Upgrading a Jackson

[stoo5150]

Hey all. Looking for some opinions really! I've decided to change the pickup in my Jackson RR as its not really been getting much use due to the fact that I find the EMG 81 in it totally flat sounding. Its a single pickup rear loaded model, and to my ears, I find active pickups a bit soulless!!
My main axe has always been my Peavey Wolfgang and would love to get some EVH tone out the Jackson too, and the obvious choice would be the VH2, but, as RR's lack the depth of woody tone, do you think the Cold Sweat would suit more? Any thoughts would be nice!  :mrgreen:

[Madsakre]

Which music do you play?
Do you prefer Alnico or Ceramic pickups?

Take a listen to a Rebel yell and a Ceramic nailbomb :)

[stoo5150]

I'm playing very 80s inspired classic rock. Think VH, with a drop of Def Lep in amongst it!
I usually use ceramics. Oh, and I'm playing through a 5150 half stack too!
I'll check those sound clips out, thanks!

[Madsakre]

I dont know whats best for stuff like that. But out of the pickups i've own, then i'd go for the painkiller. But thats not a pickup tailored for stuff like that.

[Afghan Dave]

I'll start the avalanche --- COLD SWEAT --- It's a ceramic that has alot of the best of alnico.

[mattc]

My main guitars are Jackson RRs.

I've found that the Cold Sweat works really well in them, it's hot and bright but not totally over the top.   The Miracle Man sounds great in them too, but is probably a little scooped and "modern" sounding for what you're doing.   I've also put a VHII and it was instant EVH/DiMartini sound.  That's what I'd recommend you use.   I also tried the Rebel Yell, and while it was find, I didn't think it brought out the best in my Vs.

[ericsabbath]

the cold sweat is not a fat sounding pickup
it's very focused, bright and CERAMIC sounding
I can't relate it to any alnico characteristics, except that it cleans up pretty well

if you want a deep and fluid tone, grab the holy diver
it does work well with the 5150

[stoo5150]

Ok, thanks to everyone so far, you've given me some great stuff to think about!
Mattc, I'm leaning more to the VHII on your recommendation, but the Holydiver now seems like an option too?!
Ultimately, I'm after a nice hot lead tone, but retaining clarity on chords. Being EVH inspired stuff, I play lots of triads and open strings and really want those notes to come through.
My amp settings are scooped in the mids, but only a little. Any more suggestions?? I'm still confused!!  :guitar4:

[Doadman]

The woods used in a Jackson and the lack of wood actually making up the body all suggest a bright guitar to me so I'd steer clear of Cold Sweats and Rebel Yells as I think they'd be too bright. The VHII is also rather bright so with that in mind and thinking of the style of music you're looking at, I'd be thinking of something alnico that added a little warmth and sweetness but was still suitably tight at the bottom end. I'd have to agree that the Holy Diver is your best option. It has soul in spades as well being THE 80s pickup. If you wanted something that was a bit closer to modern Metal but would still work on the 80s stuff then perhaps an alnico Nailbomb but to me, you're definitely describing a Holy Diver.