Author Topic: Pickups for Ibanez RGT42 (Read 6492 times)

carlaz · « **Reply #15 on:** March 19, 2007, 10:14:53 AM »

I would have sworn I remember a post where Tim highlighted the differences between the alnico and ceramic Warpigs, but I'm darned if I can find it now! I would think that the ceramic version would push the bass and treble a bit more, but keep the bass tight. Others will have a better view on this than me, though.

Doadman · « **Reply #16 on:** March 19, 2007, 01:11:51 PM »

Thanks for that. The more I hear about the Warpig, the more I think that's the way to go but I really need to know if the Alnico or Ceramic magnet will give me the sound I want. Any help here would be more than welcome.

I also read a very interesting thread over the weekend that was talking about the power needed in a pup to effectively coil tap it. Based on that I think that, awesome though the VHII sounds, it may not be powerful enough to match to a Warpig. In this context the Abrazas would be better for the neck, though I also found a sound clip of a Coldsweat in the neck position and it was seriously impressive; much warmer in tone than I expected. Any thoughts on that too?

carlaz · « **Reply #17 on:** March 19, 2007, 02:06:48 PM »

I know from personal experience that the Abraxas neck coil-taps well; and I'm sure I remember reading complementary things about the CS neck, but the only detail I recall is that it's the same wind as the RY neck (like the Abraxas and Crawler sets share the neck specs). I would think the CS neck could be little hotter than the Abraxas, but not much if any. The CS came along after I did my stat-gathering research though, so I've exhausted my knowledge about it (and the ceramic/alnico Warpig subtleties!).

Doadman · « **Reply #18 on:** March 19, 2007, 11:57:45 PM »

Just got a reply from Tim. To a degree he was thinking along the same lines as me but dropped another pup into the equation. He thinks I may prefer the warmer and more versatile tone of an Alnico V pup. I was thinking this way myself but Tim has also suggested that the Holydiver would suit my guitar and set up well. There doesn't seem to be as much on the HD so I'd be interested in your thoughts.

For the neck he thought that the Abraxas may be a shade underpowered but the Coldsweat came highly recommended. I'm almost there at last. The neck is going to be a Coldsweat, no doubt, so now I just have to decide between a HD or an Alnico Warpig. Any further thoughts?

Philly Q · « **Reply #19 on:** March 20, 2007, 12:09:22 AM »

For info on the Holydiver, I'd suggest searching for Antag's posts and, especially, clips. It's his favourite BKP and there are loads of good clips.

carlaz · « **Reply #20 on:** March 20, 2007, 10:11:03 AM »

The HD is a pup I've been watching increasingly closely, generally through the lens of Antag's clips. I've got a Charvel Charvette that it might sit nicely in. I would think the HD would be a bit more versatile, though still very "metal" and powerful, while the Warpig would bring a bit more brutal power (albeit warmed with alnico goodness) to the board. I don't know enough to say anything more useful than that, though, not having compared the HD and Warpig clips directly (or played through them)!

Doadman · « **Reply #21 on:** March 20, 2007, 04:14:28 PM »

Antag's posts are really useful, especially when he compared the HD directly with a MM and PK. In comparison to the MM, which sounds a little clinical and artificial to my ear, the HD has a warmth to the distortion that is certainly remeniscent of a WP. I love the sound of the MM but I think the versatility of an Alnico makes alot of sense in the only guitar I own. I asked Tim why he chose the HD over an Alnico WP and he said that he felt it may overpower my guitar/amp set up more than the HD. Perhaps he feels that something the power of a WP is better suited to non-mahogany guitars. I really fancied the WP but I think I'd be a fool to ignore his advice. He clearly knows what he's talking about and I've heard enough people sing his praises here to conclude that I should trust his judgement.

So there it is; it will be a Holydiver in the bridge position and a Coldsweat in the neck. Both pickups will be covered, mated to a five way selector and coil tapped. I'll order the pups soon but I'll need to save a little longer to get them fitted and a full set up done on the guitar. The guy I want to use in Leamington Spa is bloody expensive but I've sampled his work before and he really is a craftsman. Thanks for everyone's help.

carlaz · « **Reply #22 on:** March 20, 2007, 04:26:57 PM »

Quote from: Doadman

I really fancied the WP but I think I'd be a fool to ignore his advice.

I know that feeling -- I have real "Warpig envy", even though it wouldn't be appropriate for what I'm doing with my guitar most of the time!

Right -- good luck! We all look forward to pictures and sound clips from the final result! :)

Doadman · « **Reply #23 on:** March 25, 2007, 10:14:03 AM »

As well as thanking everyone who helped me on this journey, I'd like to give particular thanks to Antag who has been a godsend. On Carlaz's advice I contacted him and he has been a mine of useful information and advice. Any lingering doubts I had over the HD are now gone and the pups will be ordered soon. I am confident that a CS neck and HD bridge will make my guitar better than anything in the Prestige range and as soon as they are fitted I'll post some pictures on the gallery. This is going to be awesome :D