Versatile contemporary pickups for Ibanez RG1451

[NaZZeX]

Hey guys!

I recently posted here regarding a pickup change for a PRS SE Torero.

I decided that the EMG's and Floyd Rose just didnt fit into my playing style and rig. My bandmates were also commenting on how horrible and compressed the Torero sounded, due to the EMGs.

I figured that instead of spending a whole lot of cash swapping out the electronics and getting a Tremol-no installed, I'd rather sell it and get a better guitar. I proceeded to purchase a second hand Ibanez Prestige 1451. Here are the specs:

http://www.ibanez.com/ElectricGuitars/model-RG1451

I really love how the guitar feels and plays. In fact, only the stock pickups annoy me. They're too low output and they do not have enough low end. They sound weak, scooped and trebly. Furthermore, I use a Marshall DSL 50 going through an Orange 2X12 cab (Vintage 30's) which is in itself a rather bright rig.

I play mostly alternative rock such as Muse but I'll be using this guitar for the heavier songs. I'm looking for a pickup that'll give me the versatility of playing classic rock, metal a la modern Megadeth and Metallica as well as Alter Bridge type tones with the primary focus being heavy alternative rock.

These are the qualities I'm after:

Versatile
Organic
Open (not compressed)
Thick
Dynamic
LOUD

I'm contemplating going for a Nailbomb set. I've read that they sound amazing in basswood bodied guitars. I'm at loss as to what middle single coil I should get. I want it to balance well in terms of power with the humbuckers in the neck and bridge positions.

Also, I use series-parallel switching a lot in playing so positions 2 and 4 will be the humbuckers in parallel. Do you guys reckon I should just bypass the middle single coil altogether and get position 3 to be both humbuckers in series for loud clean lines?

I also welcome your opinions on what pickup covers I should get! The guitar is all black which is just plain boring. I was thinking of black battle worn or battle worn camo covers. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for your opinions guys! :)

[MDV]

Nailbombs.

[ElectricTurkey4369]

MDV has spoken!  :lol:

Nailbombs for you!

[Doadman]

Nailbomb bridge, Cold Sweat neck and Trilogy Suite middle. Burnt chrome covers.

[Roobubba]

Yup. This post it kinda redundant because MDV has spoken the truth already (and I can't answer about middle positions).

What you seek is the nailbomb, without doubt.

Roo

[ericsabbath]

I agree with MDV

that only happens once in a century

you better listen to us or puppies will die

[NaZZeX]

LOL @ all the replies on this thread! :lol:

Thank you guys so very much for your opinions. I'm definitely going dual nailbombs for the neck and bridge.

However, I'm still not sure about the middle position pickup. Do you guys reckon I should just bypass it altogether?

I'd also love it if someone could describe how the NB sounds when switched to parallel.

Thanks guys! :)