[jlagoon]

Hi all,

I had the chance to compare my RG7321, loaded with Blaze Custom and Air Norton (both have pole adjustments), with my new RG7621 loaded with stock pickups (all poles are flat--no adjustments).

It is quite easy to tell that the New7 (right?) pickups sound less fuller than the Blaze Custom, but surprisingly, the stock neck pickup sounds pretty clear.

Granted that although these two guitars are pretty much the same, except for a couple of minor differences, they wouldn't sound exactly the same. Nevertheless, in terms of pickup tone, the BC and AN in my RG7321 sound much fuller than the stock New7 pickups do. However, the stock bridge New7 has still pretty cool lower output, less bass, and hollower sound--more clarity or raspier. It reminds me of Petrucci's rhythm tone in Rock Discipline video.

So, I was wondering whether I should change the stock New7 to another BC and AN combination.

[jtm45]

I think the 'new 7' was one of the better stock pickups that Ibanez have done.
I've heard quite a few people who have kept them in their 7620's.

It really depends on whether you're happy with how the guitar sounds

[Donnie]

I voted yes. But, I don't mind the stock pickups. One of my 7621s has a Blaze Custon in the bridge position. It sounds great but the other with stock pickups doesn't sound to bad either. Although, they will all be replaced with PAF 7s soon.

[jlagoon]

True, jtm45. My stock 7321 pickups aren't as good as the New7 on 7621.

Do you find the same difference between BC and stock New7 on your RG7621s as I do, Donnie?

[bostjan]

I actually really like my New7 neck, but it's only a matter of taste.

[BrianCarroll]

Originally Posted by bostjan

I actually really like my New7 neck, but it's only a matter of taste.

+1

The neck New7 is not bad at all.

[jlagoon]

I think that the bridge New7 pickup is really hot. It's almost as if it has twice the output of the blaze custom. I get speaker clippings in clean!

[Metal Ken]

the neck new 7 is actually pretty decent sounding. im still debating on weather or not to replace it. it sounds radically different than the tonezone in my bridge, which i am strongly considering replacing.

[Dylan7620]

stock new 7s in my rg, 4 years runnin, i have a blaze in my room, but haven't felt the need to change it after i added an OD in my setup. i can see why some people don't like it, bu i've somehow figured a way to dial it in with my stuff. but for liquidy lead sounds, the neck pickup fuckin owns fo sho

[jlagoon]

After further rehearsal time with the 7621, I concluded that this pickup is scoop sounding, quite like Steve's Special. Interestingly, the 4th position (inside 2 coil--Petrucci mid position) sounds just like Petrucci's preferred clean pickup position in Rock Discipline video.

If this is the case, then I wonder why these New7 are so sensitive to pick attack. Maybe it's the electronics in the guitar itself? There is about 0.25" distance between the string and the pickups.