SL2H pickup and tone issues

[BigE13]

Not sure what it is about these beautiful guitars. In both mine and my friends SL2Hs the stock JB/Jazz sounded muddy and undefined. I tried Suhr Aldrich pups with all new 500K pots and an orange drop cap...much better but still lacking something. Then I tried Duncan Blackouts and again sounded good but not great. I thought about EMG but I have them in 2 other guitars and EMGXs in a third so I want something passive with great character but also that can do Hard Rock/Metal. I decided to go with Dimarzio D Activator in the Bridge and a Dimarzio Liquifire in the neck...they are on the way and I am hoping they wake up this awesome playing/feeling guitar. Have any of the Forum members experienced the same issue with chasing tone in these guitars? What was your solution or ultimate combination?

For the record I play through a 6505+ Head and an Avatar 4x12 with V30s and Eminence Governors and my 2nd rig is a Marshall JMD1 through a 2x12 with v30s. My other 8 guitars sound just fine.

Thoughts?

[DonP]

Just using the stock TB4/59n. I've added a big block, but I doubt that made a big change in tone.

I play thru a DSL100 1/2 stack. Can easily nail Megadeth stuff.

Can you describe what you don't like about the tone in the SL2H that your other guitars do have?

Some people are just bolt on types.

[BigE13]

The best way to describe it is the lows were undefined and a bit loose, mids and highs are stellar. No matter how I EQ'd the amps I couldn't get clarity and definition with the lows. Even the Blackouts had a muddy sound. Not a problem with my Pro Mod or DK2M. My thoughts are it has to do with the neck through construction and the ebony board. I even use a tube screamer to further define the low end but I just wasn't feeling it. My hope is that the D' Activator might wake her up. I love the tone of my Pro Mod with the Dimarzios. I have read here and there of some others having this issue with the SL2Hs but some love the JB/59 combo...mine was purchased 2nd (or 3rd) hand and the 59 had been replaced with a Jazz (sneaky!).

[DonP]

To get a tighter low end I'd recommend a Duncan Distortion, Full Shred or your favorite - EMGs.

Check the EQ of the pickups - go for ones that have a tighter bass and mids. I have a Full Shred set in my 750XL. It was made for this guitar.

[Hellraiser6502]

I would recommend trying the Duncan Custom Custom (TB or SH-11) as a change of pace. You'll get more mids and 'edge'.

I love the Duncan JB, a 'go-to' pickup for me.

The majority of my guitars are loaded with these and I find themto be a great and versatile pickup for many applications from Classic Rock to the heaviest metal.

As far a the TB-11 ...if you choose to buy one and DON'T like it, I'll buy it from you! Not joking.

[DonP]

While I'm not sure is the Custom Custom is the right direction for what BigE13 is looking for, my best sounding "soloist" (a 1980's ESP Horizon) has one and it sounds absolutely fabulous. This guitar without fail always nails classic Judas Priest tones. Big fat power chords and screamin leads (the Hellion). Remember that I'm playing through a Marshall. I have no idea of how it would sound thru a 6505+.

[BigE13]

Thanks guys, if the D'Activator doesn't do it for me, I will try out the Custom, Custom. I have heard that pup described as the "Brown Sound" pup from the EVH tone chasers. I am a child of the 80's with a love of modern Metal tones ala Disturbed so my ear may be dislexic! I appreciate the advice!

[Mazrim]

I think I'm starting to sound like a salesman for them now but, fuck it, try Bare Knuckles.
Painkillers or Aftermaths will give you the sound you desire. I'm 100% certain of it.

[BigE13]

I think I'm starting to sound like a salesman for them now but, fuck it, try Bare Knuckles.
Painkillers or Aftermaths will give you the sound you desire. I'm 100% certain of it.

Mazrim, I have never personally tried them but the sound bites on You Tube and the BN site really sound awesome. Only drawback is the cost! Those are some expensive pups! I will have to save up! Thanks for the input!

[Mazrim]

Expensive yes, but what price your tone?

Suhr Aldrich is a very good alternative.

[axmann]

The Aftermath is awesome.

[BigE13]

Installed the D'Activator and Liquifire and so far so good. Initial impression is that the pups blend well with this guitar...I will give it a week and see what I think after the honeymoon phase! So far I do hear tighter bass response but it still sings in the mid and high tones.