opposed to smoothness. An EMG 81 and an EMG 85 in the neck would nail those tones you are talking about also if you want to go active. I personally would go the Duncan route. Everyones musical holy grail of tone is different so you have to try to find your own and sometimes it takes a few pickups (if you are lucky) before you can achieve it.
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

Hey Aussie, I don't know, but I LOVE your avatar, man! Jenna's the greatest thing to happen to Jackson since the Big 80's.
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

Jenna's nice but lets give the guitars a little credit, Jackson SL-1 Soloist USA thank you !
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

Racer X!!
Not a bad combo, from the sounds of it. I will keep this in mind. Thanks.
Pappy
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

Hey EVH5150,
Yes its an alder body alright. I will probably go through a selection of pickups before I get my sound just right. Listening to the samples on the webpage is good, but I guess the proof will come out in your playing. I dont want to go the active route, I think its weird having batteries in my guitar alone! Thanks for your help.
Pappy
 
Re: What pickups for my Jackson Performer project guitar

Hey Jammer,
She's awesome alright, I had planned just a guitar, but this "combo" looks perfect. I wish I could get to play it too ;-) Oh boy.
Pappy
 
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