[Zand3]

Ok, so I haven't actually gotten it yet..I'm on the 6th week, but just so you guys have an idea of what I'm working with, its mahogany neck and body, I was told not to get active electronics so I didn't, and everywhere I go people on forums usually say they change the pickups. I played a Schechter Hellraiser at guitar center and loved the way the EMG's sounded, it felt so smooth, and I feel that if I went with Dimarzios such as the D sonic and the air norton, I might be dissapointed that they're too "dirty" sounding. Don't get me wrong, I'm here to play metal, but I like my lead sounds to be a clean smooth kind of distortion without having to worry about those little distorted noises some pickups cause inbetween notes (don't blame it on my playing) but I still do want my lead notes to have "attack" or "bite" to em..Also, for rhythm which will probably consist of mashing out some riffs with a bunch of low power chords, I like it to be chunky but almost in a clean bassy way (i like opeth's rhythm sounds, and btw i hate trying to describe sound in words), anyways, would I have to route for EMG's on my carvin , my friend said he just had his tech shave the base of the pickups but those were dimarzios..i don't know if EMG's are shaveable or what not, and in which case lets say I didn't want to route, is there another pickup combo that sounds like what i'm going for? - Appreciate feedback very very much thanks , hey if you help me out I promise pics when I get it

[ohio_eric]

EMG pickups will require routing. They are a totally different size than regular pickups. If you want active you might want to wait until the Duncan Blackout 7s are on the market. There will be a version of those that are standard sized. Though you might have to tweak the size of your pickup route a bit.

[ShawnFjellstad]

EMG's will require routing.
if you went with Dimarzios, the base plate can be shaved down to fit the carvin cavity.

IMO Dimarzio Evolution 7's would sound really good in that guitar.

[frank falbo]

I haven't tried a Blackout 7 cover in a Carvin route, but I imagine they would require some minor shaving. You can do it to the pickup itself, so long as you don't shave so much off that you're into the epoxy and pickup guts. But it would be nice to see Carvin's layout for that route. Then I could tell you for certain.

The main point is that with the Blackout 7 (passive sized) you won't need to route the large rectangle hole, and then never be allowed to go back. If you have to dremel the route a little larger for the Blackout it is going to still look totally normal if you go back to a passive Duncan or Dimarzio.

[Edroz]

even the blackouts i'm sure would require you to route the guitar as carvins pickup routes are 1/4" narrower than other manufacturers. if the blackouts have a similar housing as EMGs you wont be able to grind the baseplate of the pickup down (correct me if i'm wrong frank).
dimarzios are the best option for carvins as no mods need to be done to the guitar at all. if you like EMGs, have you considered the Dimarzio D Activators? they have an active sound but have all the dynamics and nuances of passives... amazing pickups!

[DeL07]

If you like Opeth's sound, why not get pickups that are similar to theirs?

This being SD Custom, SD Distortion and SD Jazz... All awesome pickups! Especially the Custom!

[Cancer]

Originally Posted by frank falbo

The main point is that with the Blackout 7 (passive sized) you won't need to route the large rectangle hole, and then never be allowed to go back. If you have to dremel the route a little larger for the Blackout it is going to still look totally normal if you go back to a passive Duncan or Dimarzio.

You must forgive my if I shudder a little everytime I read that now Frank.....hey speaking of which {offtopic} have you seen Dino's RGA7? From the pics I've seen it looks like P-sized Blackouts 7's fit ...with room to spare no less.....

[Ishan]

Opeth's Mickael is a SD endorse and use SD Fullshred I believe.

[Cancer]

Originally Posted by Edroz

dimarzios are the best option for carvins as no mods need to be done to the guitar at all. if you like EMGs, have you considered the Dimarzio D Activators? they have an active sound but have all the dynamics and nuances of passives... amazing pickups!

FWIW, I'll be installing the X2N7 and a ToneZone7 into my 747 tonight (espeically after hearing that ...thanks Edroz). I try to post some pics, that way you can see for yourself.

[Zand3]

i appreciate the feedback, will try to keep you guys updated on my plans, will know better when i actually get my guitar, its just hard to make these kinds of decisions between pickups without getting to try em, lets say i'm down for dimarzios, how do i know if i'll like one better than the other hehe