New ESP to come
New ESP to come
The JB is great IMO, bright and elegant. Blackouts sound huge and are way too powerful for some (not me though). I'd say if the ESP you ordered comes with the factory JB & '59 set leave it be, if it's the EMG one just swap the pickups for Blackouts - no rewiring is needed. The blackouts should drop right in as they utilize the EMG quick connect system.
Try the DiMarzios first, then :)
Odds are you won't find the perfect combination on the first try, so why not start with the X2n & Ppro. If they don't work for you - pass 'em on and try something else. Swapping pickups is relatively easy and quick once you get the hang of it. I've tried numerous pickup combinations myself and sure enough will be doing so in the future (but first I'll try the Duncan Blackous Modular Preamp!).
I use to plug my M-II UC through a Screamer head. However, I prefer the EMG 85-85 rather than the 81-81 combo. I also have a M-II NTB loaded with Blackouts: I like the sound of the bridge pickup, but just the neck pickup did not impressed me. Play thrash metal, BTW.
As for passive pickups go, you could try a Wilde L500XL / SD '59 combo.
thanks a lot sf38...
so this time i`ll try some duncans..dont know which of them as i have about a month to choose between those pickups... blackouts or whatever. though i never use clean channel
thanks again!
edit : i didnt go that esp m-ii has a maple-neck through model...anyone has it??