Need advice for neck pickup...

[jclogston]

Hi everyone –

I returned a pedal and now have $55 in store credit. There is nothing I want in terms of pedals and accessories so I was thinking of maybe picking up a new pickup.
I have an Ibanez RG550 (maple neck/basswood body). It is set up for only 2 pickup positions – either neck or bridge. Presently I have a Duncan Distortion (B) and the Duncan Jazz (N). I have also tried the Duncan Screamin Demon (sold) in the neck of the same guitar. I love the Distortion and would never replace it. The neck pickup is a different story. The Jazz to me sounds darker compared to the Screamin Demon. The Demon was brighter and had more sparkle and it was very easy to get harmonics compared to the Jazz. The jazz under distortion would get muddy. So always looking for something new for the neck pickup. Looking for something that sounds open (think strumming chords) but can still remain articulate under gain.
My options are sort of limited as the store I have the credit at has only the following Duncan pickups:

Custom
JB
59 (bridge I believe)
Pearly Gates (not sure if neck or bridge model)

Are any of these going to get what I want or should I waste my credit on something else? (these pickups cost more than $55 but I don’t mind spending the difference if it’s worth it).

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

[TonyT1000]

Why don't you have the store order you a Duncan Distortion neck model?

[Ozzdoc]

Pickup a Air Norton, you won't be dissapointed.

[mi2tom]

Originally Posted by Ozzdoc

Pickup a Air Norton, you won't be dissapointed.

+1!!!

[ChopTart]

+1 more on the Air Norton...I can't say enough good things about that pup...clean or dirty.

[mi2tom]

Forgot to add Paf pro isn't bad too

[jclogston]

thanks everyone-
The store at which i have credit does not carry dimarzio, only duncans. So i'm stuck on choosing only duncans and the ones i've listed above.

Jeff

[King Knall]

I'm not sure whether the '59 can be used for both position, but you should look for a '59 model. If the neck and bridge are seperate models, then just get the store to order one for you.

[JimmyJ]

guys guys guys....

ToneZone in the neck...thats all...thats all

[Ozzdoc]

hahaha, Tone Zone is awsome...in the BRIDGE muahhahaha Air norton in the neck!

[C.Thep]

Man, i still need to try out tone zone in the neck!

[j.arledge]

humbucker from hell , on the clean makes your guitar almost acoustic , and on the dirty sounds very full with minimal dirt , no flub . I especially recommend it if your doing lead work with the neck pickup , it cuts but isn't shrill .

[Dee]

Originally Posted by j.arledge

humbucker from hell , on the clean makes your guitar almost acoustic , and on the dirty sounds very full with minimal dirt , no flub . I especially recommend it if your doing lead work with the neck pickup , it cuts but isn't shrill .

+1. Absolutely.