Ibanez Powersound

PSND1 / PSND2 humbucking pups

Guitars with PSNDs installed: Ibanez RG320, Westone XL10 (Les Paul copy)
Positons: neck / bridge

After all the negative ratings let me say something good about these pups. I had these as stock units in my 2004 Ibanez RG320 guitar for about 3 years. To tell the truth I was not really satisfied with the clean sound they produced in humbucking mode, though distorted was ok. With the clean setting I thought they were a bit muddy, with too much mids, not really much sparkle, and also not a good volume balance between the individual strings. So after 3 years, I decided I want to make the RG320 a versatile guitar with good clean sound. I replaced the PSNDs with Seymour Duncans' "favorite combination": the SH-4 (JB model) in the bridge and SH-2n (Jazz model) in the neck. I choose them after listening to the cleanest sounding samples on the SD web page and also viewing some videos on youtube. When I decided on those I didn't even know that they could be bought in combination and that it is basically a SD preferred combination. After installation I was very excited about the clean sound they would produce. This is the point where I was disappointed a bit. I expected much more from the SDs. They sounded a bit clearer with a little bit more definiton, but the sound was by far not that much cleaner or different than the stock PSNDs. The mids remained, the muddiness was only a bit less, the string level balance remained basically the same, even after some allowable pole adjustments on the SDs. Left me still unhappy with the humbucking clean sound of the RG320.

Some time ago I bought a cheap Westone Les Paul copy guitar made in China to be used as a spare guitar besides the Ibanez. I did not expect much from the Westone tone wise and quality wise. That's why I was stonningly surprised when I first plugged it in. It had a much better clean sound with more sparkle and character, evener string level balance than the RG320. It had Wilkinson chrome plated PAF specification humbuckers looking similar to the original Gibson PAFs. There were some problems though with this cheap guitar: the inside electronics were poor quality (lot of hum due to unshielded wires running across the guitar body) and the stock Wilkinson humbuckers were uncontrolably squeling with that high pitch noise at high volumes. So I decided to change the Wilkinsons to the PSNDs left over from the Ibanez and also shield the inside electronics to get a usable guitar. Man what a difference: the PSNDs came to life! The cheap china guitar sounded even better than with the Wilkinsons and finally there was no hum and no squealing at high volumes. I tried the guitar on many amplifiers including Fender Bassman, Roland JC-120, Roland Cube 60, Kustom Quad and even A/B compared it to original Gibsons and Epiphones. To tell the truth, the sound was very much comparable to the originals. There were differences of course mainly to the preference of the originals, but if you did not A/B test the gear, you could easily be fooled by the sound of the cheap guitar with PSNDs in it. It sounded quite like the originals, sometimes even a bit clearer on the clean settings which I prefer and which I was lacking from the Ibanez :).

According to my experiences, my conclusion is this: the sound of the pickup is very much dependent on the type of guitar it is put into! A dull sounding stock pickup can come to life if put into the correct guitar, and even an expensive high-end pickup can change only a little the natural sound character of a guitar.

In my case the Ibanez RG320 is a guitar built mainly for distorted lead sounds with more mids to cut through the band. OK it also has some nice clean sounds in the coil split modes (pup switch positions #2 and #4), but the natural tone is a bit more towards the mid range, which gives it some muddiness with clean humbucking sounds. The Westone lacks that midrange but this also gives a bit more clarity and heaviness to the sound. For the clean sounds I definately prefer the Westone with PSNDs over the Ibanez with the expensive SDs.

A surprisingly good stock pickup.

just a basic stock humbucker

Ibanez DTX-120 (stock pickup)

they aren't horrible but they aren't great either

the main problem i have with them is they are a bit muddy especially the neck pickup

good enough to hold you over while you decide on the best replacements but once you replace them you'll never look back

no comment

2 humbuckers passive

GRX20L standard pickups

all positions

im not replacing them i love them

im using them

im not changing them

high output

im using a line 6 spider 3 150 watt halfstack

the tone is a bit muddy but perfect for what i play

i play heavy metal (BFMV Atreyu A7X) mostly stuff in drop c
im also in a band in wich we play in drop c

its sutibale in all positions

ive been playing for 2 years now and ive had other guitars (jackson custom kelly, fender strat, b.c. rich warlock and i love this guitar i have to give it a 10/10 it sounds great distorted and on the clean seting i just sugest everyone whos giving these pickups a bad review goes and buys a line 6 **** marshal and crate and all those buy a line 6 and youll see how good these sound

