Pickup suggestions for Ibanez JEM7V - Evolutions seem too compressed

[Mewcenary]

Hey,

I have an Ibanez JEM7V with DiMarzio Evolutions.

It sounds killer at high gain.  However, it is exceptionally compressed and sterile at clean or low gain levels. 

I really like the sound of my PRS Custom 24, which is loaded with PRS 59/09 pickups.  Clean is warm.  Gain sounds are lovely too, and there is just a bit more 'sizzle' to the higher gain stuff.  Perhaps more vintage? 

Similarly, I felt my PRS Torero when loaded with DiMarzio Gravity Storms felt a lot more open.  Ditto a Les Paul with (I think) Classic 57 pickups.

From a bit of reading up and listening, it seems a set of Bare Knuckle Nailbombs seem to straddle the divide here.  Although I would also need a single coil of some description to pair up with them (Due to the HSS nature of the guitar).

Any thoughts / advice?

[darrenw5094]

Any thoughts / advice?

Lol, same as my thread from a few days ago.

Think the Miracle Man is what BKP advise for Vai tones.
BKP advise the Painkiller as a straight swap for the Evo's

Then there is the Holydiver, Nailbomb and Cold Sweats.

My Holydiver in the Charvel would suit my JEM7VWH also, more clearer than the Evo's with slightly more mids.

[darkbluemurder]

I am not sure what sound you are exactly after but if you want to retain most of the output but want a more open sound, I would go with a Holydiver for the bridge and a VHII for the neck. These two worked very well in my PRS Custom (the 24 fret model). For the middle pickup I would probably go with an Irish Tour.

Cheers Stephan

[Slartibartfarst42]

I would tend to agree. The Holydiver and Miracle Man would both work well in the bridge and for the neck, take your pick from VHII, Emerald, Holydiver and Cold Sweat depending on your preferences.