[wops]

Hi everybody.
Plz excuse my sucky English right away

I got a ESP-M207 and the ESP 7-string Baritone SC607B.

Now my music requires that I have to tune them down three more half steps, meaning I´m down at G#, C#, etc. with the low string.

I especially bought the Baritone to get a bit of a more precise sound on the B-string, but it doesn´t really work out here. The stock EMGs were replaced with SD Invader (neck) and JB (bridge), which give an awesome, rich and full sound.
The only problem is, that the B-string, when tuned down further, just sounds muddy.

I´ve tried almost all strings that are out there and am currently (for the B-string) using the D´Addario 0,68 Bariton strings or the 0,70 GHS Zakk Wylde lo strings, but still this doesn´t reduce the mud on the sound when I´m playing fast palm mutings.

So my question is if you know any hi-gain pickups that sound precise and clean when tuning that low and still playing fast palm muting stuff. I highly dislike the hollow sound of the EMGs (though I had no chance to test them at this tuning), but maybe they´re the only way out to get some precision, loosing tone though.

Thanks
Wops

[TomAwesome]

Tuning down three half steps would actually put you at G#, C#, etc. Is your guitar set up properly? If the string height or pickup height is off, it won't sound right. If the Invader is too muddy, maybe move that JB into the bridge position and see if that's any better. I'm honestly not terribly experienced with Seymour Duncan 7-string pickups, but most people here like DiMarzio or EMG pickups. It's also quite possible that it's not the guitar, but that it's your rig that can't handle the low notes.

Also,

[Loserchief]

Your problem is quite obvious imo. The Invader is probably one of the darkest, fattest but also muddyest pups seymour duncan has to offer, even in the sux string version and it's even worse on 7 strings imo.
With a decent pickup you should be good to go.
SD: JB should be the best for what you want
Dimarzio: Evo 7 , D-Activator would be my picks for tuning that low

[wops]

Originally Posted by TomAwesome

Tuning down three half steps would actually put you at G#, C#, etc. Is your guitar set up properly?
Also,

whoops, you´re right, G# it is.
The Invader is in neck position, cuz I wasn´t satisfied with it and the JB at bridge.

Set-up is allright, works out perfectly if the tuning does not go below B. Unfortunately not below that.

[Nats]

bareknuckle

Originally Posted by wops

whoops, you´re right, G# it is.
The Invader is in Bridge position, cuz I wasn´t satisfied with it and the JB in neck.

Set-up is allright, works out perfectly if the tuning does not go below B. Unfortunately not below that.

What string gauge are you using?

[wops]

for the low B-string 0.70 or 0.68

That should be fine,
Have you adjusted the truss rod, after tuning it to G# ?

[wops]

jupp, guitar and PU are set up excellent.
thx

[D-EJ915]

The Dimarzio Evolution is supposed to be really clear, you could give that a whack if you wanted a new pickup.

BUT, go to the hardware store and buy some 10/32 thread hex screws, take out the big lug screws in the invader and replace them with the hex screws, it should tighten up the sound a bit and will only cost you a few bucks. I'm pretty sure they are 10/32 but take the screw to the store to match it...as you live in Austria I don't know whether you will have the screws locally or not though as it's a standard size not metric.

[wops]

thanks for the tip, but I´m just using the invader for soloing, it´s the rhythm sound that bothers me, SD JB at bridge.

[newamerikangospel]

Its probably your amp settings. Im surprised no one has said that. Back in 91 when the black album was out, everyone was like "OMG D IS TOO LOW YOU GETS TEH MUDZ", and they were right. With the traditional "scoop" you will loose alot of clarity, especially ridding the bass knob up high, and if you overdo the gain.

What are you running through (amp wise) and what are your eq settings?

[Durero]

Have you tried thinner strings?

Thicker gages are less flexible and suppress higher frequencies (sound muddier) thinner strings should sound brighter, but you may have to adjust your technique and use a lighter touch with your fretting hand.

[wops]

Amp settings - I use the POD XT, so I´m relatively variable. I´ve varied frequencies and amps, but it doesn´t bring me the effect I want.

Strings - yeah, thinner strings might be a sollution, but I don´t know any thin strings with enough tension, that´s why I´m having this fat 0.68, 0.70 B string.
I use the DÁddario EJ21 Jazz light for E,A,D String, they have a pretty high tension, so I dunno which thinner string I shoul use for the B-string. The 0,60 GHS does not have enough tension, same with the 0.62 from the DÁddario EXL158


thanks for your suggestions

[newamerikangospel]

Well mess with your eq settings, as well as I would say a 66 would be the lightest I would mess with at G#. Again, at that low, you wont have a good chunk that you would have at B. A starts to get muddy, unless you pull alot of bass from your amp. I would say pull your bass on your eq to just under half, and make adjustments to your cab/amp models. Some of the pods are a little too grainy for that low of a tuning.

[TomAwesome]

^ You could go lighter if you wanted to. I have a 59 tuned down to G# right now, and it works fine. When I'm un-lazy enough to order the strings I like instead of settling for what's available locally, I have a 56 on the G#. You should be okay on mud as long as you stay under 70, but some people seem to get a decent enough sound with strings in the area of 70, so it's just what sounds/feels better to ya. If you can, and if you feel like going as thin as 60 (they don't make guitar strings any thicker, unfortunately), try some DR Hi-Beams. They're very bright and vibrant without being harsh or anything. Hi-Beams are the anti-mud.

[newamerikangospel]

I have a 58 tuned to A#, and I tried drop G# and all I could think about was thickness. Each string will have a different tension to it, since its made from different materials, and different mixtures of the material. But again, I have played in A# on my 6 string with 52s on the low end. It sounded alittle floopy, but wasn't massively muddy, so I say mess with your pod more.

[JBroll]

At G# you're likely to be in 'rubber-band' territory (EDIT: with significantly smaller strings) and that's not going to make things any clearer. I tune that same 70 he's using between A# and C# and never have mud problems, I doubt it's the string needing to be thinner - if anything I'd be using a 90 but I just like a lot more tension so I wouldn't recommend that. I'd also recommend taking out the tone knob and making sure the pickups are set up right.

EDIT: Also, hit the strings like a motherfucker and try using a TS-type boost in front of the amp.

Jeff

[wops]

Hmm has anybody tried the EMGs at G# ?