Passive Humbucker

These came in my GAX-70. I have been playing for 30 years now, since I was 12 and I have a number of guitars. This Ibanez was a gift for a practise/road guitar and with the quilted maple top I just loved the look and the sound when I tried it out. I have a Gibson Les Paul Custom (Alnico 490R and 498T), a 06 American Standard Tele and a Gretsch Electomatic Hollow body. I play through a Traynor YCV80 and I have to say, these pickups in a low cost guitar are pretty damn good value for the money. I am replacing the neck pickup with a Gibson P94 but I am leaving the bridge PSN in. I have performed live with a few bands covering Weezer, Collective Soul, STP and I always get compliments on my tone from fellow musicians I have a lot of respect for. Yes, even with the stock tubes and Celestion 70-80s in the Traynor.

Output level is about half of the Alnico 490/498 but if you have enough power in your amp it is a non issue. The mids are a bit muddy but you can do wonders with pedals. I particularly like the clean sound that my son dials in with his Jazz-style playing. You can be a techno weenie all day discussing this but if the music moves you...

Bang for your buck I would take these over a number of Seymour Duncan pickups I have played.

Humbucking, Passive

Stock on Ibanez grx20

PSND1 (was) on bridge, PSND2 neck.

The psnd1 is half decent for distorted settings. pretty crunchy, alright for pinch harmonics and the like. Has medium output. The pickups are very middy, lacking much high end, but they have decent bass.

The psnd2 is pretty much junk. terribly muddy, extreemly bassy with no tonal definition. really not good for anything.

This is all playing through a Fender Frontman 212r.

If these pickups were lost/stolen, itd be a great reason for me to get something better. I already replaced the psnd1 (bridge) with an EMG H4 and its like having a brand new guitar. I cant really describe the difference, except that the H4 owns the hell out of these powersounds. I dont want to even describe how it compares to the psnd2... refer to the "sound" category.

Ive been playing about a year, and even 6 months ago it was easy to tell the difference between powersounds and something that actually has some tonal definition to it.

Overall, replace these pickups asap. Im pretty sure anything would be better.

humbucks

passive(DUHHHH!!!!)

medium output

RG320FA
neck and bridge

as crap as it gets

i personally thought they were great at first but after listening to players like Vai, Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci and Satriani, these are far most the worst

no sustain in them and gets muddy when amp is cranked up
my hands and ears have to work hard to figure things out

i've broken them already after changing over to V7 & V8 i got from my 2nd hand RG550(which i placed DiMarzios in her)

for beginners it's ok but after 2 years of playing time to move on

only punk, alternative and indie geek sissy players would like these

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Unknown.

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez GAX70
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: Powersound as neck and bridge pup, probably just impedence difference.
Artists using this pickup: Do not know.
You musical style(s): Jazz-Metal Fusion (my creation). Attempt at Country-Blues-Metal Fusion.
Reason for pickup change: Will not change these PUPS.

Perceived output level: Output is entirely dependent on strings, attack, amp and speakers. I have noticed though that these Powersound pups are very easily overdriven into distortion and compression.
Tone: Pretty balanced tone, I'd say they react well to tone knob adjustments.
Sonic evaluation: Using an Ibanez GAX70 with 10 gauge strings into a Hughes & Kettner Tubeman (Telefunken 12AU7) for crunch,into a little Electar Tube 10(GE5751 and Tungsol 6L6-5881) and/or Fender Champ(JAN Philips 7025, RCA 6V6GT and Mazda 5Y3GB rectifier) into a homemade cab with a 10" WeberVST 10F150 (very tight bass and brutal punchy speaker).
These Powersound PUPS are good pickups for and type of sonic attack that relies on distortion. Due to these pups overdriving and compressing early, clean sounds are not easily attainable. These pups are alot like the S.D. SH-10's or SH-12's. I don't know this, but I wouldn't be suprised if I found out that Seymore Duncan makes these pups for Ibanez.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I fuse metal into jazz/blues, sometimes into country. The Metal is Motorheadish, the Jazz is Jeff Beck-ish, the Blues is Frank Marino-ish and the Country is mostly just a concoction. These PUPS are a good match for the stuff I am currently working on.

