Pickups for Mahogany S guitar?

Jeffplaysguitar · #1 09-01-2010, 11:00 PM

I'm trying to decide what pickups to put in my S2540. It's a mahogany S series prestige with bolt on neck and Edge Lo-pro. It currently has the Quantum pickups that a lot of these older guitars had but I'm looking for a different sound. I'm considering putting in the same pickups in the S5400 since they're practically identical guitars, which is Tone Zone/Blue Velvet/Air Norton. But I'm also thinking about Going with Evolutions. What do you guys recommend or what do you have in a mahogany S series guitar that you think sounds good?

AlaskaBat · #2 09-01-2010, 11:14 PM

There's a little search feature on Jemsite that will produce some results for you. "Which pickups should I get" questions get asked and answered on a daily basis. Everyone has a different opinion about pickups and amps, so try to decide what type of sound you want/type of music you play--then browse through the review section in addition to searching this site. On a personal note, I was an avid TZ/AN fan until I dumped a set of Evolutions in my 570 test bed. This is a basswood body, so they will sound different in a mahogany body.

Jeminizer · #3 09-01-2010, 11:35 PM

Never replaced the pups on a mahogany boy personally, but I have heard many people rave about the Tone Zone in them.

Boombatty · #4 09-01-2010, 11:41 PM

i have an SS and AN in my 321mh and it sounds amazing imo.

jallen · #5 09-02-2010, 01:45 AM

One PAF Pro, and then another always works great in a S guitar, in my experience. Middle to your taste, but I have an older VS-1 that works really well with the PAF Pros.

littlephil · #6 09-02-2010, 08:24 AM

I love the D-Sonic/Liquifire combo in my S. I'm not a fan of the PAF Pro in the neck, it seemed too muddy for me, a PAF Joe is a good option though.

wandereruk05 · #7 09-02-2010, 08:37 AM

if you're looking at Dimarzio's, they have a pickup selector feature, you put in your guitar details from a simple drop down menu, what sound you want etc and it will bring back 3 different pickups that match your selections

normally works out pretty good

Melek Taus · #8 09-03-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffplaysguitar

But I'm also thinking about Going with Evolutions.

I have an RG8570 with Tone Zone / True Velvet / Air Norton and already have a set of Evos to replace the TZ and AN. Alnico 5 pickups are very vintage-sounding to me, including the Tone Zone and Breeds. The Air Norton is great, as well as the True Velvet in the middle, but I'd rather have Evos and keep the True Velvet only.

xtyux · #9 04-26-2011, 04:06 PM

do d-activators sound good in an S? especially S320?

julzius · #10 04-27-2011, 03:16 AM

I have an evolution in the bridge of my S470... sounds awsome for lead, but not so much for rhythm work. But i guess if your considering an evolution or more worried about the lead.

I also have an air norton in the neck of mine... it's just a bit too bassy for the mahogany, but it's still a nice liquidy sound.

Hope that helps, Toodles!

doriangrey · #11 04-27-2011, 03:57 AM

I think the TZ/Air Norton combo would be too dark in a mahogany guitar - I had an Airzone/Air Norton combo in a mahogany Ibanez S series guitar and I found it too dark...

I recently tried the 'ultimate rock set' from Jon Moore pickups and I really think they are the best pups I have ever tried...I put them in a mahogany RG 520QS and they sound awesome. Plus he was great to work with - I sent him an e-mail about what I wanted and he e-mailed back right away and before long the pups arrived in my mailbox...plus it's pretty cool to be able to directly contact the guy who is gonna build your pups...handmade Canadian made quality with great service...check it out - http://www.tonefordays.com/html/j_s_...ar_pickup.html

Alan0354 · #12 04-27-2011, 04:42 AM

PAF Pro DP151 sound very good at the neck position in my Les Paul which is Mahogany body. Split coil sound very glassy and full too.

Libertyordeath · #13 04-28-2011, 11:15 PM

Hey Jeff. I just ordered a Carvin ST300 in mahogany and am planning on putting a set of evos in it. My rationale (and from what I have heard people say) is that the hog will help tame the high-mids and highs that sometimes get out of control with the evos. I'm gonna try it out.