Pickups Recommendation for new TAG Classic - Mahogany Body

[JAZZGEAR]

I am looking to order a new TAG -- in the Andy Timmon's Ibanez AT300 mold.

What would be the closest equivalent pickups to get the neck/bridge tone as close to his Ibanez AT300?

Model: Classic (maybe no pickguard --if this has a great effect on the tone)
Body Wood: Mohagany
Neck: Maple/African Rosewood
Profile: 60s Vibe +.20
Pickups: SA's or SD's?, H2+ (or H3) in the bridge


Just in case you need a sound reference, here's a couple of sound samples from Andy Timmons AT300

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiW22O914Cg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrHy2o_Q-Fk&mode=related&search=

[tom]

i'd do m1's in neck and bridge. any chance you could play something with m's?

[JAZZGEAR]

I don't really have a sound reference for the M's...all of the ones I've heard online don't sound all that good....I'm sure its not the P/Us but rather the compressed nature of the audio stream...as I've not liked the sound of the more conventional pickups from the same audio sources.

I am looking for a chunky, yet clear single coil tone out of the neck (SRV?) and a relatively hot bridge PUP.....

Will I get that fat single coil tone out of M's in the neck?

Thanks for you feedback Tom, greatly appreciated.

[mbrown3]

Will I get that fat single coil tone out of M's in the neck?

Absolutely.

[JAZZGEAR]

So Tom,

OK, so M's it is for the Neck and Middle Positions.... which M for the bridge will be H2+ or H3 like?

.....and pickguard or no pickguard -- what effect does it have on the tone (if any)?

[tom]

i played a classic today with SA2's in neck and middle, and that would be an alternative if you're worried about the m's being too big sounding.
how big do you want the bridge position to be?

[JAZZGEAR]

Yes, I am reconsidering two SA2's ...as I have played a DT with those P/Us and really liked the big single coil tones. Just out of curiosity, however, would SD2s balance out better due to the mid'centric nature of mahogany? While I am looking for big thick single coil tones out of the neck, I would like some nice clarity and highs in the neck/middle combo.

For the bridge, I want some heat, but with clarity and musicality. I don't like having to use a boost pedal for leads...So I was thinking H3. But worry that on solid Mahogany (w/o a maple cap), it may be too muddy?

Oh and my main amps are: Mesa Mark IV & RK II.

[JAZZGEAR]

Actually, if you can select the P/Us that will get me to the clean neck tones of the first Andy Timmons clip (the short passage where he's playing totally clean) above... then I am all set. Note how there's enough chunk yet plenty of highs/ clarity.

Get me there and then all I need to be concerned with is with the finish....:rolleyes:

I know some would say why not just buy the AT300...

Well.... I only buy made in USA instruments, and I want the build quality of a TAG:D

[tom]

the H3 responds really nicely to turning down the guitar volume control, so that would be a good choice. i think the
Sa2's and an H3 would cover all you're looking for.

[John Price]

I like Tom's first choice for this type of situation! I'm a huge Andy Timmons fan and enjoy his playing/tone! I have a HDT H2/SA1/SA1r..setup plus a Classic with H2+/M1/M1.....I love both setups! but if I was to go for the AT thing it would have to be my classic equipped with H/M/M... The Mini's give me a stronger output=sustain when in the drive channel of the amp! great for the AT lead type playing....If I use the SA's I need to incorporate a boost (RC booster) pedal for them which is also very cool....

Let us know what you decide! Good Luck!......