Comments: Overall: these pickups have recieved an undeserved negative rating here. They are not that bad. There are better pickups, but these Powersound pups have enough clarity, don't get mushy or muddy. Admittedly, they lack definition somewhat. But they are stock pups and not boutique pickups... this is something a few of my brethren here forgot. I'd always suggest going to 10 gauge strings, for everything sounds better with heavier strings. If I could make a change, I'd like to add a coil splitter to each humbucker. I don't think these Ibanez Powersound pickups are for sale. I think Ibanez uses them as stock pups in some of their economy level guitars, such as the GAX70, which also happens to be a very good guitar for under $200

Pickup features: Passive humbucker.
Impedence or other specs: I dunno.

Model of guitar or bass: GRX-40
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: Two passive single-coils.
Artists using this pickup: I dunno.
You musical style(s): Nu-Metal. Punk. Death-Metal. Jazz. Rock.
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Hot.
Tone: Bassy but not muddy.
Sonic evaluation: I am using a GRX-40 with a 30-watt Marshall amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Its sound is very neutral/versatile allowing it to meet most of my needs.

Comments: This pickup is best suited for ear-smashing, overdrive. Its bass is quite powerful. It sounds like a bass guitar is playing along with me. The best part is its clarity. There is no muddiness at all. However, it doesn't sound as good as other guitars I've played on the clean channel (-1). Also, the saddle for the pickup was damaged when I bought the guitar and it needed to be repaired so now the pickup teeter-totters back and fourth in the guitar (occaisionally bumping the strings.)(-1). The amp/guitar combination has a huge effect on these pickups, however, the sound of the pickups can be greatly enhanced by simply buying a good cord and the Marshall Jackhammer overdrive footpedal. I was very suprised how much that helped. If you are looking for overdrive that can go in many directions, this is the way to go. Especially for the price.

Pickup features: I'm reviewing the Powersound neck and middle single coils and the Powersound2 bridge Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: dont know

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez GRX40
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: these come stock
Other pickups on guitar: neck and middle are powersound single coils and the bridge is a powersound(2) humbucker
Artists using this pickup: Me? All musicians are artists lol
You musical style(s): classic rock, some punk
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: The single coils arent very hot at all, but the middle one is a bit more than the neck. the humbucker is hot, and a whole lot louder than the singles.
Tone: The neck pickup is bassy, good mids but lacking in deffinition; muddy. The middle has more treble, less bass; what I would expect more from the neck. The humbucker has strong bass and mids, and a biting high end. The humbucker is the most sensitve, although attack at the low end is not as clear as it could be.
Sonic evaluation: I plug the GRX-40 straight into a crate solid state 20 watt. When clean, the neck sounds bassy with a little glassiness at the top. The middle sounds like the neck with less bass. The combination elaborates the mids and lows, so it sounds darker. The Humbucker clean is kinda dirty with a sharp high end. The middle/humbucker combination is darker than the humbucker alone, and although the high end and bass feel balanced its a bit thin. When distorted, the neck gets very muddy, the definition of the tone is lost and the pick attack isn't there much. The middle distorted has more definition, but lacks low end. The neck and middle together, when distorted, has an even darker tone, and to my surprise even less pick sensitivity. The humbucker distorted has a great low end and mids that lends itself to powerchords, but for lead work on the top strings it is to shrill and biting, and thats with the pickup height pretty dang low. The middle and humbucker distorted is less shrill, but not enough low end punch. Raising the pickup height on any of these pickups doent help the tone gain much definition, it just makes them sound harsh.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play stuff by the Rolling Stones, mostly. The single coils dont have anything like a fender-ish tone, too murky, no twang to them. The humbucker is good for chunky punk stuff but not lead work as people will notice the biting harshness on the top 3 strings.

