Hi!
I have never modded a guitar before so would probably attempt to mod the GIO before anything else. I play a lot of grunge and death metal in my spare time as a hobby and want to put both of these to use as I have an attatchment to them.
Firstly the GIO:
I have this model:
https://reverb.com/uk/item/21041316-ibanez-grg250dx-black-and-redI want to put seymour-duncan and nazgul/sentient humbuckers in and ideally swap out the neck to something higher grade. Take out the middle pick up.
As for the Hagstrom Swede just a pick up change: seymour duncan sh-4 JB and sh-2 jazz hot rodded in the neck.
Is it worth it or should I just invest in a brand new guitar. All opinions welcome.
Comments
It is worth it if you enjoy the process, and/or like the instruments that result.
Feedback
It would be far wiser to sell the Ibanez GIO and purchase something
a) further up the Ibanez range
b) with more of the features you desire.
How old is the Hagstrom? I am going to assume the fairly recent Asian-made examples.
The Duncan SH-4 JB would work but it is a clichéed choice. I suggest something a little less peaky. e.g. The George Lynch Screamin' Demon or the Jason Becker Perpetual Burn models.
The stock pickups seem to be aiming for Slash territory. Hence, the path to that sort of sound might be better amplification rather than pickup upgrades.
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This. The cheapest RGs aren't that much more expensive than replacing most the GIO will be, and are definitely cross-compatible and more upgradeable.
For the Hagstrom, there are an almost infinite number of pickups and swapping them is straightforward. Personally, unless they are particular special favourites, I would not put a Jazz and a JB in a Les Paul-style guitar - like Funkfingers I would go for something a bit clearer and more open-sounding.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
@GeorgeHutchinson Two quick questions about your Hagstrom.
a) Is it a Swede or a Super Swede?
b) What colour is the finish?
Your answers will affect my next suggestions.
The Jazz isn't as badly affected, although I still find it quite flat-sounding unless the guitar is more lively. I much prefer the '59 or Pearly Gates in the neck with a thick-sounding guitar.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
The rhythm pick up is super muddy to my ears so would probably change both. Looking for more clarity really on the bottom end. It plays beautifully but I want something a little more grungy that also has some heat. Jerry cantrell - Mastodon range would be ideal. Would be cool to be able to dial in cleans too. Would definitely play it more.
I play through a 50W orange rockerverb but am looking to upgrade my set up completely this year.
Will check the pickups you've recommended. Looking for something that's going to be worth the effort so will probs steer away from the seymour duncans. Thanks for that.
Definitely given up on modding the ibanez. I love it though so will probably keep it in my garage haha
You may need some experimentation with values, but the same as a standard tone cap (.022uF or .047uF) is a good place to start.
If that is the case, and it's not the pickups making it muddy, you really don't want a high-output pickup at all, that will make it worse.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Full upgrade story post here
Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups ... Oil City Blog 7 String.org profile and message
There's far too much looking down the collective snoots at cheaper gear on here at the moment. There are those who struggle to maintain their music in the face of a buggered economy and not much to spend. To them a Geo might be all they can get their hands on at the right price.
Personally I will continue to champion cheaper gear and stamp my foot and say it's not what instrument you play ... it's the creativity with which you play that makes you a musician. Do what you want with your Geo ... what you can afford ... put your stamp on it and have fun.
Formerly TheGuitarWeasel ... Oil City Pickups ... Oil City Blog 7 String.org profile and message
It is because I have (repeatedly) committed this folly that I sometimes recommend that others should not.
Some of what I post on this forum is mere opinion. In my value system, all opinion is equal … equally worthless.
There are people on this forum who in my opinion do come across as gear snobs, so if it was a general comment then I think it's fair.
To the OP - as has already been said, if you will enjoy the modding process and end up with a better instrument at the end of it then do it. You won't turn a cheap guitar into a valuable one, but you can turn an averagely (or even poorly) playing one into something much nicer to use, which can only be a good thing.
EDIT: BTW, I'm a sad old bloke who's rebuilt a couple of elderly cars
My only advice is to keep any parts removed from the guitar, so that should you change your mind and want to sell the guitar, you can revert it to standard to sell it - and then you can sell any upgrade parts separately. That way you don't end up losing too much.
NB: YT music not me.
you must be pretty chuffed with it it’s awesome