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........and keep fast attack?

I have a Jackson SLSMG and it has a very thin body.

With EMG's but alas it sounds thin. I need more balls and still keep fast aggressive attack for Fear Factory, Soilwork, etc type of Metal. I would hate to lose the precise/clear nature of the EMG's. One person advised the Dimarzio Tone Zone and another the Super 3.....anyone else have an opinion. Maybe a Duncan Distortion?

Which EMG's are you using? Is your action super low? Really light strings? The Tone Zone has alot of bottom but I always felt it was mushy and undefined... though if your guitar is really lacking bottom it may not be... I like the Super 3 it may be a step in the direction you need to go... From the Duncan line I'm thinking the Invader...

I would definitely pick the Super 3 over the Tone Zone...it's tighter and more aggressive but still chunks things up enough to make a thing guitar sound thick.

Most Fear Factory was with EMG's so... what amp are you using?

Powerball is the current amp and I just bought a Randall RM 100 (Recto/SL Modules) tube amp that is on the way. I've read that the Super 3 is a high gain and fuzzy pickup in the harmony central reviews........but HC equipment reviews aren't exactly always on the money.

Edgecrusher wow that was my old moniker here for years.........kinda wierd to see someone else with it LOL....

I'm using 12-56 strings and yes my action is very low...if that means anything..tuned in B...I've used the Invader in the past and wouldn't declare it as fast attack at all........but it's a cool pickup for thickening...

Let me try and clarify what I mean by quot;fast attackquot;. You know when Dino (or Christian) incorporates those triple picks?...........that rapid fire chug-chug-chug.......thats what the EMG's do give that I don't want to lose......it's that clarity I guess...


Originally Posted by SoiledworkPowerball is the current amp and I just bought a Randall RM 100 (Recto/SL Modules) tube amp that is on the way. I've read that the Super 3 is a high gain and fuzzy pickup in the harmony central reviews........but HC equipment reviews aren't exactly always on the money.

Edgecrusher wow that was my old moniker here for years.........kinda wierd to see someone else with it LOL....

I'm using 12-56 strings and yes my action is very low...if that means anything..tuned in B...I've used the Invader in the past and wouldn't declare it as fast attack at all........but it's a cool pickup for thickening...

Let me try and clarify what I mean by quot;fast attackquot;. You know when Dino (or Christian) incorporates those triple picks?...........that rapid fire chug-chug-chug.......thats what the EMG's do give that I don't want to lose......it's that clarity I guess...

ONE WORD! INVADER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Invader is not what you want. I am into the same stuff and while I thought EMG is the only pup that would give me that tone I was wrong. For a Duncan go with the Distortion. Without a doubt.

Or go to and ask for a Model M in a 6 string version. Even better.


Originally Posted by metalguyInvader is not what you want. I am into the same stuff and while I thought EMG is the only pup that would give me that tone I was wrong. For a Duncan go with the Distortion. Without a doubt.

Or go to and ask for a Model M in a 6 string version. Even better.

the EMG's are great as well but do not have a big mid/bass response.
I love the 81/85 set but i get my thickness from the amp.

I'd suggest an Invader, too. They sound great in SGs, which aren't any thicker than your Jackson. Put a Full Shred in front of that in the neck and you should be sittin' pretty!


Originally Posted by metalguyInvader is not what you want. I am into the same stuff and while I thought EMG is the only pup that would give me that tone I was wrong. For a Duncan go with the Distortion. Without a doubt.

Or go to and ask for a Model M in a 6 string version. Even better.

Yeah I emailed Johan Lungren and he quoted me $165 shipped for that pickup....don't know if it would worth that much investment......maybe a Duncan Distortion would be the way?


Originally Posted by HellionI'd suggest an Invader, too. They sound great in SGs, which aren't any thicker than your Jackson. Put a Full Shred in front of that in the neck and you should be sittin' pretty!

Invaders sag too much and are voiced alot like a Mega power JB to me...I like em but thats not the answer..

To me a high gain amp with a super high output pickup just doesn't sound very good. A lower to medium output unit in front of a ballsy amp sounds MASSIVE.


Originally Posted by SoiledworkInvaders sag too much and are voiced alot like a Mega power JB to me...I like em but thats not the answer..

I haven't found that to be the case. Invaders for me are high powered full range pickup, unlike a JB (which are also great pickups). I also have Invaders in 2 thin bodied mahogany guitars ('75 SG and '80 Dean Z) and they both respond very well.

*****bucker! Sounds great in thin mohogany.


Originally Posted by SoiledworkPowerball is the current amp and I just bought a Randall RM 100 (Recto/SL Modules) tube amp that is on the way. I've read that the Super 3 is a high gain and fuzzy pickup in the harmony central reviews........but HC equipment reviews aren't exactly always on the money.

Edgecrusher wow that was my old moniker here for years.........kinda wierd to see someone else with it LOL....

I'm using 12-56 strings and yes my action is very low...if that means anything..tuned in B...I've used the Invader in the past and wouldn't declare it as fast attack at all........but it's a cool pickup for thickening...

Let me try and clarify what I mean by quot;fast attackquot;. You know when Dino (or Christian) incorporates those triple picks?...........that rapid fire chug-chug-chug.......thats what the EMG's do give that I don't want to lose......it's that clarity I guess...

Right on Edgecrusher was just the song that was playing when I signed up for the forum so I stole it instead of being creative...

I asked about the strings and action cause small strings and low action can make a guitar sound tinny and thin especially when its down tuned...

In the pic above it looks like the guitar has EMG-HZ's in it, is that right? If it has the passives in it I would definately try the 85's in it... Maybe the 81's
I have a Jackson Dk7d baritone that I junked the stocked HZ's out of and put an 85 in the bridge and an 81 in the neck and it crushes

If you want to go Duncan from what you've said about the Invader I think the Distortion is your best choice. I havent used one down tuned but comparing it to an Invader in just normal tuning the transients were better...