Comments: If the single coils were lost or stolen, I'd use it as the perfect excuse to get pickups with more definition to them. If the humbucker was jacked out of the guitar, I'd miss it a lil but I'm sure replacing it would be better. I like the higher output of the humbucker for distorted powerchord sounds, and the middle single coil sounds nice for clean stuff, but overall the single coils get too muddy too fast. Dont get me wrong, these still sound better than most stock pickups of 200$ or less guitars, but as I move from absolute beginner guitarist into the upper stages of novice, I need more clarity and just straight up more tone. I recently replaced the neck pickup with a Seymour Duncan SSL-1 vintage staggered strat pickup, and I'll never look back. It doesnt combine so well with the middle pickup but it's better than it was. The single coils are OK for what they are, inexpensive stock pickups. The humbucker is the saving grace, but its to shrill for my taste. I'd give it an overall 5/10, because in the world of pickups the single coils are sub-par with the humbucker being average.

Pickup features: 2 humbuckers, 1 single coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: S470
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: These pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: me. for 1 gig. the day after i bought the guitar
You musical style(s): for that gig: r&b, jazz, pop
Reason for pickup change: they suck.

Perceived output level: normal. nearly the same as duncan '59s
Tone: the neck humbucker: too nasal. the mid single coil: too cold. the bridge: not clear enough
Sonic evaluation: for that gig i played: morley wah > ax1500g > fender silver face.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i dont think any gigging guitarist who cares about how he/she sounds would use these. good enough for practice at home though.

Comments: If it were destroyed or stolen, would you buy it again or get something else?
- nope. i had always known i would need to replace the pups on this guitar. even before i bought it. didnt like 'em at the store (i tried the guitar 4 times before i bought it). great guitar. shame about the pickups tho.
How long have you been playing? What other gear do you own?
- been playing for 13 years. 7 years professionally. i own a frankenstrat (now retired to backup status) that sounds awesome through anything (ok, i'm exaggerating).
What do you love about it? What do you hate?
- I HATE THEM. the cleans are totally unusable. 'xept maybe if you cloak the pickup position 2 (bridge coil tapped + mid single coil) with chorus and a touch of echo.
Did you compare it to other products? Which ones? Why did you choose this one?
- i've played the dimarzio evolution (smoking lead tones, ok cleans), sd antiquity (excellent for just about anything), fender 57/52 (good for everything) and duncan hotrails (great searing leads, useless for anything else). i didnt choose these, they came with the guitar. great guitar (the new zr trem is awesome), shame about the pickups tho.
Anything you wish it had?
- sure. i wish the humbuckers sounded clearer and the single coil wasnt so sterile.
Are you satisfied with this pickup or still searching for that sound?
- they will be replaced soon. i'm thinking dimarzio (paf pro on the neck, cruiser in the mid, and evo or norton in the bridge) or sd ('59 neck, vintage rails mid, custom 5 bridge)
Anything else you'd like to share?
- great guitar. shame about the pickups tho

Pickup features: humbuckers, neck and bridge
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: prs-copy by cort, name mirage m-600
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: stock mighty-mite
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: hee hee
You musical style(s): funk, rock, mean rock, a lot of lead work
Reason for pickup change: the mighty mite are all what I don't need: dull, mellow, midrangey, low output. And I had the powersound at hand...so I tried them, and I did well

Perceived output level: Hot. But not overly, which makes them controllable. I have to say that my volume pot has a 270pf capacitor that does wonders when rolling off
Tone: tight bass, solid mids, a little bright highs, always clear in the mix. The first neck pu I have that never gets muddy, always articulated. The bridge responds very well to your picking strength, you do what you want with it.
Sonic evaluation: sans amp classic for clean tones, sans amp gt-2 along with a nobels overdrive(or jacques tube blower, but I prefer the nobels) for rythm and soloing. The all in a power amp to 2x12 or 1x15 closed back cabs.
Powersounds are always clear and precise, even splitted they are good(but somewhat aggressive) and I really don't understand what people here are complaining about. I have several guitars whith reknowned pups in them but I really can't say that powersounds are worse or better, they have their own personality, they don't squeal or feedback, and with the volume down they are very fashionable.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For funk it cuts through the mix(aggressive when splitted, if you play alone you won't bear them), and for mean rock they are good, I really mean it. For jazz the neck with your fingers is clear and warm, but maybe too much articulated.

Comments: Sure I try to get a pair from someone who thinks they are guilty!
I play for 19years, know one thing or two about guitar playing and tone...
I noticed that whatever your gear you same how you are, and I have to admit that despite the fact I own several very different guitars I still sound the same. So long for "the-gear-that'll-make-you-a-man, son"...

