Hi, I was hoping for some advice for my first real post here in the forums (great place they are too).

I've just acquired an RG520QSTB off evilbay, took a risk and it paid off. It's a great guitar and I'm really pleased.

My plan for it was to put it in Dropped D and replace the pups with an EMG 60/81 set. I've retuned, but tbh I'm not sure it works with the guitar. Anyone got any thoughts on Dropped D for this guitars wood/Edge trem combo? It could be the V7/V8, no EMGS yet, but the guitar seems to have lost a litte sparkle.

Thanks in advance

whats your rig?

My amp is a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe as I always start from the cleans, I use a Boss DS-1 or a Big Muff for Dist, a Phase 90 and a DD-3 (I like it simple). But the 520 is *mainly* going to be used with a POD for recording.

ok and you say the 520 sounds dull? the pickups mite be too old either need to be repotted or removed. i wish i had a pod lol

Yes, that was what I was thinking/hoping, but acoustically there is definately a difference with the Drop D. I was wondering if there was a resonance issue with the lower tuning, perhaps it just don't work too well with the guitar.

Thanks for the input :-)

mite could check the setup also

Raise the action on the pups and see if the sound gets better.

Jimmy

I didn't think of that! They are quite low down, well worth a try, thanks

the closer the pups are to the strings the more volume and output you get.

Yeah, it's just that usually I keep the pups not "too" close to prevent wolf tones so never automatically think about height. This guitar is to be used with very hi-gain, it may be need the extra volume to help cut through. Normally I play with a less hi-gain sound.

I wonder if this can justify me investing in a Metal Zone, hehehe, any excuse for a new toy.

Although I'm still convinced that it's not as sparkly played acoustically, it could well just be me not used to the dropped-D. I amy indeed have to accept I just don't like the sound of guitars in Dropped D <shrug>

It's fun finding out though!