Sparkle Blue Jem: evolutions ~> paf pros

LoverMan · #1 01-26-2004, 02:12 PM

I am of the opinion that the evolutions in the blue jem are way too hot. Any of you ever switch them out for paf pros? I'd like to get one of these but the pickups are holding me back. All input is welcome.

Ibanezer · #2 01-26-2004, 05:30 PM

i dont have a jem but i've tried one (7vsbl) in Sam Ash...
the EVO's sound great. but for me i like the Paf Pro's in my PGM300 better
however i've never tried Paf Pro's in a jem.
you can also download some audio samples from DiMarzio.com
listen to some early Mr.Big stuff (when Paul Gilbert was the guitarist) you'll get a good idea of the Paf Pro's sound

kennydoe · #3 01-27-2004, 01:00 AM

Try replacing the neck Evo with a PAF pro first...you may be pleased with the results. The bridge PAF is a little 'soft' and you may want to keep the Evo where it is.

I just put a set of breeds (Neck & Bridge) in my RG550 - they sound really REALLY good. Lookingforward to receiving/installing a Red Velvet for the middle.

~K

Ibanezer · #4 01-27-2004, 01:53 AM

or try a Tone Zone in the bridge. KILLER TONE!

mike777 · #5 01-27-2004, 01:48 PM

I have a VWH and a VSBL and I think the VSBL is a little warmer. I am, however, considering making up a an alternate pre-wired pickguard with a PAF-po based setup.

Mike 777 Haug

MehYam · #6 01-28-2004, 01:44 AM

If you do try the PAFs in your VSBL, please post some before and after sound clips. I've been thinking of doing the same thing myself. I find the Evos just a little too over-the-top sometimes, and every now and then I pick up my junky RG470 just contrast that with the sorta browner, softer sound of the V7/V8. I'm not much of a tone guru yet, so I'm not really sure if that browner tone is due to more to the basswood body than the pickups. Also, my VSBL is still a fairly fresh chunk of wood, it may develop more brown-ness over the next year.

In any case, from what I've read, the Breeds sound like an interesting idea too.

toshiro · #7 01-28-2004, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennydoe

Try replacing the neck Evo with a PAF pro first...you may be pleased with the results. The bridge PAF is a little 'soft' and you may want to keep the Evo where it is.

I just put a set of breeds (Neck & Bridge) in my RG550 - they sound really REALLY good. Lookingforward to receiving/installing a Red Velvet for the middle.

~K

Glad you got a set of Breeds and like them, makes all those clips worthwhile.

I'm still addicted to mine, and I'll probably get a Breed neck to replace the PAF Pro in one of my other guitars..

IbanezNorthwest · #8 01-28-2004, 08:25 AM

Alll the early 777 and 77 jems had Paf Pro's. it's my favorite pick-up for rock axes. You cant go wrong. The tone zone is great for the bridge too, try it with an Air Norton at the neck. Don't neglect that middble single!! try a Blue Velvet. A good single is great for cleaning up your guitar!!

kennydoe · #9 01-28-2004, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toshiro

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennydoe

Try replacing the neck Evo with a PAF pro first...you may be pleased with the results. The bridge PAF is a little 'soft' and you may want to keep the Evo where it is.

I just put a set of breeds (Neck & Bridge) in my RG550 - they sound really REALLY good. Lookingforward to receiving/installing a Red Velvet for the middle.

~K

Glad you got a set of Breeds and like them, makes all those clips worthwhile.

I'm still addicted to mine, and I'll probably get a Breed neck to replace the PAF Pro in one of my other guitars..

Yeah...thanks again for those clips.

I find the Breeds aptly named, as they seem to be a 'hybrid' between PAfPro and Evo. They have a little better clarity than both, IMO.

~K

LoverMan · #10 01-28-2004, 01:10 PM

I appreciate the replies. I have used an air norton before in the neck position in a different guitar and liked it. I asked about the paf pros because as someone mentioned all of the early jems came with them and they have a nice warm sound. Does the alder make that big of a difference?

Ralph khoury · #11 01-28-2004, 02:34 PM

Alder makes a huge difference. and the evolutions fit perferctly in it!
i would recomand Paf pros to Basswood, Mahogany and Kowa bodies.

Texter · #12 01-29-2004, 05:20 AM

Just use the volume and treble knobs...that's what they're there for...

zerolight · #13 01-29-2004, 07:30 AM

actually, the PAF Pro and Evolution have very very similar tone curves. And the PAF Pro is very slightly higher output than the evolution. All that will happen if you stick the PAF Pro in the 7VWH neck is that u'll get a slightly hotter pickup with much the same tone. Different story in the bridge though.

for the bridge, I've toyed with a FRED. however, I also found that using less presence than normal and lower levels of bass can make the bridge pup much more useful.

LoverMan · #14 01-29-2004, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zerolight

actually, the PAF Pro and Evolution have very very similar tone curves. And the PAF Pro is very slightly higher output than the evolution. All that will happen if you stick the PAF Pro in the 7VWH neck is that u'll get a slightly hotter pickup with much the same tone. Different story in the bridge though.

Interesting. Apparently then it is the alder that is making the difference, yes?

cocobig · #15 01-29-2004, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zerolight

actually, the PAF Pro and Evolution have very very similar tone curves. And the PAF Pro is very slightly higher output than the evolution. All that will happen if you stick the PAF Pro in the 7VWH neck is that u'll get a slightly hotter pickup with much the same tone. Different story in the bridge though.

I think PAF pro has less output than EVO. Correct me if I am wrong. I am too lazy to check the dimarzio web site.