Hello folks,

I have an Ibanez RG770 in which I installed EMG pickups (85 bridge, 60 neck). I installed these pickups because I really didn't like the tone of the guitar with stock pickups. Well, needless to say, I still don't like the tone of this guitar. It's dark, the strings are not well differentiated when played together (especially the low e and a), it doesn't sound dynamic (I know, I know, EMGs won't help with that; but it doesn't sound any worse with the EMGs, just not much better). I thought the guitar was broken, until I went to guitarcenter and played some other guitars made of basswood; and I realized I just really don't like the sound of basswood guitars. I bought the rg770 (over the internet) because of its fast playability.

Where am I going with this?

Given the ease of switching out EMG pickups with the Quick Connect system, I am considering installing an EMG 81 in the bridge (the 60 in the neck sounds fine). I was wondering if anyone has had a basswood guitar in which they tried both EMG 85s and 81s in the bridge. If so, what is the difference in sound. Will the EMG 81s make the guitar sound less crappy? I don't want to drop another 100+ dollars in this money pit blindly. I've already tried the EMGs, 18v mod, and afterburner to make this thing sound less bad; nothing's really worked thus far.

Some context: I listen to and play metal, I'm going for a sound similar to modern metal bands (e.g., black dahlia murder, the human abstract, etc.). I have an SG standard with duncan invader bridge and SD '59 neck; and I am more pleased with the tone of that guitar. I'd like to also get a thick-bodied mahogany guitar (e.g., les paul classic), but that's neither here nor there.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Jim

I have an 81/85 in my Jackson and it sounds pretty good, though I'm not sure what wood it's made of, probably not basswood. I love the black dahlia murder, so I know the sound you're looking for, and I can get it with my Jackson. I don't think switching out the neck pickup would affect your sound for that kind of music since it's usually played in the bridge position. The problem is probably just the wood. I'd suggest trading it for another guitar if you're that unsatisfied with the sound.

Basswood is not dark and muddy sounding.
it is actually kind of in the middle tone wise.

what 770 do you have ?

I have the 81/60 combo in my ESP/LTD EC-1000 Deluxe and they sound very clear and crisp and i don't have to worry about them muddying up at all. it could be your gain settings. if you have too much gain it may get muddy.
but it could be that your just a passive fan. I'm in love with passive pickups, especially Seymour Duncans.
if you don't find your tone with EMGs, try the Duncan JB, I highly recommend it!!
and if you don't like it Duncan has a great return/ trade policy, so you can try all of the pickups and decide from there.

honestly , the Ibanez RG770 is a FINE guitar , and should sound great with many different pickup combinations.

i had a jewel blue RG760 for many years and my favorite pickup set for it was a Duncan Classic Livewire in the bridge with 2 Hot Strat Livewires in the neck and middle.

that guitar could cover any style .... i wish i hadnt sold it

BUT ....about a year later i bought a like new Heather Pearl Metallic RG760 to replace the old jewel blue one , and came out several hundred dollars ahead on the deal.
the Heather one is all original with the Dimarzio made IBZ USA pickups ... and the bridge bucker is a little grainy for my taste.

I own 1.I found that Ibanez RG770 is a FINE guitar, too.
I love it.
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the RG770 , and 760's are amazing instruments ... i cant say enough about how sweet they are