'86 Model 4 Pickups

[sjw2k3]

Hi all

I've just recently got an '86 Model 4 and I must say I'm really pleased with it...love the Kahler!!
Everytime I pick it up it just feels real easy to play and kinda fits with my style...we all have those guitars that we just keep having to go back to.

My only thought is should I change the bridge pickup?

Sometimes it sounds perfect, other times it seems quite mushy with no clarity.
I'm trying to nail a few different tones, namely EVH from OU812, Vai from Eat 'Em & Smile and Lynch from Back For The Attack.

Yep, I know that's a broad range and I think the pickups are great for the OU812 tone but I can't dial in a tone for the others no matter how hard I try (I'm currently using a PODxt straight to PC...but still can't get a decent Vai/Lynch tone...it seems to be lacking in mids) and the mid boost doesn't seem to add much.

I was thinking a JB for the bridge for the classic 80's tone but would I be sacrificing anything?
I know the JB's have more high end, have a JBJ in my Kramer Focus 6000 which sounds great and probably gets me closest to Lynch.

I know I can get the tones I want from other guitars I have but it would be the icing on the cake if I could get them all from the Model 4

Has anyone changed it out and if so what for?
Was it worth it, did it add more versatility?

Also, I currently have a Dimarzio FRED & Tone Zone sitting around doing nothing so they are possible options

Advice appreciated

Cheers
Steve

[DonP]

I don't know about an EVH tone coming from a JB, but I agree that it seems easy to nail early Lynch with a JB, even though he always said he used a DD. I bought a Zebra DDJ just for putting into a solid maple body guitar to replicate one of his early bengals. But for now, the JB works good.

Oh, and welcome,

[Rich#6]

The JB might work. The TZ is great pickup and would come closer to the VH era you want(the music man had a TZ), but I think in the model series basswood it will sound muddy. I have a TZ in my Jackson DX1 that is basswood. The Fred is only a mid output pickup so I don't if it can get SV or lynch. Dimarzio's sight won't come up so I can't check the EQ on it.

[Grandturk]

I don't really try to get replicate other people's tones, but I LOVE the sound of my EMG loaded Model 4... it rAwks!

[sjw2k3]

Thanks for the replys chaps.

Hell, we don't want to be clones but it's easier to start with a great tone that you love and then go from there...I don't write much, I'm in a cover band so it's helpful to nail the right tone.
BTW, I've stumbled on a great WASP sound since I've had the M4.

Lovely model 4 Turk, what happened to the 3rd knob?
I'll post pics of mine tomorrow.

Cheers
Steve

[VitaminG]

the knobs in the Model 4 are originally for volume, tone & mid-boost control. Since he has EMGs, he has no real need for the third knob. Although some might say he has no real need for the second either

I've done the same with my Model 4 when I replaced the original electronics. Put volume & tone knobs & left a hole empty. Not so noticeable on a black guitar though...

[Grandturk]

Lovely model 4 Turk, what happened to the 3rd knob?
I'll post pics of mine tomorrow.

Its actually got an EMG Afterburner in the 3rd hole now - just haven't updated the pics...

I use the Afterburner about as much as I do the tone knob - which is to say about never.