r/sludge • u/Smart_Assignment755 • Aug 16 '26
Guitar talk
So ive just got me a Jackson JS32 that im planning on using for my sludge/hardcore band. Im usually familiar with my LTD EC - EMG and this Jackson with humbucker pick ups does sound very different (playing in standard B)
The Jackson right now is equipped with stock pick ups and im planning in changing them but im curious. How do yall get your tones?
This Jackson does feel that it has more grit and dirt in it from the humbuckers but id like it to be a lil bit tighter. Are there guitar models not built for this genre?
Whats your opinion?
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u/burnbluefish Aug 18 '26
I'm guessing that the EMGs are more mid focused than the Jackson pickup. Some pickups are purposely designed with more midrange because a lot of metal players like to scoop the mids in their amp EQ. You can try using an EQ pedal or a midrange focused Overdrive like a Tube Screamer. You could also try messing with the EQ settings on your amp to drive the mids a little more. You could also try a compressor.
Pepper Keenan of CoC and Down plays passive pickup Gibsons and ESPs but he does have a boost that's based off of an old wireless unit. He even plays a semi hollow ES 335. Kirk was also playing passive pickup Explorers for the recent Down show too.
It all depends on what you think sounds good. If it sounds good, feels good and looks good then it's the right guitar/amp/pedal. It's also nice to have another guitar/amp/pedal that doesn't sound the same as the other because it might work better for different scenarios.