EMG Pickup upgrade question...

[LG4]

I'm a beginner self taught and have been playing for almost a year now religiously mostly Metal Metallica, Disturbed, A7X ect...I play for my own interest not looking to be in a band but I love the challenge that guitars have to offer...I currently own a JS1 and would like to upgrade to something better but my budget range is around $250-$300 at the moment...I was looking into the JS30DK that I saw for around $250. I also called my local shop and was told that I can upgrade the stock pickups on the JS1 to EMG 81/85 Zak Wylde set for $220 installed...My question is that is it worth upgrading the JS1 since its a low end model and beginner guitar or snatch up the JS30DK and work with that for the moment and get better until I can purchase a better model?....I need Help from knowledgable guitarists please lol

[Mazz]

In a low end model I would say no to the pick-up swap, try saving up abit more for the DX10D if possible, if not I would say the one of the new JS series dinkies they shown at namm.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Don't upgrade a cheap guitar. In the end, it's a cheap guitar with upgrades.

Now, if it's a really great guitar with a few cheap parts, that's one thing, but that's not what I understand the JS series to be... They are good beginner guitars but not worth upgrading.

[Gibsonmac]

+1... go for the 'x' series like a dx10d, or better yet DXMG that would last you years and you would NOT outgrow it skill-wise, look at the classifieds here, I think there is a blue Dinky with case in your budget... or else check ebay

[Acesofbelkan]

I suggest you save up just a little more and get the DKMG(T). Save about 350$ and you should be able to catch a good deal on a used one. It has the pickups you want already and it'll have a few extra features for you. Like rockmaple neck and binding on the neck/headstock

[The Rossness]

if you're dead set on the emg's look into Dragonfire active pups, 25k pots and a stereo jack. It will cost about the same as just 1 emg pup.

If you're not dead set on actives, I'd scour ebay for a used Jackson DK2.

For a little more, you could get this soloist copy-

http://www.rondomusic.com/interceppro625tribalredmn.html

[LG4]

Much appreciated guys....I'm gonna research the "x" series actually just saw a Black on Black DX10D on ebay running $370 in pretty good condition I put an offer on it so lets see how that turns out

[Glave]

+1... go for the 'x' series like a dx10d, or better yet DXMG that would last you years and you would NOT outgrow it skill-wise, look at the classifieds here, I think there is a blue Dinky with case in your budget... or else check ebay

Here's the listing on Classifieds. http://www.jcfonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103552