[Pixel_Jockey]

Hello all, long time lurker and first time poster here. I have a Genesis RG550 coming to me in a couple weeks and I am already quite sure I want to change the pickups. I had an RG1570 for several years (had to sell for money reasons unfortunately) with the V7/V8 pickups, and I did not love them. I ended up leaving them in and just dealt with it (although I always thought I could do better with a different set). Anyways, I'm looking for some advice. Courtesy copy/paste from your sticky below:

1. What type of music do you like? Mainly classic rock/metal (Dio/Vivian Campbell, Ozzy/Randy Rhodes, 70's/80's classic rock and metal type stuff) and Neo-classical/Shred (Yngwie, Joe Stump, Ritchie Blackmore). I am thinking about starting a classic rock/metal band and would want this guitar to be able to pull it off well.
2. What type of equipment are you going to be playing through? Marshall DSL40CR and a medium-sized pedal board (TS9 and a DD-7 mostly)
3. What are the specifics of your guitar? Ibanez Genesis RG550
A. Is it a trem or hardtail? Ibanez Edge
B. maple or rosewood board? Maple
C. how many frets? 24
D. what controls are on it? 5-way switch, 1 tone, 1 volume
E. What type of wood is you body made from? Basswood
F. Are your pickups direct mounted, ring mounted or in a pickguard? Pickgaurd

The Dimarzio Pickup picker suggested Super D/Super 2, Gravity Storm (set), or TZ/AN.
I was thinking about doing a Super Distortion in the bridge and a Super 2 in the neck, I figured that would pretty much nail it (but I've never used a Super 2). The only worry I have is if this would be versatile enough to venture into other genres if so inclined.
The Gravity Storm seems to come highly recommended. I listened to some clips, but am still indifferent.
From what I understand, the TZ/AN combo is classic in a basswood RG, but I've heard the TZ can be overly muddy (no personal experience, just what I've heard). Any advice is appreciated, thanks ahead of time!

 

[FireEagle]

The TZ/AN combo sounds good in basswood, gets muddier in mahogany (to my ears)... but for the era of classic rock/metal you can't go wrong with Duncan JB/Jazz or JB/'59.

 

[Pixel_Jockey]

Thanks for the info and video link. I do dig the sound of the JB/59 and had considered that combo. The only issue I have is that I have read that the JB sounds shrill in basswood (this could be complete bull****, just what I read). The video didn't show any examples with a basswood guitar, I'll see if I can find some. Thanks again.

 

[FireEagle]

Yeah, you could be right... I think that's the whole idea of the Tone Zone, to get rid of the shrill bridge pickup sound in some guitars. The only guitar I currently have a JB in is an alder Strat body w/Ibanez maple neck and it seems very balanced. One awesome combo I had in a basswood RG was a D-Activator bridge and Air Norton neck... sounded great clean and even better w/gain.

 

[Pixel_Jockey]

I'm pretty sold on the Air Norton, I've played one and loved it. I also love the super distortion, though I've never played it in basswood and have not found any examples of it paired with an Air Norton (I would think it should be okay?). Maybe TZ/AN is the way to go...too many choices!

Has anyone tried a Super Distortion with an Air Norton in the neck?

 

[LACS-plus]

the sd has that classic sound thick and punchy
here is a pretty good demo i found that might help

 

[jemsite]

Pickups are so personal and guitar/amp specific... i'd say based on what you posted just go with the lower output pickups when deciding between two choices. Amps have more gain then ever and you don't need to over drive an already over driven pickup... that just hurts tone.

 

[mike570]

Hello all, long time lurker and first time poster here. I have a Genesis RG550 coming to me in a couple weeks and I am already quite sure I want to change the pickups. I had an RG1570 for several years (had to sell for money reasons unfortunately) with the V7/V8 pickups, and I did not love them. I ended up leaving them in and just dealt with it (although I always thought I could do better with a different set). Anyways, I'm looking for some advice. Courtesy copy/paste from your sticky below:

1. What type of music do you like? Mainly classic rock/metal (Dio/Vivian Campbell, Ozzy/Randy Rhodes, 70's/80's classic rock and metal type stuff) and Neo-classical/Shred (Yngwie, Joe Stump, Ritchie Blackmore). I am thinking about starting a classic rock/metal band and would want this guitar to be able to pull it off well.
2. What type of equipment are you going to be playing through? Marshall DSL40CR and a medium-sized pedal board (TS9 and a DD-7 mostly)
3. What are the specifics of your guitar? Ibanez Genesis RG550
A. Is it a trem or hardtail? Ibanez Edge
B. maple or rosewood board? Maple
C. how many frets? 24
D. what controls are on it? 5-way switch, 1 tone, 1 volume
E. What type of wood is you body made from? Basswood
F. Are your pickups direct mounted, ring mounted or in a pickguard? Pickgaurd

The Dimarzio Pickup picker suggested Super D/Super 2, Gravity Storm (set), or TZ/AN.
I was thinking about doing a Super Distortion in the bridge and a Super 2 in the neck, I figured that would pretty much nail it (but I've never used a Super 2). The only worry I have is if this would be versatile enough to venture into other genres if so inclined.
The Gravity Storm seems to come highly recommended. I listened to some clips, but am still indifferent.
From what I understand, the TZ/AN combo is classic in a basswood RG, but I've heard the TZ can be overly muddy (no personal experience, just what I've heard). Any advice is appreciated, thanks ahead of time!

I'm pretty sure you need a Super Distortion in your life.
You're Detroit Metro. There should be a few music stores near you. I'd see if I can find an RG655 locally to see if you like the Tone Zone. Based on what you're saying I think you might want something more classic sounding like the Super D that you can also hear your picking notes more well defined (Yngwie + Joe Stump).
Speaking of Yngwie and Joe Stump I would also suggest an HS-3 in the middle.

 

[Pixel_Jockey]

Thanks for the input everyone (video was super helpful LACS). HS-3 for the middle sounds like a winner Mike, hopefully it will pair well with a Super D (its pretty low output). I basically just need to decide between a Super 2 or AN for the neck.

 

[mike570]

Many times I've gone with a PAF Pro in the neck. Works pretty well.

 

[LACS-plus]

Many times I've gone with a PAF Pro in the neck. Works pretty well.

indeed

 

[Chisorg3570]

Got a Crunch lab, red velvet and PAF pro set! Loving it

 

[MatiasTolkki]

Classic rock you say? Dimarzio AT1 with Air norton in the neck. single coil you can leave the stock S1 in it, the S1 is a good single coil pup.

 

[diablomozart]

i'd recommend looking on ebay for a duncan distortion made in the 80's for the bridge pickup to help match the era you're talking about...keep the s1 in the middle and put a gravity storm in the neck for a warm bubbly tone...d.m.