Replacing stock neck humbucker in rg770

[charv712]

Hey guys, I am thinking about replacing the stock neck humbucker in my rg770. The pickup sounds kinda muddy and jumbled together when I play chords, is this normal? It just sounds dirty, no clarity...is it because it's old, or poorer quality than newer stuff?? I don't know...anywho, a couple of months ago I installed an Evolution in the bridge, and that thing sounds super clear, bright, awesome, very happy. I never even played the stock bridge pickup when I got the guitar, immediately swapped it for the evolution, would the bridge pickup have had similar crummy tone characteristics to the neck pickup that is in there? Anyways, I think I want to swap it for something, hoping to clean up the sound...I am a Dimarzio loyal kinda guy, but any input is appreciated. I aspire to play lead type guitar runs and licks with it, I am a fan of Vai, Satriani, Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore...you get the idea. Which Neck pickup would go well for me? I know there are many to choose from and likely many that would please me, but...paired with an Evolution in the bridge?? Thank you guys for helping me out with this, I have become quite a fan of this website and the information I can receive from it. It is like an extended family with a very common interest. I love it!! Thanks in advance for the input guys.

Cale

[dcord]

Might as well put a neck Evo in there just so you have a matched set.

The Air Norton is a favorite around here as well. Can't really go wrong with that one.

However, pickups are like ice cream - the flavor I like might not be the flavor you like. So, your mileage may vary.

~d~

[_FR0D0]

if you love your evo in the bridge the obvious choice is to put the evo neck

BTW i do like the evo bridge, but the neck ... I just LOVE IT

[charv712]

So do you guys think that changing my neck pickup will clean up the muddy neck pickup tones I am getting from the original pickup?? Thanks...

[_FR0D0]

if you use a clean neck pickup .. yes
go for the evo, you will be very satisfied with it

[dcord]

Yeah, a new neck pickup will definitely help, especially if you pick one that's more balanced tone-wise. Ibanez pickups are pretty well known for sounding muddy, although some people really love them.

An Evolution neck model will give you a more powerful output that will balance well with the Evo in the bridge as well as more defined high end.

[charv712]

SWEET!!! I'm probably gonna do it!!

[Foulacy]

just to warn you, if you are playing chords on the neck pickup with distortion, there isn't a neck pickup in the world that isn't going to sound a lot muddier than the bridge pickup. that's why people put pickups in the neck. because it's darker, bassier, and muddier.

[vai n maiden]

I'm a sucker for the Air Norton in the neck with an Evo in the bridge - did that on a 6 and a 7 and loved both.

[_FR0D0]

Originally Posted by vai n maiden

I'm a sucker for the Air Norton in the neck with an Evo in the bridge - did that on a 6 and a 7 and loved both.

AirNorton is lovely but the original post wants a clear pickup and AN is not as clear as EvoNeck

[nsabino]

Something to think about is a SD Jazz in the neck position, I stuck one in my RG770 and I love it clear and articulate, yeah...


Regards,
Nelson

[dcord]

Originally Posted by _FR0D0

AirNorton is lovely but the original post wants a clear pickup and AN is not as clear as EvoNeck

Not to mention that an AN is not going to have the output level of an Evo. It's a quieter pickup.

[_FR0D0]

Originally Posted by dcord

Not to mention that an AN is not going to have the output level of an Evo. It's a quieter pickup.

AirNorton an EvoNeck are not that different in output, having the AirNorton 270 mv and the EvoNeck 294 mv