Jackson Soloist pup replacements.

[FunkyMunky]

I am looking to finally replace the pups in my 1992 Jap Jackson Soloist, and have narrowed it down to either a Nailbomb or Painkiller HSS set. Mostly into playing classic and hard rock, classic thrash, and a bit of shred, with some blues for good measure. I wondered if anyone out there was fitted similar, how it went, and with what results.

[59LemonDrop]

I have a mid-80’s San Dimas Soloist (H-S-S) which I kept stock until recently when I couldn’t handle the Jackson bridge humbucker anymore. Favorite players are early Van Halen, Michael Schenker, Steve Stevens, Beck, Holdsworth, Aldrich to name a few. Finally replaced the original tone prevention system with VHII bridge. Love it to bits as there is clarity across the spectrum with no mud in the bottom with crispy singing highs, overtones and crunch to boot. All of which I though could be lost with a higher output pickup. :D  :D  :D.

[Dazza1004]

I have an early 90's Jap Jackson with evil stock pups in. I have a set of Holydivers lying around doing nothing at the moment but I am sure I would prefer VHII's in this guitar.

[59LemonDrop]

Does the Jap Soloist have a rosewood fingerboard? If so, it should be a bit warmer than ebony.

[FunkyMunky]

That's interesting, I hadn't considered Vintage Hots, and Tim thought Nailbomb or Painkiller HSS set (thanks for ultra-fast response on a Sunday, does this guy ever take any time off?), but there seems to be a big discrepancy in output between the Nailbomb and Irish tours, does this actually equate to much difference sonically. What did you put in your single coils 59LemonDrop? It's got an ebony board, the other thing is I just got a Dean Hardtail (also ebony boarded), which sounds so good that the Jackson has to be brought up to scratch, but maybe needs to be a bit different in the bridge that the Seymour JB that's in the Dean. Bit of a novice in this area so thanks for the suggestions so far.

[59LemonDrop]

Both single coils are stock at the moment. The middle unit will be disconnected soon and the jury is still out on the neck unit. At the moment its down to JB Junior unless a suitable BKP humbucker in a single coil form factor arrives.

[Catalyst77]

I have 2 Esp Mirage Deluxes (which are essentially Jackson Soloist rip-offs)

One has the VH2 in the other a nailbomb.  I've found overall that the VH2 is definately better, its more articulate, expressive and has a more complex sound. 

But the Nailbomb will do the heavier stuff better where a more focused sound is required.  I have the Nailbomb paired with a slow hand and that works fine.

Increased output does not necessarily mean increased volume

[FunkyMunky]

 Now I've just listened to the VHII and Rebel Yell demos. V impressive with great tone, wonder what Rebel Yells were recorded through compared to VHIIs. It's funny, I always like the idea of high output pups (like EMG 81s), but whenever I try them I don't like the sound :?

[Twinfan]

I've got a Japanese H-H Dinky with VHIIs.  Great all round rock and blues tones that take high gain well too as they don't have a fat low end to mush out.

Great pickups that suit that guitar very well.  It's got a carved alder body and a rosewood 'board.

[Antag]

My choice would be the Holy Diver - sounds sensational in alder/maple/ebony neck-thru Jacksons.  I have a set in my RR1T (search the Players forum for my clips - a fair number of them were recorded with that guitar).

Painkiller certainly works well (have one in my KV2), as does Nailbomb (I was surprised how good it sounded in my alder strat) - I just wonder whether PK would be suited to the "with some blues for good measure" bit :)

FWIW, I think that hum-cancelling SC-sized pickups (rails/jr bucker/stack etc) are over-rated as a solution to a non-problem.  Sure, 60-cycle hum exists but unless you play on singles with masses of gain, it's not a big deal.  IMO the compromise in tone isn't worth it & I much prefer "real" single coils in mid & neck position.  Irish Tours or perhaps Slowhands would be great.

[FunkyMunky]

More like some raucous blues scale based shredding really than Robert Cray / BB King stuff if I'm honest. So for a summary so far most of you recommend VHIIs for the bridge, with a nod towards Painkillers, Holy Divers and Nailbombs. Are Nailbombs more suited to Mhg/Maple type guitars, or are they just a bit too much and lacking in clarity. Wasn't so keen on sound of Painkillers in the demo, I don't know really though, as I wouldn't be playing them like that anyway so demo may be irrelevant. The other issue is covered/uncovered. Tim says a cover mellows out the sound slightly, which may be a good thing if Soloists are considered particularly bright guitars. As for single coils, sets come with Irish Tours, but how do these compare with Slow Hands or others? Will look for a Holy Diver demo this minute.  :)

[Antag]

Will look for a Holy Diver demo this minute.  :)

If you want to hear the HD/Irish Tour set - try this shootout clip
(FWIW, there's also the nailbomb in my alder strat in there to give you an idea of the NB in a bright guitar).

I've also posted several HD clips with my Jackson RR1T:
Some riffing
Some soloing
& some fun with drop-D

Either way, I hope you find what you're looking for & welcome to the forum :)

[gwEm]

More like some raucous blues scale based shredding really than Robert Cray / BB King stuff if I'm honest.

Sounds like Irish Tours

The other issue is covered/uncovered. Tim says a cover mellows out the sound slightly, which may be a good thing if Soloists are considered particularly bright guitars.

I would decide the covered/uncovered thing based on looks alone. The difference is quite slight. The mojo difference of having the right look is more of a factor :)

As for single coils, sets come with Irish Tours, but how do these compare with Slow Hands or others?

I have slow hands, and have tried Irish Tours, but not on my rig. The Slow Hands have fatter sounding mids, a bit less raucous.

[FunkyMunky]

Yeah, I found Antag's demos last night. Great to hear all options as noted by others. I really like the Nailbomb, and the Sultans sound a bit thin compared to the ITs even though I initially prefered the tone. Holy diver sounds great in the Metal Riffing and Solo section. Might have to go for a Nailbomb in burnt chrome cover with a set of Irish Tours after all seeing as that would be the most Mojo laden option for my midnight blue guitar. :shock:

[sjwebb90]

I've got a Nailbomb and two Irish Tours in my Charvel 475.
(Chavel has a Basswood body and Rosewood neck.)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66957213@N00/2410932848/

Initially I had a VHII in the bridge, and although a great pickup, I felt there was something amiss and things didn't quite gel in this guitar. Maybe something to do with the Basswood body, as a mate of mine has a Jackson with an alder body and rosewood neck and that sounds great running with a PAF. 

The Nailbomb on the other hand, (IMHO) gives a better tonal balance in the Charvel and compliments the Irish Tours well.  The Nailbomb is also versitile and the split tone is pretty good too. . I play Classic Rock and it fits the bill nicely.

I also have a Rebel Yell (Gold Covers) calibrated set in my PRS Artist 22, and that too has a cracking Rock tone. I was previously using the PRS Dragon 1's and these put them in the shade. The RY's I  also find very versitile and can handle most things you chuck at them.