Pickup features: humbucking pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG-220
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: who cares?
You musical style(s): classic rock -> metal
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Not as hot as a SD JB, but comparable.
Tone: This pickup has a very balanced tone with a bit of boost in the mid range.
Sonic evaluation: OK, this is where alot of people in the earlier posts go wrong. It doesn't mean that because it's stock it means its "bad". People have to trust their ears and not succumb to marketing techniques. Trust me, I know. I was one of those people. When I first got the Ibanez with these pickups, I did not even try them and was hastely replaced by a Seymour Duncan JB right off the box. Not until now did I actually have a chance to listen to these powersound pickups after removing the JB pickup. To tell the truth, they sound surprisingly similar to the duncan pickup! I'm not going to lie, the JB does sound better because it has a bit more clarity and output. Nevertheless the powersound pickup line arent bad at all.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: very versatily pickup for two reasons: balance and output.

Comments: Like I said, these are very decent pickups. People have to trust their ears. In some reviews, people say the Gibson pickups are described as hunk of junks! Come on... Just because something is stock, it doesn't mean they are bad.

Pickup features: Passive; Bridge Humbucker, Mid Single coil, Neck Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 500k I believe

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez S370DX
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: It's stock, but I'm replacing it with some Seymour Duncans.
Other pickups on guitar: All Powersound
Artists using this pickup: None that I'd respect.
You musical style(s): Blues, Classic Rock, Punk, Rock, anything.
Reason for pickup change: I changed these because let's face it: they blew.

Perceived output level: Bridge is so-so...but other than that..eh. Output doesn't make quality.
Tone: Mud. Pure mud.
Sonic evaluation: I obviously play through an Ibanez S370DX (now with Seymour Duncan Invader at the bridge, Duckbuckers in the middle, and '59 in the neck) with Boss, DOD, and Digitech pedals all running through a Marshall. These pickups are aweful. I have a friend that played a strat-copy in the rain and it's sounds like buzzing..I'd almost take that over these.
Don't take me wrong, I absolutely love the guitar...but that's after I changed the pickups.
They're fine for a beginner who doesn't care about sound. But if you care in the least bit, these pickups suck. Make sure when you buy the guitar, you have money left over for new pickups.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup would work for metal (the type where you can't even differ between powerchords because there's so much distortion) or 80s metal.

Comments: If this pickup were stolen, I would have been thankful. It would most definately would have saved me trouble taking the stupid things out myself.

Pickup features: passive humbucker, stock on most lower model ibanez
Impedence or other specs: I have no idea

Model of guitar or bass: rg270dx
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: havent yet but I will
Other pickups on guitar: some more powersounds
Artists using this pickup: I hope no one is...cuz they frikkin suck
You musical style(s): jazz, rock, blues, classic rock, 80s metal, fusion, anything that requires actual musical talent
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: they are actually pretty hot pups (the bridge is atleast)...they drive anything pretty good
Tone: muddy, overly trebly, no mids, no bass in bridge position, flabby bass, no mids, no treble in neck pos, and just plain crap in the middle
Sonic evaluation: The neck pup is the absolute worst pickup I have ever heard. It is so muddy and crappy sounding. Tone is not even the word for it. For $400 for a guitar, you should get better quality pups than these (at least EMG HZs or Duncan Design)...but what do you know, you dont. The middle is noisy, tinny, and shrill. The bridge is the best sounding one out the bunch...its got good output but the "tone" is completely unacceptable. It sounds like a high output single coil thru some amps. No chug, no muted speed runs, no solid upper fret tone, no definition, and muddy as crap. My dad's 75 LP has 490 and 498 pups and they blow these things away...even on a crap amp. Try a guitar with a JB in the bridge next to this one and be floored at the difference. I play on an old Peavey 210 studio chorus amp with a DigiCrap rp300 processor and it sounds mucho crappy thru this. Yet the LP will sound decent through it. My stuff sucks but I have played a bunch of amps (mostly solid state which=crap) with these powersounds and it always sucks.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play stuff that actually requires skill. Its all original, extremely melodic, jazzy, hard rock. Not some uninspired nu-metal crap. I know what good tone is and this pickup is definitely not it. This pup is a good match for Blink 182 or Linkin Park stuff played through a 25 watt Ibanez Tone Blaster and a Boss Metal Zone pedal.

