What pickups in the new SZ720

[mfergel]

Website says Duncans. Are they just Duncan designed (hb-102/103 typically) or are they actual Duncans? If so, what models?....JB/59?

[the.godfather]

They are just Duncan Designed

[mfergel]

That's what I thought.

[lp_dude_2]

actually theyre ibanez/duncan designed, basically ibanez pups with the duncan name on them.

[mfergel]

I checked with someone else, they have the hb-102/103 marking. I seem to recall someone saying those were made by a factory overseas and are the same ones used in the Schecter Omens and nearly every other lower end guitar. That's really surprising. I had one of the earlier SZ520's with the Ibanez pups and they sounded fairly decent. I can't believe Ibanez cheaped out, especially on the SZ720 and put low budget pickups in. Shame, shame, shame.

[the.godfather]

Originally Posted by lp_dude_2

actually theyre ibanez/duncan designed, basically ibanez pups with the duncan name on them.

Thats what I meant.

I doubt they are any worse/better - its all roughly the same thing.
Nothing to write home about. As with most stock Ibanez, the pups need changing out.

[lp_dude_2]

yep. thats one thing about ibanez, you get great playibility and wood tone, but the stock pups arent really that good. but thats what companies like DiMarzio and Seymour Duncan are for

[elcid]

Does this mean we can get more threads where people argue over whats better, "Real" Duncans or Ibanez/Duncans

[mfergel]

Well, I think cheap pickups can sound good. However, the HB-102/HB-103 are pretty average and too me, when you spend the kind of money it costs on an SZ720, you should get better than average pickups. I had a SZ520 and I liked the way it sounded (before they put the HB102/103 in them). I have an OLP MM1 and I like the stock pups......but I didn't fork out a huge sum of cash for either. I don't think there's anyone on this board that would appreciate buying a Presitge or JEM only to get low end pickups (the same ones used in the bottom of the line Schecters).

[the.godfather]

Originally Posted by mfergel

I don't think there's anyone on this board that would appreciate buying a Presitge or JEM only to get low end pickups (the same ones used in the bottom of the line Schecters).

Exactly my point.
Its not a case of arguing over what's better is it. Its just looking at the "spec".

And +1 on the OLP btw.
I had an OLP in 2005 and the pickups were awesome. The whole guitar was great actually, I just ended up (stupidly) selling it.