Pickup Installation Help

Hey guys. I am installing some new pups today. I have the wiring diagrams and am confident I can swap the pickups quite easily. However, I have a question regarding taping off the black and white wires. I presume I would use electrical tape...is this right? Thanks in advance guys.

New Guitar!

Per Adrian's request:
My new ESP ltd viper 1000 deluxe (ridiculously long name)
Also- baby with an RG

New Guitar Let Down

Hey guys. I just picked up a new guitar through a trade recently. I traded a touchscreen nav system I had for a mint condition ESP LTD viper 1000 deluxe. I met this guy about 45 mins from my house so I had no way of testing it through an amp. Anyway, the guitar looks beautiful and I was excited to bring it home and jam out. After an hour of messing around with the pickup levels and tone/volume knobs I have come to the conclusion that I really don't like this guitar. Compared to my RG I find it much harder to play and much more uncomfortable. Also, I am not a fan of the active EMGS. On a positive note- I have realized the RG is the guitar for me. Another positive note- I should be able to sell this thing for way more than the $ I had in the trade.

New Pickups

Whats up guys? I'm looking for some advice. I currently play a basswood rg370dx with the stock inf pickups. I have adjusted the pickups back and forth and havent found a tone I really like. No matter what the tone doesnt sound articulate enough.

Any advice on pickups to upgrade to? I try to cover satriani songs and also enjoy Vai's tone as well. I'm big into 80's metal and shred. I'm looking for punchy pickups that dont sound muddy. I'm looking at the evo, evo2, breed, jb but I'm open to all suggestions. Thanks!

-Dan

Pinch Harmonics At Higher Frets

Hey guys! Wondering if anyone could help me with my PH. I've been playing on and off for a few years but just recently started practicing seriously. I'm learning as much as I can of Satch's 'If I could Fly' but have come across a harmonic on the 17th fret of the B string. I can consistently do PH at every fret before the 15th fret but when I attempt to do them high on the neck they come out as....SILENT! Any tips and tricks would be gratefully appreciated. You guys rock.

-Dan