[Xtremevillan]

The issues I had with the 81 were not that far from believable, playing on the upper frets were really ice-pick high and not pleasant sounding. The lower frets I have no complaints against, it was amazing for it.

No issues whatsoever with the 85. It's simply amazing for soloing. A little "plunky" but I kinda like it.



---

I am usually stupid, but with the assistance of ss.org I unscrewed my pickguard and switched the 81 to the neck, and 85 to the bridge. (note: do you have springs in your pickups? The screws in my EMG's had springs with them and I was like what do I do...it was hard to get back on) After changing the settings on my amp a little, these were my reports.

85 b was amazing for the upper frets. Nice clear notes, with just the SLIGHTEST hint of ice picks, which I also kinda like. 81n was more plunky than the 85n and upper frets were clickier than the 85n. It wasn't so bad. 81n lower frets weren't so bad. 85b lower frets...wow. "Low Power" is an understatement...I absolutely did not like it. I tuned my treble up, tone up, settings ALL OVER, not much. (I know I know GET A NEW AMP, but I was comparing it to the other tones I got/liked)

I switched them back. At least I learned how to switch them again if I ever get in the mood!

I played my Hellraiser (9V, not 18V like my Ibanez) and I think it sounds somewhat better. Imagine what that'd sound like modded! But yeah, the pickups are the same, I think the HR sounds "better". Love the neck and bridge and even on low/high frets they're both great.

While I'm at it, I'll ask: are the Blackouts built in the same design? I know B Lopez has 2 necks and he swears by'em, I don't want to make a mistake like my 81/85 if I decide to get BO's. And if I do, I could just clip'em in like switching the EMG's right? I'm also partial to my Seymour Duncan JB/59 (whatever combo) in my 7621.

[Edroz]

it might be more than pickups you're not liking in the Ibanez... i mean a Hellraiser and an RG550 are essentially a Les Paul and a Strat. maybe you're more of a Les Paul guy

[Xtremevillan]

It's really weird, I like my 7621's sound (only difference between that and the 550 is that it has a rosewood fretboard) and I think it's mostly due to the SD's.

Zimbloth recommends me a Tone Zone in the bridge again (assuming he will repeat his recommend for a PAF Pro neck) so if the EMG/BO's don't work, I'm goin' passive, boys.