Remnest

So i am expecting two new toys from Carvin in a few weeks (a CS6 and a DC4). I want to make the CS6 my guitar for hard rock and metal and the DC4 will be used mainly for Blues/jazz/ol school rock.

Ive been looking at the BKP nailbomb for the CS6 (thinking In Flames, Godsmack, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Tool, Dreamtheater, Fair to Midland to name a few)

Also looking into either TV Jones Powertrons or maybe some PAF-style pup for the DC4 (think Beatles, the who, black crowes, SRV, Jack White, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc). I should also mention the DC will be fitted with a Bigsby B5 vibrato.

I will be playing out of my new toy: the Orange Rockerverb 50 MkII. (ill do a proper NAD thread later when i get home).

Budget ~$300 per set

Any suggestions?

667

Wait until you take possession of the guitars before you start throwing money at them.

souperman08

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Remnest

Agreed except for that fact that my friend already owns a CS6 with the stock carvin pick ups mine will have. the DC4 is essentially the same guitar with an extra cut. So i already know the way they sound.

The stock pups are not bad by any means, but if i had to put my finger on it they are closer to vintage hot pick ups than anything else. The lack the bottom end for heavy metal imo, and while they do relatively well for old school rock they seem rather dull for blues and jazz. Thats why i want to research now b4 i get them so i can set them up with the best possible pick ups.

punk0mi

Can you really go wrong wit a set of EMG 81/85s?

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Dave_Mc

i still reckon it makes more sense to wait until you have the guitar. Just in case. EDIT: ^ yes.

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667

Absolutely. I ripped the stock 81/85s from my SG because they were awful in that guitar.

Remnest

I rather not use active pick ups, especially since that would require creating a cavity for the battery on the guitar.

667

I'd spend the money on a boost (w/eq e.g. the Digitech Hardwire) or an EQ (MXR 7 or 10) to get you there instead of pups. After that... I'd prolly look at new tubes before a pup change.

In the whole grand scheme of things, pups are on the bottom of the list of contributors to tone.

MaggaraMarine

"In the whole grand scheme of things, pups are on the bottom of the list of contributors to tone."

Unless we talk about single coil vs humbucker or active vs passive. They sound pretty different.

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Tokai TB48

667

True... but we are not

Remnest

Once again i agree with you, there is a set of new JJs coming this week and i already have a green rhino for boost if need be. I will most certainly play with the guitars as they come. I am merely looking for opinions for the best possible pick ups to get the desired effect. Trust me im not trying to throw money after useless things. I have many reasons to save up for my upcoming research trip to China lol. But it never hurts to get opinions on these matters either.

Cathbard

Not actually true.
http://www.emgpickups.com/products/category/292/4

I like EMG's for live work because they are so noiseless and will drive a piece of wet string. That can be a huge advantage on some stages, especially ones with shitty lighting rigs.

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Offworld92

^ Besides that, I have yet to encounter a guitar that couldn't hold a 9V in its control cavity. Having to route out a control cavity is total BS.

Of course you may want to just for easy access and to keep your cavity less cluttered, but you don't have to by any stretch.

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HUMANIZER

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R45VT

x2. I just wrap the bat in foam and call it a day.

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Cathbard

With mine I use a rechargeable battery so I never have to get into the cavity. I fitted a 3mm phono socket on the back of the guitar where I can plug in a charger. Before the gig I just give it a charge. I've had the same battery in there now for well over 10 years and it's still going strong.

__________________
Gilchrist custom guitar
Yamaha SBG500
Telecaster
Ibanez Iceman
Roland GP-8
Quadraverb
Abbey Harmonic II
Marshall JTM45 clone
Marshall JCM900 4102 (modded)
Marshall 18W clone
Fender 5F1 Champ clone
Marshall 1960A

Cathbard Amplification

Remnest

Ill keep it under consideration cath.

Any other suggestions?