RG2550z pickups

[jworl]

Hi, all...

So I recently bought an RG2550z Prestige model. So far, I'm fairly happy with it. I can probably tweek the setup a little more for playability, but overall, VERY happy.

Another thing I'd like to change is the pups. I'd like a little more output, better harmonics, and (at the bridge at least) a little 'rounder' tone so to speak. For the bridge, I've been considering the Evo 2, D-Sonic, Super Distortion, or Super 3. For the neck: Evo neck, PAF Pro, or FRED.

I've had an X2N and Super 2 combo in the past and loved it. However, that was in a mahogany/set-neck guitar, and I think it will be too bright/tinny sounding in this RG.

Just looking for some input. I appreciate any help/suggestions

[MrKenSebben]

Originally Posted by jworl

Hi, all...

So I recently bought an RG2550z Prestige model. So far, I'm fairly happy with it. I can probably tweek the setup a little more for playability, but overall, VERY happy.

Another thing I'd like to change is the pups. I'd like a little more output, better harmonics, and (at the bridge at least) a little 'rounder' tone so to speak. For the bridge, I've been considering the Evo 2, D-Sonic, Super Distortion, or Super 3. For the neck: Evo neck, PAF Pro, or FRED.

I've had an X2N and Super 2 combo in the past and loved it. However, that was in a mahogany/set-neck guitar, and I think it will be too bright/tinny sounding in this RG.

Just looking for some input. I appreciate any help/suggestions

I bought my 2550 in the summer, and was debating for a few months if I should swap the pickups because I didn't think the stocks were that bad, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to tell a big difference. I finally swapped them for an air norton neck and tone zone bridge, and I was floored by the difference they made, its a louder more controllable tone. You can't go wrong with that combo in my opinion.

[jworl]

cool thanks for the response! I will definitely consider that setup. The problem with pickups is, you never really get the chance to try them before you buy

How does the output of the tonezone/air norton compare to the stock pups? Noticably higher output? Better harmonics overall, I'm sure...

[MrKenSebben]

Originally Posted by jworl

cool thanks for the response! I will definitely consider that setup. The problem with pickups is, you never really get the chance to try them before you buy

How does the output of the tonezone/air norton compare to the stock pups? Noticably higher output? Better harmonics overall, I'm sure...

Honestly everything about them is better, and they are very loud. I turned the master volume down a quarter of what I usually play, and my ears were ringing when I was done. I would have liked to try others like the evo, evo2 and paf pro's, but I am very satisfied with my current setup.

[callen3615]

EVO!!!!!!!!

[callen3615]

the evo2 isnt much different, better cleans, i like it more!

[jworl]

I've read a lot of complaints of the Evo sounding far too shrill. I guess the evo2 is the answer to those complaints.

[callen3615]

Originally Posted by jworl

I've read a lot of complaints of the Evo sounding far too shrill. I guess the evo2 is the answer to those complaints.

Ive never heard shrillness. But the evo2 is a good pickup also, just evo with less top end and less output.

[callen3615]

the paf pro is an awesome neck pickup

[j.arledge]

Originally Posted by callen3615

Ive never heard shrillness. But the evo2 is a good pickup also, just evo with less top end and less output.

the Evolution and evo 2 ARE shrill IMO . I hate them or at least with 500k pots. I find the steve morse model is an excellent alternative.

[jworl]

Originally Posted by j.arledge

the Evolution and evo 2 ARE shrill IMO . I hate them or at least with 500k pots. I find the steve morse model is an excellent alternative.

Really? First I've heard that the Evo2 is shrill.

Comparing the EQ of the Evo (original) to the Steve Morse, it appears to be EQ'd about the same. Steve Morse having a bit more output. Won't the Steve Morse sound shrill or thin as well? Or is part of the shrillness of the Evo attributed to the 'dual resonance'?

Just for kicks, here's Dimarzio's response to my e-mail

"An F-spaced Evo 2 (DP215F) might be good in the bridge position, with an
F-spaced Breed neck model (DP165F) in the neck position. This set has a
bit less output than the X2N/Super 2 combo. If high output is a
consideration, you might look at a D Activator-X bridge model (DP222) in
the bridge position. A Breed should still be OK in the neck position."

My concern with putting a breed in the neck is it might sound too muddy.

[MrKenSebben]

The guy at my local guitar shop said that the breed's are really nice pickups. Its impossible to tell from reviews and audio clips what the pups will sound like to you and the way you play. Your best bet is to go to a guitar store and hopefully they will have some jems with evo's or some pgm's with paf's that you can try out

[jworl]

Yea, I know. Unfortunately, my local guitar shop only had a JEM. I was told it had the original Evolutions in it which is why I said the bridge Evo is too shrill for me.

I had a Fender Strat that I put a PAF Pro in the bridge before. It was a nice pickup. I imagine it would be perfect for the neck position if paired with the right bridge pickup. Of course, that was an alder body with a vintage trem. It'll sound a little different in the RG.

The only way for me to really try a lot of these pups is to buy them. Like I said, it's unfortunate, but the only way for me to really pick is through an educated decision.

[Foulacy]

I put an EMG 81 in the bridge and an EMG 60 in the neck of my 2550. The 60 is a great pickup, although a tad bassy. The 81 of course, is an 81. I miss the split coil sounds that maybe an 81tw or a passive pickup would give me but I'll live, I like the EMG's overall.

[jworl]

personally don't care for the sound of EMGs. Thanks for the advice though