Tone help needed!

[ibanezman816]

Hey guys,
I read the forums all the time but im just now starting to post. Well, I recently got an Ibanez(Finally, my first(of many)). Its an RG42FM. I love the neck thru on it. Im not crazy about the trem on it, it seems really stiff to me, but keeps tune well, so im happy. Well, my question was, I was wondering if pickups would help me in the smoothness area. The stock pickups seem really sterile and dry. I love everything about the guitar except that. I have a PRS Santana SE and i love the warm and smoothness of it, but i like the Ibanez' feel better. I was thinking something like the EVO's, since Vai's like my hero, but im not so sure. Ive heard great about Tone Zones too. Should I look into active pups, like EMGs? Ive heard they can be pretty sterile too though. I don't know, maybe im going at this all wrong, maybe the problem isnt the pups, but i feel it might. I think the "perfect" tone would be Steve's on "For The Love of God", but I would like some versatility. Ive never installed pickups, so any extra guidence would be greatly appreciated. If you recommend anything different (different distortion pedal, some effect, something called skill!) go for it. Ill take all i can get. Sorry for making this a book. Woops. I guess i ramble. Well, thanx again. [/b]

[ibanezman816]

Woops, I just noticed i put this in totally the wrong Forum section. Sry bout that.

[wilch]

Evo's would be too harsh I think. I have a pair in an RG421. They are bright, and are far from "warm". The stock pups were warmer. Evo's are great in a high output, cut through the mix live situation kind of way.

I'd suggest trying an Air Norton in the neck and a Tone Zone in the bridge. I reckon you'd like them from what you've described you're looking for.

wil..

[ibanezman816]

Thanx.
If I did get new pups, would i 1. Notice a significant difference and 2. Be able to install them? What does it take to route pups? Are there any kits out there to help a bigginer?

[jallen]

I think you would notice a difference. Also, I would try and do it yourself first. The nice thing about guitar electronics is that you really can't screw up too badly. If you mess up, you can get new wire/pots/switches/etc. pretty cheap. Whatever you do can be undone, unlike some guitar mods. It is a great way to learn- and you have to start somewhere!

As far as pickups go, I like EMGs. In particular, the 85 because I think it has a full, warm tone (the 81 is a little bright for me). A lot of guys hate them, though. EMG, Duncan, Dimarzio all have good wiring plans on their websites, so whoever you go with, you can find good info there.

Good luck!

[Two hands31]

Wouldn't the obvious answer be: buy some PRS pickups?

[sporatic]

Two Hands has a good point. The other option if you wanted to go with EMGs is an EMG60; I have one in the neck of my rg570 and is very very plush. The 89 is also a good option because you can split the pickup into a Single coil - EMG -SA; Check them out, I have them in all of my gear.

[metalguy]

My suggestion would be a Duncan custom-custom. Very warm. Keep in mind that a neck thru is gonna have a little more girth and sustain. Seymour Duncan has some good stuff. Sorry to you Jemsite regulars but Im no fan of Dimarzio pickups.