Amp/pickups/pre amp BIG dilema (and no money)

[pott]

I played one today directly through headphones. And I don't know who dialed the EQ before me but it was EXACTLY the tone I wanted. RIGHT what I had in mind ever since I started getting more into sounds.
But I have a Peavey envoy that has no effects loop.
And I have a huge GAS at the moment.
Problems:
I've only just started playing guitar (I'm really into gear though)
My Charvel model 4's is an amazing guitar but I want to change the pickups ( I have loads of possibilities for it)
I want a new amp ( Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with the Behringer, or line 6 Flextone III which is way cheaper and sounds great, thought not exactly how I wish it'd sound)

I have no money right now, nor budget. But to motivate myself to save up (on what will you ask... Good question! But I'll save anyway ), I want to know what I should do...

Help *cries of despair*


PS: I probably forgot to give you half the details I should have... mhm what else to say. I want a very thick (Zakk Wylde style) distorsion, trebly more than bassy, with easy pinch harmonics. Not too warm but not too bright either. Right now my gear (peavey + charvel, no pedals) just doesn't do it for me, and I'm getting bored of it (not that I can play anything great yet )...
I really like the flextone III but it's not perfect. It's the best I played so far though.
The Hotrode deluxe will satisfy my blues and clean tastes, but won't be heavy enough for metal. With the Behringer though... YUM!
I don't need head and cab.

I guess that's it... please help!

[rodrigo_echeverri]

Re: Amp/pickups/pre amp BIG dilema (and no money)

Changing the pickups to an EMG set would be a good point to start... I did that job on my Charvel myself and I have never regreted doing it.

I must say that having a guitar loaded with EMGs makes NEED to have one loaded with Seymour Duncans next to it ...

Is the model 4 S/S/H or 2H?...

For singles I STRONGLY recommend EMG SAs and for the lead you sound like you will be needing an EMG 85. Those pickups are just REALLY well made... I have talked to the EMG guys on the phone before and they are sooo nice!... very helpful with everything.

I must warn you, I think that if you change the pickups on your guitar you will be needeing one of the rings Budman here makes... they are not expensive though.

[paige]

Re: Amp/pickups/pre amp BIG dilema (and no money)

Sounds like you want a thick mid tone. I would go emg's, but I agree with a loaded seymour guitar to go with it later. As far amp's are concerned I would go with a pod through your peavey for now. Pod's sound great and can be worked around anything from computer's to effect loops so your investment is always there. Hope this helps.

[pott]

Re: Amp/pickups/pre amp BIG dilema (and no money)

Yes it sure does! It means that I can get some pickups and maybe the POD too this summer for my birthday and start saving right away for a new amp at xmas.

I live in Europe unfortunately. It'd be hell ordering from budman. Though I do also need another electronics plate cavity so what the hell, I'll do that Muahaha.
And I was thinking about an SV in mid position, an SA or an S in the neck and of course an 81 in the bridge.
For SDs, I wanted a Distorsion or a custom in the bridge, a hotrails in the middle and a cool rails in the neck. For DiMarzios an X2N/fasttrack/blue velvet. But I am more and more attracted to the EMGs now...
Thanks!

[rodrigo_echeverri]

Re: Amp/pickups/pre amp BIG dilema (and no money)

You said thick distortion and therefore I was recommending the 85... I find the 81 to be quite brightish (it is the pickup I play through every day).. I like that myself because it picks harmonics well... 81 is for lead, 85 is for rhythm I find.

Paige's advice is very good actually, you can gat a POD XT bean sooo cheap now!.. people dont want them since the live came out.

Budman68 can surely ship to Europe... you can pay him through Western Union... it is an easy easy transaction.. he is an ABSOLUTELY awesome guy to deal with... one of the nicest people I have ever dealt with.