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Posted by: Daniel Realpe Jun 28 2010, 06:49 PM

Hi!

I want to change the stock pick ups on my 7 string Ibanez 1527

I've heard really good things about DiMarzio and some of my favorite guitarists use them (Steve Vai, John Petrucci)

I read some forums and the specs of each, and I really liked those D-Sonic 7 (I really like the way they look too )

But also those Blaze

or the Evolution perhaps?

Do you guys maybe know which ones should suit me better?

My playing goes in the vain of Dream Theater, Steve Vai, Symphony X, Angra, Vinnie Moore,

Thank you!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jun 28 2010, 06:52 PM

Evolutions all the way in a basswood Ibanez! (perfect for the styles you mentioned)

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 28 2010, 07:13 PM

here!

http://www.emginc.com/products/category/36/1

you need no more!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jun 28 2010, 07:26 PM

Actives are a whole diffrent thing Lian! It requires a 9V battery (that can be fitted into the electric cavity) and the original pickup cavities have to be drilled out as the 7 String EMG pickups have a soapbar design that is MUCH BIGGER than the standard pickup size.

A luthier has to drill the new compartement if you want emg pickups - and once drilled out the cavities will be too big for standard pickups...You would have to be REALLY sure if you want EMGs because they would have to stay in that guitar!

Also I would rather get the Emg 707 X for the music Daniel wants to play (smoother leads and more dynamics than the 81-7).

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Jun 28 2010, 07:46 PM

evos are great pickups for ur guitar daniel, 100% recommended.

Posted by: Lian Gerbino Jun 28 2010, 07:49 PM

I did'nt knew that the EMG ones are bigger than the standard ones, that really makes a difference.
I have a friend with EMG 81-7 and they are killer, but if you have to modify your guitar, you really have to be sure.
great input zakk!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jun 28 2010, 07:56 PM

You can see on the picture in your link Lian that on the 7 (and 8) string Emgs, the screws to mount them are within the body of the pickup instead of having mounting legs like other pickups. This gives the humbucker a *cleaner* look but it also makes the pickup larger...

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 29 2010, 12:16 AM

I'm a BIG fan of EMG pickups and their 7 string sets are just killer. I've got a pair of EMGs (Twin 707's) that are slated for my Ibanez 7 string. The 9 volt and the electronics can fit in the standard volume/tone cavity in most Ibanez models so you can probably skip routing a new hole.

EMG now has the 707x which has more headroom and organic voicing than the basic 707. Give these a listen if possible. They bridge the gap between active and passive tone while still providing the benefits of an active architecture.
http://www.emginc.com/products/index/89

I put the Kerry King EMG set with toggle switch booster in my Minarik Lotus and it changed the axe in to a Monster. EVO's are a great choice as well. It all comes down to preference of course. Try to play an Ibanez with both if possible. Given that the EMG's are Active, there is just no way that passive pickups can match the shear amount of Gain/Distortion that EMGs provide. Still, some folks just don't like the way they sound. Too "Digital", or Harsh for some folks.

Posted by: Daniel Realpe Jun 29 2010, 11:39 AM

Thank you very much, I will definitely check into your recommendations guys!

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jun 29 2010, 09:42 PM

Chris Broderick went to DiMarzio because they pay him to play their pickups...
He was one of the first Bareknuckle endorsers and played the Cold Sweat and Nailbomb pickups by Bareknuckle druing his days at Jag Panzer and Nevermore but DiMarzio offered him more cash when he joined Megadeth so he switched the companies.

However I am fairly sure that he still has the old Bareknuckles in his studio gutiars since they just sound vastly superior to DiMarzio machinewound pickups!!!

He used to play basswood RGs but today he has some custom RGAs that have mahagony bodies and maple tops...

Posted by: Daniel Realpe Jul 2 2010, 03:10 PM

You were right Zakk

This is what I found on his website:

Guitars: A few Ibanez 7321 and 1527 7 string guitars with Bare Knuckle pickups in the bridge and neck position. I prefer those pickups because the custom is loud and has more note projection than any other pickup I've heard. An Ibanez 7 string acoustic, which is pretty cool, for adding those extra low notes on an instrument that most people don't have. One individually built Edward Victor Classical guitar, with Brazilian Rosewood and European Spruce. A Fender American Deluxe strat (when I got the blues) A double neck guitar I built for doing the 2 handed tapping stuff.

and just below:

Pickups: DiMARZIO

the thing is, price is way different, but those bareknuckles really look good,

Posted by: ZakkWylde Jul 2 2010, 03:23 PM

Yes the Bareknuckles are more expensive but they are handmade from the best materials and wax potted by hand which makes them a lot quieter than other pickups. But be warned, you might get addicted to the better tone, more precise responce and clear sound of custom made pickups^^

I would say it's worth it if you gonna put them in your #1 guitar that you use.

Posted by: Daniel Realpe Jul 2 2010, 03:25 PM

thanks Zakk, I'll consider it