[Shaun_Guitarist]

Hello! My name is Shaun. I'm new here.
I've got an ESP Phoenix II that I love, but I'm not huge on the Duncan JB/59 set its got. And I'm looking to put some DiMarzios in it!
I've been playing with emg's for about 5 years, and most of my guitars have got EMG's. With my Phoenix though, I didn't want to just put another set of actives in it, so I'm looking at passives.
The Phoenix is mahogany, and I've heard some bad things about the tone zone/crunch lab in mahogany.
I enjoy a nice chimy, glassy clean, while still being able to get a singing sustaining lead tone on neck pickup.
For bridge, I want something pretty bitey but not shrill. When I solo with my JB, the pick attack is just so sharp and piercing and I'm not big on it.
Some people were saying the air Norton for neck, or maybe PAF 36th, but it may be a little muddy?
I'm just really not sure.
I normally play with an emg 81/60 set. I love the clean tone of a EMG 60, something like that, but maybe a little warmer. Not exactly the humbucker from hell.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

[jazzfromhell]

What type of tones are you looking for? Any songs/parts/players you can mention for reference?

[Shaun_Guitarist]

I play a lot of Metallica type stuff. I have a mesa roadking that I run for everything. Trying to get a heavy sound but I really don't use that much gain. maybe like a death magnetic type sound. I've been really thinking about the Titan for bridge

[DarthPhineas]

I don't think the 36th Bridge would be too muddy.

And the Titan is also a great choice.

There are a number of options from DiMarzio that could fit your situation. Could you cover a little more about pickups you may be familiar with and what you'd want less or more of from them?

[Shaun_Guitarist]

I'm familiar with Emg's lol that's really all I've used for a number of years.

[KH Guitar Freak]

Evo 2 would be pretty similar to the EMG 81

[Shaun_Guitarist]

update: think I've decided to go with a titan in the bridge for the powerful but clear sound. Also looking more into the humbucker from hell, I do generally use the neck pup for cleans, so it may be the right choice.
can the hfh dirty up and get a good lead sound? and would it pair well with a titan bridge?
Thanks

[jazzfromhell]

Petrucci used the HFH with a Tone Zone in the bridge and yes, it can get great cleans and lead tones.
It should work well with the Titan but it could perhaps be a bit underpowered depending on how you like to set the pickup height.

[Shaun_Guitarist]

Thanks. I think I've landed on that combo. Probably gonna swap the neck soon and then get a bridge next time I get paid. I'll have to get some pics and whip up a video.
Thanks yall!

[KH Guitar Freak]

update: think I've decided to go with a titan in the bridge for the powerful but clear sound. Also looking more into the humbucker from hell, I do generally use the neck pup for cleans, so it may be the right choice.
can the hfh dirty up and get a good lead sound? and would it pair well with a titan bridge?
Thanks

HFH does have a pretty good lead sound, depending on what you are looking for. I just like mine in the neck because it has a piano-like tone