Jackson SLSMG new pickup

[jauernis]

The three passives Im thinking of are Tone Zone or Sh-14 or sh-15? Anyone know what might be a good fit in this guitar. I'm looking for a brighter sounding pickup than the passive emg-hz3 in there now. I am a bit of a dull player dont hit the strings as hard as I should so need a PU with a little more definition and brightness. I do have a EMG 81 sitting around but wouldnt know where to start to swap an active for a passive!!

So I think it's the tone zone or the sh-14 or the sh-15 (lasse?)unless you have any other thoughts for drop d disturbed, evanescence type modern rock.

 

[abigor731]

i have this guitar too, the tone with stock pickups is incredibly weak, the funny thing is that on other guitars the same pickups usually sound powerful enough and completely different with more low mids and highs (whats missing on the stock tone of the slsmg)
i think the problem is just the guitar itself, they labeled it super-lightweight-solo-i dunno blabla but there is just a little bit of wood missing (my opinion)
i now have a sh-6 in it, and its ok now, although it is even a little too bright for my taste, it sounds a bit strat-like

 

[Rex Rocker]

Yeah... if you're looking for a bright pickup, the Tone Zone is not what you're looking for.

 

[bibz]

SH-6 was too brittle in my slsmg too. EMG's sounded pants too, but the blackouts are magnificent. I can get that lovely sculpting chug out of it and a really nice singing lead tone. I've been through heaps in this and these guys are staying put!

 

[DigiV]

SH-6 was too brittle in my slsmg too. EMG's sounded pants too, but the blackouts are magnificent. I can get that lovely sculpting chug out of it and a really nice singing lead tone. I've been through heaps in this and these guys are staying put!

"sounded pants"

what does that mean?

 

[bibz]

Well 'crap' but ill be more specific. It had a flubby low/mid end and a big hollow where all the tone should be with them, it was really weird. I double/triple checked the wiring but I'm still hoping it was wrong. Although I didnt change anything for the blackouts to come back in and sound great. Every guitar is different though, so see what works. I doubt the flame top on mine makes a difference.

 

[DigiV]

Well 'crap' but ill be more specific. It had a flubby low/mid end and a big hollow where all the tone should be with them, it was really weird. I double/triple checked the wiring but I'm still hoping it was wrong. Although I didnt change anything for the blackouts to come back in and sound great. Every guitar is different though, so see what works. I doubt the flame top on mine makes a difference.

How easy is it to replace the EMG's with say duncan Jb's? It shouldn't be a problem right since this guitar also comes with duncans?

I'm having a real hard time adjusting this thing. I'm so used to floyd equipped guitars that the bridge is giving me issues. Anyone know how to remedy this?

 

[Tommy Gun]

How easy is it to replace the EMG's with say duncan Jb's? It shouldn't be a problem right since this guitar also comes with duncans?

I'm having a real hard time adjusting this thing. I'm so used to floyd equipped guitars that the bridge is giving me issues. Anyone know how to remedy this?

Putting passives in place of actives is cake, but if you don't already know that, or even (not to sound rude) how to make an adjustment to a Tune-o-matic style bridge (the simplest bridge design ever)... Well then, I would suggest you having a professional setup your guitar and handle the replacement of the pickups. Not trying to sound like a dick, but it sounds to me like taking it to a pro would be in the best interests of both you and the guitar.

 

[DigiV]

Putting passives in place of actives is cake, but if you don't already know that, or even (not to sound rude) how to make an adjustment to a Tune-o-matic style bridge (the simplest bridge design ever)... Well then, I would suggest you having a professional setup your guitar and handle the replacement of the pickups. Not trying to sound like a dick, but it sounds to me like taking it to a pro would be in the best interests of both you and the guitar.

Haha, no i meant adjusting as in adjusting my style to fit this bridge.

I wonder if the duncans will be a better fit for this guitar.

 

[Tommy Gun]

well, pickup choice is more a matter of taste and what kind of wood the guitar is built from. I personally prefer the Seymour Duncan JB for my guitars, but I play Gibsons (nice heavy Mahogany). But that's just for my personal taste as a player.

 

[bibz]

For duncans try the Custom or its many variants. I'd prolly go a '59 in the neck, but thats just me.

This was my first non-trem guitar and I found it easy to play off the bat. Just depends on how you anchor your right hand, and how you deal with the neck angle.