Pickups for Ibanez SA120

[Jocelyn]

What pickups would go well with this? I have been thinking abouth the JB- JAZZ set... but wanted other opions... I play every thing from cleans to hard rock..

[Benjy_26]

Jazz/JB Work well. I installed that set in a friend's SA (with the ZR trem) and it works great in conjunction with a Megaswitch. The lows could be tighter on the JB, but overall, that combo does well in that thin mahogany body.

[Jocelyn]

Jazz/JB Work well. I installed that set in a friend's SA (with the ZR trem) and it works great in conjunction with a Megaswitch. The lows could be tighter on the JB, but overall, that combo does well in that thin mahogany body.

The lack of tighter lows and low mids on the JB dont trouble me, though it would be nice if tighter... bu Ido like the JB and have a trembucker sitting around. ... thanks for the reply Benjy.... will keep the Megaswitch in mind..

[Robert Delahunt]

I think the Jazz/JB would make a good set, at least as a starting place. The Jazz/JB combo, especially when set up with the split abilities, is going to sound excellent! I had that set for a while, it's super versatile. Think more of an 80s/modern sound with the Jazz ("scooped" EQ), and the JB can handle vintage blues to heavy metal (ala Megadeth). In terms of what you want, yes, I'd recommend this set.

However, there are many different combos that are equally good. You could go with the '59/Custom combo (you could get a 4-wire '59 if you want, or not), and at least the Custom can be split and should sound nice split. Think AC/DC or "PAF" sort of sound with a kick-butt bridge (for doing even metal), with the ability to split and sound a bit like a Tele, at least in my opinion. The '59 sounds great clean, with more mids than the Jazz.

Another versatile set, or one that should be if you shred or are playing instrumental stuff, and even one that people say is good for church music, is a Full Shred neck and bridge. Clear and articulate, but the bridge has plenty of kick for even metal. The neck Full Shred isn't high output, it's more like a Jazz in specs.

Or if you want a vintage sound, ala Slash, you could use an Alnico II Pro Humbucker neck and bridge set. Cleans would sound vintage and buttery, and you can go all the way to Hard Rock with the right amp. I have a Lite Ash Stratocaster with all Alnico II Pro Staggered pickups, not the same but the buttery tone is so addictive

Or if all you care about is rip-your-face-off metal, you could use an Invader bridge and Full Shred neck, like those Warrior guitars use. In fact, you could get an Invader neck as well (might as well, same basic idea).

It's really up to what you want. I've owned the Jazz/JB set and I loved how versatile it is. I plan to get a guitar eventually that will have that set in it. I played this set in church and it got me everything I needed, from clean to metal.

[Jocelyn]

I think the Jazz/JB would make a good set, at least as a starting place. The Jazz/JB combo, especially when set up with the split abilities, is going to sound excellent! I had that set for a while, it's super versatile. Think more of an 80s/modern sound with the Jazz ("scooped" EQ), and the JB can handle vintage blues to heavy metal (ala Megadeth). In terms of what you want, yes, I'd recommend this set.

However, there are many different combos that are equally good. You could go with the '59/Custom combo (you could get a 4-wire '59 if you want, or not), and at least the Custom can be split and should sound nice split. Think AC/DC or "PAF" sort of sound with a kick-butt bridge (for doing even metal), with the ability to split and sound a bit like a Tele, at least in my opinion. The '59 sounds great clean, with more mids than the Jazz.

Another versatile set, or one that should be if you shred or are playing instrumental stuff, and even one that people say is good for church music, is a Full Shred neck and bridge. Clear and articulate, but the bridge has plenty of kick for even metal. The neck Full Shred isn't high output, it's more like a Jazz in specs.

Or if you want a vintage sound, ala Slash, you could use an Alnico II Pro Humbucker neck and bridge set. Cleans would sound vintage and buttery, and you can go all the way to Hard Rock with the right amp. I have a Lite Ash Stratocaster with all Alnico II Pro Staggered pickups, not the same but the buttery tone is so addictive

Or if all you care about is rip-your-face-off metal, you could use an Invader bridge and Full Shred neck, like those Warrior guitars use. In fact, you could get an Invader neck as well (might as well, same basic idea).

It's really up to what you want. I've owned the Jazz/JB set and I loved how versatile it is. I plan to get a guitar eventually that will have that set in it. I played this set in church and it got me everything I needed, from clean to metal.

thanks a lot... I remmber u having the JB jazz se up in an Ibanez... so appreciate the response.. I am not into shredding but defintly want something versatile.. The reason Imentiion JB us because I alredy have it, and it would be easier for me since I am not on a huge budget.

any way thanks.

[Jocelyn]

I just have one more Q.. would I be able install the Trembucker?.. I have heard that most in most Ibanez we would need to modify the base plate of the pups a bit to install them.,

[Uk Ant]

I had no problem installing my custom5 trembucker on my sa260

[Fusion1]

Jazz/JB Work well. I installed that set in a friend's SA (with the ZR trem) and it works great in conjunction with a Megaswitch. The lows could be tighter on the JB, but overall, that combo does well in that thin mahogany body.

Benjy you mean S470? I wouldn't expect the cheaper SA series to use the ZR trem unless it's something I missed in the 2007 Ibanez line-up.

[Benjy_26]

Benjy you mean S470? I wouldn't expect the cheaper SA series to use the ZR trem unless it's something I missed in the 2007 Ibanez line-up.

I imagine so. I don't keep track of Ibanez model #'s as I don't have much interest in shred sticks. After the pickup swap, that Ibby did sound good, but I can't stand that super flat radius hard U shaped neck.

It was a pretty axe though, what with the quilt top & black chrome hardware.

[Fusion1]

Yeah I am still wanting an S470 only the non-quilted top. I bought one used on Ebay, but the guy shipped a S370 which has the Lo-TRS, so I sent it back as he misrepresented it.

[Uk Ant]

Ya know the one thing I don't like about the S rather than the SA, it's the plastic surround on the five way. I know it's a cosmetic thing but on ones where you can see the actual wood underneath it looks a bit cheap.

[Jocelyn]

Thanks for all the replies guys I appreciate it... I have to still make up my mind about this guitar... I am not a fan of Ibanez.. As Benjy put it FLAT RADIUS and Shred sticks.. infact I am finding it odd that I am even thinking of buying one... But I like this guitar the SA 120...

[Uk Ant]

I don't really think of the SA's as shred sticks, apart from anything the reftboard camber radius is not really that flat. The hardware is solid and they're pretty well put together. The finish on the maple topped ones is superb but the pickups do lack character.

[Benjy_26]

They are nice guitars, but I've never jived with their necks. If Ibanez would carve a C contour for these they'd hve a real competitor for the MIM Deluxe strats.

[Uk Ant]

Yeh, the necks not great, then again it's not bad either but I am tempted to get mine fettled at some point.

[Jocelyn]

I had no problem installing my custom5 trembucker on my sa260

Once again Thanks for all the repiles... I am looking forward to this..