i didnt think the invader was dark or muddy

[metalmachine]

so my invader came in today. i have always wanted to try this pickup but i was scared it would be a big muddy mess.

well i installed it. yes it did have a big bass response but no more than other pickup i have such as the alt8 2x ceramic custom wilde l500xl. it definatlt has a big midrange push. the treble i did not find dark at all just not bright like a distortion. i actually found it a bit brighter than the alt8 and 2x custom.

as far as mud goes granted it is not a demon or full shred but i found it about as articulate as the distortion.

now to be fair it is installed in a bc above average bright superstrat. it has a heavier than normal alder body. i am also running eminence v12 in my 5150 half stack and they seem to be pretty articulate speakers.

also this is a mj wound invader from the 80's.

so what do you guys think.
1) the invader happens to work very well in that guitar.
2) your rig must be articulate enough to handle the invader.
3) mj sprinkles magic fairy dust on her pickups.
4) a differnt opinion not listed.

[Varg]

4) Invaders aren't muddy, I don't get where that comes from. They're as tight as hell, and are perfect rhythm pickups for heavier metal (i.e. stuff needing palm muting).

They aren't great for leads though, which is probably why most people will use a JB or Distortion instead.

[DrNewcenstein]

I find it far better for palm-muted Thrash-type rhythms than leads. Solos seem a bit under-powered - not as much sustain as other pickups, even using the patches in my MP-1 that have enough gain that a Custom will sing like the fat lady.

If you're speed-picking a solo, then yeah, it's nice and articulate and you don't really have to worry about it, but if you want to hold one of the higher notes, forget it unless you've got thick strings and a massive vibrato technique.

[DeanSweden]

Solos seems a bit under-powered

you might not like the guy or the band, but Synyster Gates pulls of solos
with his Invader pretty good, whether they're slow or fast...

[metalmachine]

I even thought the leads was good. Not amazing. It defiantly more suited for rhythm but I still think it's better for them than what they get credit for. Also I am running a 496r in the neck its they work awesome together.

I would really like to have a neck pup that had the output of the 496r but better cleans. A8 swap maybe?

[Varg]

Viv Campbell used an Invader on his Dio solos AFAIK, and people like that tone so....

In my own experience, I would rather use a JB or Distortion for solos, but I'm really starting to GAS for another Invader having been playing a few Metallica covers today with my band and then watching "Binge and Purge".

[King IzzO)))]

The rig definitely matters, but yeah, not muddy. With an A8 the leads become excellent, thick and neck pickup like.

[metalmachine]

I may end up doing that. But right now I am really digging it. What it sound like? compare it to stock please?

[orpheo]

I dig the invader too. very tight rhythm and the leads are very slick too. its more defined than the motherbucker, thats for sure.

[metalthrasher83]

I'm wanting an invader now for sure!!! That or maybe a detonator with an alinco 8 mag in it!?

[uOpt]

Definitely not muddy.

Dark doesn't describe it, I usually say "incredibly warm".

It's not that it has it's heights cut off. It has a mid boost that is significantly lower than other high-gain pickups' mid boost.