how you choose pickups

W0MB13 · #1 08-13-2006, 05:52 AM

Im looking to increase the definition of my tapping ect, i assume changing from stock ibanez to something better may help. Just wondering, how exactly are you supposed to choose pickups?, i mean i cant just go into a store and get them put in and say oh yeah these arent bad try the next ect. Where to go from here if i want to change pickups?

BTW - Guitar is Ibanez S470 old with low trs 2

mi2tom · #2 08-13-2006, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W0MB13

i mean i cant just go into a store and get them put in and say oh yeah these arent bad try the next ect.

That's true

The best way is to ask jemsiters

They are quite a few guys here that have tried tons of pickups, but seriously I would recommend the Air norton in the neck and tone zone in the bridge, the most versatile pickup ever IMO

phantoms · #3 08-13-2006, 02:58 PM

Also visit the Pickup sites, they have descriptions of the sounds and some soundclips too. Listen to some of the clips posted in the multimedia forum hear, and also visit sites like http://www.oficina.eti.br/serj/en/to...ls.htm?patID=1 where they've got clips of several pickups.

W0MB13 · #4 08-13-2006, 06:14 PM

because my guitar is H-S-H, i assume if i changed the bridge only then it would mess up my other configs

Dee · #5 08-13-2006, 09:06 PM

The way to choose pickups... that's a difficult one, but you can get a good idea of what you want by trying out as many guitars as possible in stores, finding out what your favourite guitarists use, asking Jemsite members for recommendations and good combinations, reading reviews on sites such as www.harmony-central.com, checking the tech details and sound clips on Dimarzio's site, etc., etc.

If you're still unsure, maybe go for good all-rounders. Dimarzio PAF Pro is (in my opinion) quite a good choice as an all-rounder -- not too hot, not too weak, not too anything, really. Most older JEM's were fitted with PAF Pro in both the neck and bridge position. Tone Zone in the bridge position is pretty good, though it depends on the wood too. I have one direct-mounted in an RG3120 (mahogany & maple body), but I'm not sure if it's right for me. I'd prefer something with less mids, as mahogany already has quite a pronounced midrange tone. There's a lot of things to consider, and I understand how difficult it is to choose. Good luck!

David McCarroll · #6 08-13-2006, 09:49 PM

Yep - ask opinions of other people here - I changed the bridge PAF Pro on a JEM for a Tone Zone, and I gotta agree with mi2Tom - they seem to be a significant improvement over the PP, at least in the bridge position.

Cheers

David

W0MB13 · #7 08-14-2006, 06:57 AM

Friends have recommended me EMG 81 Actives or Dimarzio Evolutions. What are your thoughts on these people? I mainly want more sustain on pinch harmonics, whammy harmonic dives and also more tapping output.

**GilkyBear** · #8 08-14-2006, 10:36 AM

I have the emg actives in my Steinberger and man that thing really rips. With a fresh battery in there, it REALLY pops. And it is a really small guitar, so I don't think it has a lot of natural sustain either, but they really make up for it. I would love to hear them in a Jem but I wouldn't dare.

JoeJoe · #9 08-14-2006, 10:45 AM

if you want to increase your definition of your tapping i would suggest NOT to get a tonezone... it's a great pickup but sucks (at least for me) with tapping... Otherwise maybe try some breeds? i tried those a few weeks back and they rock! very allround pickups

Shredcows · #10 08-14-2006, 11:49 AM

definitation of your tapping?

Do this test, play clean, do you get defination? Do you hear the tapped notes clearly?

No?

Then its prob not just the pups. It might be your guitar's setup. It would probably be your technique.

rty13ibz98 · #11 08-14-2006, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shredcows

definitation of your tapping?

Do this test, play clean, do you get defination? Do you hear the tapped notes clearly?

No?

Then its prob not just the pups. It might be your guitar's setup. It would probably be your technique.

yup.

i choose pickups based on the guitar its going in. the wood and "purpose" determine the pickups i get. i usually get pickups that accent the guitar's tonal properties other than flatten it out like some people do.
i love the air norton/tone zone rig in a mahogany axe. fred/super 3 in a basswood guitar. alnico2/custom in alder. the list goes on. harmony central, jemsite and the manufacturers website are all great resources.

rich

JoeJoe · #12 08-14-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shredcows

definitation of your tapping?

Do this test, play clean, do you get defination? Do you hear the tapped notes clearly?

No?

Then its prob not just the pups. It might be your guitar's setup. It would probably be your technique.

it's definitly NOT my technique

they're just a little weak sounding to me...
but when i mean 'weak', that's a subjective thing, if something is weak to me it doesn't have to be 'weak' for you...

but it's probably the pickup hight then i guess...

or.. am i complety wrong and wasn't that awnser meant for me?

W0MB13 · #13 08-16-2006, 07:15 AM

my tapping isnt too bad, harmonic whammy squeels are what i really crave, like here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3jGFukH-Mo

on my guitar the should usually dies quick.

ChopTart · #14 08-16-2006, 02:50 PM

Well sites like DiMarzio.com have pickupfinder programs that help you sift through the numerous choices. However, IMO, they don't always find pups that you may like. Seymour Duncan makes a pdf chart that you can print out and look at and compare tonal characteristics. I would also definetally ask around here for opinions...tons of knowledgable members

sniperfrommars1 · #15 08-17-2006, 08:59 AM

I suggest working on your technique as the stock pickups are more than capable of properly producing the techniques youve mentioned and then some. Some pickups will add to distorted sustain due to sheer hotness, but imo the stock pickups have this in kudos. Just because you dont think its your technique doesnt mean that isnt the problem :P