Comments: I will change these pups as soon as I acquire that all important possesion called money. I have been playing 4 years and a few years ago I didnt know what good tone was. Now I do...and crap pickups through cheap solid state amps is not good tone. I suggest EMGs, Dimarzios, or Seymour Duncans. I imagine it will dramatically improve the sound over these pieces of steaming ape crap.

Pickup features: H-S-H passive
Impedence or other specs: 500k

Model of guitar or bass: Powersound pu's on Ibanez RG370 B
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: all
Other pickups on guitar: all powersound
Artists using this pickup: Music therapy professionals playing to deaf people, Celine Dion and Alyssa Milano
You musical style(s): Classical - H. Rock
Reason for pickup change: Powersound pu's suck big time. OK, you can get a half decent sound after messing with the guitar action, eq, amp settings etc, but these guitars deserve better than these pu's. Still put some decent pu's in as replacements and you have a great guitar for a low price. Ibanez should sell RG370's with a free soldering iron !

Perceived output level: Probably hot, who cares they sound dire...
Tone: Thick river mud and pond sludge with some sump oil.
Sonic evaluation: Peavy 75w, Roland 30w Cube, Marshall JMP-1. Doesn't matter what you plug them into. These are the worst stock pickups ever invented. My stock Epiphone pu's blow them away...Ibanez should sell a model with the pickups missing to save you the bother of removing them.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: All styles unsuitable.

Comments: If it was stolen I would not worry. They would be returned quickly unfortunately...
Have been playing for 20 years and am guitar teacher.
The guitar is great, the pu suck. They will be replaced with DiMarzio's.

Pickup features: Neck bucker, middle single, bridge bucker
Impedence or other specs: ??????????????

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG370DX
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: All the same
Artists using this pickup: Nobody but me and thousands of others who buy Ibanez guitars in the RG170 to RG370 range.
You musical style(s): Rock, Metal, Punk and whatever my ear desires.
Reason for pickup change: N/A

Perceived output level: Alot like a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge. The others all match in output.
Tone: Balanced. Upper mid level output.
Sonic evaluation: I'm playing through a solid state CRATE GX212 120 watt combo, BOSS Metal Zone, DOD EQ, DOD Delay and a Morely Wah. Distortion is cranked, bass and treble heavy with minimal mids and no reverb.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: The bridge pickup reminds me of RATT and Dokken types of guitar tones. I'd say 80's metal all the way.

Comments: I'm no stranger to upgrade pickups. I have a mix of Seymour Duncans, DiMarzios and a Bill Lawrence L500XL. I've played through EMG's and a host of others. This is my third Ibanez with these Powersound pickups. The bridge is voiced like a Seymour Duncan JB. There is a little mud in the sound, but if I cut back on the bass a little I think it would work it out. The middle pickup in conjunction with the bridge split sounds almost acoustical and bright. I bought this Ibanez to have a decent and solid unmodified shredder as a backup. Now it has it's place as my 80's shreddder metal axe. I thought about putting a JB in the bridge and a 59' in the neck, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Id say these pickups are keepers. I like em. I've been playing 20 years this month. I've had alot of guitars and a alot of pickups. The Powersounds are among the best stock humbuckers out there IMHO.

Pickup features: H-H
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: GRX20L
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change: Guess ...

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: A bit of everything (no metal though ...)

Comments: I thought I reviewed those a long time ago. Seems I'm wrong ...
OK to make it short, those powersounds HB are the worst PU's I've ever come across in my 15 years of playing. The neck especially.
They *might* sound OK with heavy gain but even then I doubt ...
Lacking definition, clarity, articulation, basically everything a pick up outta have ...
Can't tell for the single coils though ...
I replaced them with an DM Airzone in bridge and SD Alnico II Pro in the neck. Happy with the bridge, 70% satisfied with the neck pu now.
Please do yourself a favor, rip them out and replace them with ANYTHING you want because there's nothing WORSE out there (I suggest DI Marzio's though ...).

Pickup features: Humbucking --- -- passive
Impedence or other specs: dont know

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez rg170
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: not replaced
Other pickups on guitar: powersound
Artists using this pickup: me
You musical style(s): metal, blues, hair metal
Reason for pickup change: not changing you jackass!!

