PUP Swap Help

[Mastrocola17]

Hi. I'm new to the site. I just bought a RGR420EXRAR. It's a beautiful guitar and plays great. However, I am not impressed with the V8 bridge pickup. It has an awesome metal rythm sound but it is HORRIBLE for lead. I am looking for a brighter pickup with more sustain. I have looked at many pickups and think I have it down to the Evolution, Evo2, or Breed. Any input at all would be greatly appreciated. My major influences and style of playing are based from Michael Angelo Batio, Herman Li, Sam Totman, Steve Vai, and John Petrucci, and Yngwie Malmsteen.

Also, I do like the V7 neck pickup. But there is always room to improve. I use this pickup more than the bridge pickup as I play lead more than rythm. Any advice for the neck pickup would also be appreciated. Thanks!

[r0ck_2_live]

Hi there!

For the bridge position, I would recommend the Evolution. I had it in my old guitar, and the improvement was evident: screaming tone, more sustain, amazing harmonics... The best bridge humbucker I've ever played (and I've played super distortions, breeds, paf pros, tone zones, and almost every generic pickup imaginable). There is a certain learning curve to it, as it's in-your-face pickup. Hides no mistakes.

For the neck I would go with a Paf Pro. I've tried it couple of times on a friend's guitar, and I was blown away! You just can't go wrong with that.

[Mastrocola17]

Excellent! Thanks so much for your help. I have done a lot of research about the Evolution pickup and am very confident about it's use in the bridge. I have hear similar about the PAF Pro so looks like I'll be upgrading!

[Dee]

I think r0ck_2_live recommended the right pickup combo for you. I love the PAF Pro in the neck position, but I would also consider the Humbucker From Hell. It's kind of an acquired taste, but it's my fave neck pickup of all time. The PAF Pro tends to work in any situation, though.