Pickup recos for S models... keep the Q's or get DiMarzios?

[djrjems]

Hi gang. I recently picked up an S2020x. I was lucky enough to get a 2000 model with the double dots on the 12th... thankfully no bow-tie thingies

This is my first S model. I'm a Jem/RG man. All of my other Ibanez guitars have DiMarzio pickups... several variations of course, but they all sound killer! My question is this... what do you folks think of the Quantum series pickups found in the high-end S models? Anybody replace them? If so, what pickups did you put in your S?

Thanks!

[musicdr]

I switched the bridge PU to an evolution,a very noticeable improvement.I have a TZ in another s series and am quite happy with it also.If you switch,the quantum bridge PU makes a nice neck pickup.I play through all tube gear(mesa),so a little hotter pickup definitely helps.Nice guitar,enjoy!

[7 Dying Trees]

I stuffed EMG's into my 540, And I quite like it. But the battery is a bit tough to put in the control cavity though, you need to isolate it...

I remember it sounding tons better than the Qwhatever pickups it came with, but it's been so long I can't really remember. The pups are currently in an RG, but they don't sound too good in it, not that really helps...

[gkelm]

I think the Qs are OK. The bridge is fairly hot, while the neck has a cleaner, smooth tone. From comparisons with other guitars, I think Dimarzios generally add a little someting extra. I might change the Qs in my S2020...most likely TZ/AN, but I may try Duncans.
Greg

[jono]

I've not tried them in an S series, but didn't like them in the RG670 (a European only RG770DX type affair with the AANJ and non colour matched QM pickups) Compared to the IBZ/USA pickups in my RG770DX those in the 670DX sounded a little lacklustre.

If I was in your situation I think I'd probably go for a PAF-Pro neck and a Fred bridge as these work exceptionally well in my JS-6. I think the extra highs and clarity associated with these pickups works well with a mahogany body.

[germX]

i'm one of the very few few ibanez-duncan advocates here. i have a screamin' demon humbucker in the bridge of my S540. it gave much added clarity that's for sure. i was unlucky enough to get a stock Q humbucker which was not F-spaced. that quickly made way for the SD.