Perceived output level: this pickup is in my opinion hotter than any I've tried
Tone: balance on clean channel trebly and muddy distorted
Sonic evaluation: I've played with every pickup ive known to be good. I even own a seymour duncan full shred. I've replaced the bridge and neck pickup with a v1, and v2. I took the powersounds and put them in a shitty Ibanez clone guitar and to my suprise, they still have a punch to them.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: The middle pickup is a keeper, that with any good bridge pickup rings real bright like a bell-like bluesy tone

Comments: I love the pickup,it has proven me wrong every time I've tried to replace it with a high output pickup. I always find myself reinstalling the powersound because it has a very distinct sound. I'm satisfied with this pickup.

Pickup features: Humbucker/Single Coil/Humbucker Passive
Impedence or other specs: dunno

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Rg 170 blk
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Emg 81
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Steve Vai, Pat Methney and ME
You musical style(s): Black Metal and pop
Reason for pickup change: I needED something with great tone.......

Perceived output level: So-hot-you-don't-need-an-amp slightly hotter than Emgs
Tone: HORRIBLE MUDDY. TERRIBLY UNBALANCED AND HOPEFULLY MEAN
Sonic evaluation: i've played for 6 month, and i own: esp kh2 vintage. esp kh2, gibson les paul 1959 flametop with aaa flamed top, jackson rr 1t, jackson y2kv, ibanez jem 7vwh + tons of other guitars.....(Actually my dad bought them for me). I also use mesaboogie tripple rectifier with two 4'12 cabinetts with celestion 30 speakers.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: dddduuuuuhhhhhh Death Metal, Black Metal and diffrent styles of pop music

Comments: I hate everything about this pickup, even the colour. Almost everything above was pure bullshit (exept my guitars). STAY FAR AWAY FROM THIS PICKUP!!!!!!!

Pickup features: i don't know......
Impedence or other specs: errrrrr

Model of guitar or bass: rg250b
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: i`m not changing it
Other pickups on guitar: guess..
Artists using this pickup: mmmmm...me
You musical style(s): i think it's rock dude
Reason for pickup change: i said i'm not changing it you freaking asshole

Perceived output level: I think they are to die for hot if if you got an amp with powerful distortion
Tone: neck' s really sweet for fast shredding, middle's an acoustic kickass and the bridge is for doing chords at my opinion
Sonic evaluation: i have this ibanez guitar which is really heavy stuff...luv it..but now i also have this fender amp which is good but has about 20 years a distortion which is really light and a special woodstock air...don't ask but i still like it.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i think it's good for rock but you will seriously need a powerful amp. i think it suits almost everything=-)

Comments: dude i think that i it was destroyed i would cry a lot... but i would go freaking running to the store and get the seymour duncan dimebuckers or any dimarzio. i been playing for really a short time and the first guitar i played was the most strange epiphone in the world( dude, it was kind of metallica style). its tremolo was destroyed so i gave it back to my father ( sorry dad). what i love about my pickups is their versatility. i hate their lack of power. actually my dad gave me my guitar one night and i got classses for like one time each to weeks for some time. i wish it had an ultra hyper super powerful overdrive switch...ahhhh....i have to be satisfied as i doon't have money if my own. dude...as a last thing i tell you: kids learn how to play guitar and buy a jackson guitar... don't form a band until you can play a song of satriani completely.peace out

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs: its stock

Model of guitar or bass: RG320
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: powersound
Artists using this pickup: poor guitarists
You musical style(s): good shit
Reason for pickup change: none

Perceived output level: the bridge pickup isn't too shabby its medium... neck is low
Tone: neck: muddy, bassy bridge: middy twangy
Sonic evaluation: crate... Gx30M

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: the powersound2 (bridge) is nice but the PS1 is pretty bad

Comments: every1 should stop bitching about stock pickups. This a decent stock pickup for a guitar , shit its all about the player, not the equipment

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Wouldn't have a clue.

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG320QS
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Nop, need some ch-ching!
Other pickups on guitar: 2 of the blighters
Artists using this pickup: Nobody hopefully,
You musical style(s): Rocky stuff as well as others
Reason for pickup change: Did I say I need money?

