Basswood RG project: PAF Joe (N) and Breed (B)?

[kspeed]

Howdy All,

About to build up a basswood RG so I contacted DiMarzio about a pickup combo recommendation. They recommended a PAF Joe in the neck position with an F-spaced Breed in the bridge position. I'd like to gather your opinions, experiences, and suggestions. Thanks!

Here's what I asked them, specifically:

"This guitar will have two doublecoils and will be exclusively used to play hard rock, metal, perhaps a little alternative rock. No blues, jazz, or anything like that."

"I prefer a fairly bright sound and play little or no rhythm. I want to avoid any lead being played high on the neck from sounding too “tinny”, but want to avoid any overall “muddiness” when I do play clean or play chords. Distortion is provided by a DOD deathmetal pedal and/or the classic RAT pedal"

[Dave67]

I have run the Super Distortion and PAF Pro, this is a classic rock set, the Evo set, both bridge and neck, a little brighter than the other combo. Ther Evo set is better for soloing, IMO. I just installed a JB and 59 in another RG, the jury is still out on this combo.

[rty13ibz98]

the paf joe/breed setup sounds good, but i would try out the regular super distortion with the norton in the neck. both will sound big and have great output. very little tinny-ness and the notes will be pretty massive. the paf joe, breed setup will be like a tamed down version of this, and will work great with the rat, but the death metal pedal will scream with the norton/super distortion.

rich

[frankfalbo]

Haven't tried the PAF Joe, but the Breed neck is great. A Breed set would be cool, or if you think your Rat pedal needs more top end and upper midrange in order to really sing, then instead of the Breed you might consider a Norton/PAF Joe combo.

Any of those mentioned here would be a good choice.

[kspeed]

Thanks for all the recommendations! Sounds like I can't really go wrong with any of the aforementioned pups, so I may just grab one of each and fiddle around a bit. I have a S520 that could use an upgrade, too

[Thrash]

I have that set in a Custom Basswood RG. Works great for most anything.

[kspeed]

Thanks for the help everybody

I decided instead of purchasing a (new to me) basswood model I'd spruce up my old agathis bodied RG-120. Two nights ago I took apart the whole thing and only plan to keep the knobs, switch, and body.

Ordered a super wizard neck off the bay as well as an F-spaced Evo bridge and PAF Joe for the neck.

Now, as for the bridge: it's a standard issue trem, but will anything else fit the cavity without heavy modification? Not looking to try to wedge an Edge Pro in there or anything, just something sturdier that will hold tune better. I plan to use the locking nut with the new neck. Thoughts? As always THANKS!