software

I recently picked up a Dean Hollywood Z that I'm making a project guitar. The first item of business is to change the pickups. I'm not sure what kind of pups it's got but I know they're cheap.

I'm looking for a real loud pickup with good bass and mid response for playing hard rock and metal. I certainly don't want a dry compressed sound. I'll be playing through a Mesa DC-5 (no recto here) dop tuned down to E flat.

I assume the body is alder and it's got a bolt on neck and stop tailpiece. I would be happy if the thing could simulate the sound of my 94 LP Standard with a touch more clarity. The LP has the non-Burstbucker pickups.

My thoughts right now are: neck - Alnico II pro and for the bridge either an Invader, X2N, DD, Tone Pro, Super Distortion, or maybe even a Breed.

But I want to stay passive and not interested in EMGs either.

any suggsetions

thanks