A newbie question about TONE

[specialk]

Ok, I attempted a quick search, so don't flame me!
I have a Jackson Performer PS2. I know its nothing special, but it is to me. I have replaced the bridge pickup with a Dimarzio Distortion, and replaced the neck pickup with a Duncan HotRail. Planning on replacing the middle pickup with a HotRail as well. They sound pretty good to me, but I'm looking for a little bit more. I saw where someone said something about blocking the tremelo, but I have no idea what that is. Can anybody elaborate? I'm fairly competent enough to do what needs to be done.
Also the guy at GC said that I may want to change out the rest of the electronics as well. Other than that, I guess the neck is the next step? I want something that feels like my neck now, but preferably alot better. Any Ideas?

Also, my guitar is H/s/s factory. I haven't seen many Jacksons with that set up. :think:

[potatohead]

What amp are you using?

H/S/S isn't all that unusual for Jackson at all.

[specialk]

Actually, for my Amp I'm running thru a GK 800 bass head I think (not positive cuz I'm at work and can't see it). Then to a custom cabinet with a couple 12's as well as 2 6's I think and some horns. I also use a roland cube 30 for practice and jamming.

[Spivonious]

Blocking the tremelo just means you stick a block of something in the back so it can't move anymore. I don't think it would have much effect on tone, if any.

You say you like the neck you have but want a better one? That doesn't make sense. Are there things about your current neck that you don't like?

You will get some improvement by replacing the volume/tone pots, but don't expect a life-changing event.

[specialk]

I love the feel of the neck and the speed. This being one of the lower end models, I'm not sure what kind of wood it is or anything. The guy at GC said that maybe, just maybe a different neck might make a difference. So I was trying to find out any info possible about diferent necks, with the Jackson feel to them.

[Spivonious]

If you love the neck, don't change it. Every neck is different. Yours is made of maple. Every Jackson neck is except for a couple models that have mahogany necks.

I'd replace the electronics and see if it makes it any better. If not, change pickups again. And stop going to GC for advice!

[Diminished]

New amp.

[specialk]

Haha, well I knew GC didn't have the best advice, thats why I came here. I will say that I do like the fact that the people I've talked to down there seem to have a pretty good understanding of where I'm going. They don't just hire random people like auto parts stores

[potatohead]

Amp is 80% of tone, until you upgrade that you're just pissing into the wind, for lack of a better term.

Edit: This does not mean you have to spend 2k on an amp.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Yeah, but the guys Guitar Center hires don't so much understand where you're going, as try to steer you in a direction that puts cash in their pocket.

I agree, the GK bass amp probably needs to go. Replacing volume & tone pots isn't likely to make much tone difference, though taking the tone pot out of the picture completely will give you a little more output/treble.

[VitaminG]

New amp.

Amp is 80% of tone, until you upgrade that you're just pissing into the wind, for lack of a better term.

Edit: This does not mean you have to spend 2k on an amp.

I agree, the GK bass amp probably needs to go.

+1 to these

If you need to make do with the amp you've got, a cheap processor (like a V-amp or POD) or some kind of dirtbox (like the MI Audio Crunchbox) will take you a quantum leap forward in terms of your guitar sound. But getting any kind of GUITAR amp will make the biggest improvement to your sound over the bass amp you're currently using.

Sounds like those GC guys have got you on the hook. I'll bet they are only too happy to sell you that neck as they help you on your tone quest. Y'know, since the pickup swap didn't do it, and the volume/tone knob swap probably won't do it. And when the neck change doesn't get you there (they surely wouldn't be so audacious to try sell you a body too?) they'll be only too happy to help you into a nice shiny new amp too.

[Trussrod]

I saw where someone said something about blocking the tremelo, but I have no idea what that is. Can anybody elaborate? I'm fairly competent enough to do what needs to be done.

Also the guy at GC said that I may want to change out the rest of the electronics as well.

Was the post about changing the sustain block from pot metal to brass if your guitar has a tremolo? That would have an effect on tone.

Maybe a small modeling amp would be a good fit for you until you get enough money for a better amp.

I like Jackson PS guitars and considered buying a PS4 last year--there's no shame in owning one.

[Nightbat]

Ok, I attempted a quick search, so don't flame me!
I have a Jackson Performer PS2. I know its nothing special, but it is to me. I have replaced the bridge pickup with a Dimarzio Distortion, and replaced the neck pickup with a Duncan HotRail.




Any Ideas?

Yeah, leave the guitar alone, look for upgrades somewhere else in the chain

[Chief_CrazyTalk]

I'd have to agree with a modeling amp or pedal. I briefly tried one of those cheap Digitech RP pedals you can find on Craigslist for about $40 and was amazed at all you can get for so little money. Headphone out, drum machine, CD input...and not all that bad sounding.

[Spivonious]

If you're budget is small, definitely check out Line 6's Spider series, Peavey's Vypyr series, and Vox's Valvetronix series of amps.