Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650xl?

[Jacksonite]

I just bought what I have been told in another thread was a Chavel 650XL
it has HSS setup with the Jackson logoed pickups..
I dont have the thing here yet but can someone tell me about them. They look like EMG's but with the Jackson Logo.
Are they worth a shit, or should I just go ahead and put the real things in it... I can prolly get some Emg's real cheap...
Also it has a Schaller Trem, but it doesnt look like the cavity is right for it... Does anyone have a picture of the trem cavity of theirs? [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[MetalMedal II]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650xl?

The pickups should be the same as the Model 4 and 6: J-50BC in the bridge and J-200 stacked humbuckers in the middle and neck. They sound good with the included JE-1200 Jackson Active electronics system if it's still in there. It's a PCB board type thing attached to the volume in the electronics cavity that takes a 9-volt battery.

The Jacksom-logoed Schaller trem is factory stock and is a high quality unit. The guitars from this period have a trem route that looks a bit large for the trem, which is why it looks a bit funny.

Now post some pics!! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[1trussell]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

Yep, those are the pickups for the 650xl, all right. Some people really like them. I found them a little lacking. As far as the trem route, that's normal, too. It provides a little bit of room to pull up on the bar. I don't have a pic of my 650xl that shows off the route. But that's not going to stop me from posting a pic anyway. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Jacksonite]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

i dont have the guitar yet. I bought it, but I had to have the guy ship it to me. My wife would kill me...

[Jacksonite]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

this one is a secret, dont tell
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Carbuff]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

Heres the trem rout. I dont know how the pups sound as the neck's been broken since I got it.
[img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[charvel750]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

That trem route just above was NOT on the original 650's. Because in 1989 Jackson/Charvel was using a different route. That picture is from 1990 onwards.

[Jacksonite]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

I will get the serial number and find out more about it when it gets here

[Carbuff]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

[ QUOTE ]
That trem route just above was NOT on the original 650's. Because in 1989 Jackson/Charvel was using a different route. That picture is from 1990 onwards.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, its an oddball for sure. I got it from australia. Its got a guitar shaped logo but a schaller trem and a 5-way. So, I guess its not your average 650.

[Jacksonite]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

How do the pickups compare to a set of EMG's (81,sa,sa)

[Jacksonite]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

I have this thing on the way and I am going to fix it up... but I need to know whether I need to invest in the EMG's or not, I want a very tight sound. like a demon meats a Distortion....

[1trussell]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

Honestly, the only way you'll know for sure is when you play it yourself. Some people really like the way the Jackson pickups sound. I didn't, so I replaced them with a set of Duncans. That's because I don't like the way EMG's sound. Tone preference is all subjective. Go with your own ear.

[Jacksonite]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

I hear ya. but are you saying the JE1200 system sounds like a set of EMG's?

[1trussell]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

To me, no.

[charvelguy]

Re: Can anyone tell me about the pickups on a 650x

I think the J200's are 'ok' pickups. They're hum cancel passives about med+ output for singles. To me, they just did not have a great lively sound IMO but they can get the job done. To me the J200's sacrificed the top end the J100's have by making they stacked and sealed.. they sound rather mid enhanced, wood-like & sometimes muffled to my ears. but hey..it could dhave been the cotton too. [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
Like stated, some people like the J200's. I think if you compared a Duncan or Dimarzio to the J200's you'd see a definite difference as well..I would call it an improvement depending on what you're after and bought.

If you are leaning for EMG's, I think it would be a good swap to drop in a couple SA's and an 89 or 85. That would be my preference of what I would install if I didn't go the passive replacement route. Since the guitar is already coming with a db boost and a 9volt it would be at least a good option IMO.