PAF Joe/Mo' Joe or D Activators for 121H?

[121jojo]

I did some searching and didn't find anything specific so I hope I didn't miss anything that's already been posted. I just bought a new 121H CDR (all mahogany no maple top) and want to replace the V7/V8. This is the first Ibanez I've bought in about 15 years. I currently have been playing a Les Paul with EMG 81/85 and a Steinberger with HSH EMG pups.

I want to try something different than EMG and actives in general. I've read a lot of the posts here about 121s and pups as well as DiMarzio's pickup finder on their site, but I see a lot of input and some contradictions.

I am currently thinking about going with either a PAF Joe / Mo' Joe or D Activators and wanted to see if anyone had any experience with these in an RGA. I am open to other ideas also. I am into 80s/90s metal and some shred. I like warm / fat / round sounds (but I don't want to get too dark with the mahogany) and harmonics that pop out. Thanks in advance.

[CityofBlindingLights]

Originally Posted by 121jojo

I am currently thinking about going with either a PAF Joe / Mo' Joe or D Activators and wanted to see if anyone had any experience with these in an RGA. I am open to other ideas also. I am into 80s/90s metal and some shred. I like warm / fat / round sounds (but I don't want to get too dark with the mahogany) and harmonics that pop out. Thanks in advance.

PAF Joe/Mo' Joe

[HeavyMetal4Ever]

Those are some radically different pickups.

I've got D-Activators in mahogany, and they are tight and bright, not really fat or round.

The PAF Joe/Mo' Joe sounds more like what you are after to me. PAF pro is good too.

Rock on!

[70Seven]

D-Activators are "active like": not active but have some of the same qualities of Actives. if you want somethign different go with a Paf Joe and Mo Joe. I have them and it really can give that 80's shred sound.

Another tip: I use the Paf Joe in the bridge and Mo Joe in the neck (Opposite of that Joe Satriani uses). I mush prefer this configuration, Paf Joe is great for rythym playing amd solos and the Mo Joe is a great shred sound pickup