Perceived output level: Seems to be fairly medium, your amp will need to to a bit of work. Wouldn't recommend playing loud, gets microphonic as with all entry stock pickups.
Tone: Both are quite warm clean and distorted, round and slightly toppy.
Sonic evaluation: OK, playing the RG through an AVT-50 combo, on clean channel, pickups are warm and articulate, in split mode, they sound fairly spanky, particularly the inner coils of bridge and neck pickups in parallel, good for funky chord stuff. Neck pickup in parallel is slightly warmer, good for those Little Wing moments. Neck pickup does decent jazz while bridge is toppy and round.
Distorted, the bridge pickup is the only worthwile one as all other positions get a bit muddy. Bridge pickup sounds good, just wish it was hotter.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rocky stuff and more, suits quite a few styles to my surprise. Remember, squeals kick in at higher-than-bedroom levels.

Comments: If it was destroyed or stolem I think my guitar would be too, what a question haha! Been playing for 8 years, own 2 classicals and 2 electrics. I like it's versatility, when I was looking at them I was skeptical cos they're mostly shit but my ones happen to be decent, I think it's the consistency problem. I compared them with the stock pickups of my retired Epiphone and these sound much better, more character and the added versatility of the splits, the Epiphone just sounded plain dull and I thought about how I was able to play that thing for 4 years. Got the RG cos it's better and seems worth upgrading. Just wish these pickups were a bit hotter and brighter but I can't really complain, in the end it's more about the playing itself than gear.

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs: i dont know this

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez rg170
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: more powersounds
Artists using this pickup: some loser
You musical style(s): any kinds of music
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: dont know
Tone: shitty
Sonic evaluation: ibanez rg170 -> crybaby wah->laney lc30

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: i dont like this, i wont change it. im just going to wait to get a new guitar. ibanez should put better stock pickups in their guitars.

Pickup features: passive humbucking pickup
Impedence or other specs: wtf?!

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG320
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: came stock
Other pickups on guitar: onlu powersounds
Artists using this pickup: little kids without enough $$$ for a good guitar, me
You musical style(s): punk, nu metal
Reason for pickup change: i didn't change the f@#$%ng pu! it came stock!

Perceived output level: medium hot
Tone: weak, cheap, muddy, overall CR@P!
Sonic evaluation: Marshall SS 30 watter

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: punk, nu/thrash metal, unsuitable for everything, muddy distortion, okay punk dist.

Comments: at the time, i was a little kiddie looking through f^cking guitar center for "cool" guitars, staring in awe at the amazing looking fenders, gibsons, and such. i sucked at guitar, i worshipped tom delonge (f*ck me!) and couldn't tell the difference beetween a humbucker and a single coil. i noticed the ibanez guitars, and dug them cuz they played well, had a cool bridge, and looked so "heavy metal" (superstrat body shape). i've been playing for close to a year and have heard gibson les pauls, fenders, ibanez AXs and RGs, and in my opinion, these are the worst stock pus ive ever heard. weak clean sound, muddy distortion, the only thing it is good for is maybe some distorted punk. if you are planning on getting a guitar with these pickups, i urge you to either replace them with dimarzios (for metal and other rock), seymour duncan (if you dig punk, also great for any distorted style), or emgs (heavy, f^cking metal!), or just get the cheapest ibanez guitar up the ladder with the "v" pickups.

Pickup features: humbucking passive
Impedence or other specs: what now?

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez GAX 70
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: im not
Other pickups on guitar: just powersounds
Artists using this pickup: me
You musical style(s): noise
Reason for pickup change: Im not changing them!

Perceived output level: i dont know they seem friggin fine to me
Tone: they're pretty well balanced
Sonic evaluation: im using them with a marshall avt50 head, another 50 watt head i built out of an old tube radio.a dod death metal distortion, 14 count them 14! home made super fuzzes 5 boss fuzz pedals, a couple home made distortion/filter pedals i call filtortion pedals. and numerous modulation effects.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i basically play noise with metal tossed in. I dont know what grunge is but im told i play it. I just play slow some times. the pickups are great for me i can get feed back with them and my amp alone. but they work fine ro classic rock and blues.

Comments: Id get another ibanez with the same stock pickups. I love these pickups. i have other guitars and i always keep the stock pickups, i dont want to throw away money to get emg's though one of my favorite guitarists uses them (tom morello) but emg's are weak if not used with distortion or overdrive. i like seymour duncan jb's but like i said i dont want to use the same damn pickup like everyone else.