Kyzob

I have a Dean VX that I really love the look of, but I'm not quite as satisfied with the sound. It's a $200 guitar so no surprise there really. I was thinking about putting a set of EMG 81/85s on it, does anyone know if there would be any conflicting hardware issues there(will they fit ect)? I'm also looking to change the strings while i have the thing apart. Anyone know what would be good strings to go with the EMGs? I'm kind of clueless when it comes to string brands and such, all my guitars have stock strings. I know prefer light strings, they're easier to bend and for me pinch harmonics are much easier on them. I can hit them a little bit with the Dean but my sister has this old Sh&%# Washburn Tele rip off and I can make that thing squeal so go figure. Because of the light strings maybe? Thanks for any input at all.

blues-n-cues

it's all personal preference on strings.
pinch harmonics & "screeches" are a big part of my style(long before zakk wylde) & i like ghs boomers.
10-48

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Keith

With the EMG's being active pickups and not a heck of a lot of room for the added electronics, I would say that it's going to be more work than it's worth.

A cavity will need to be bored (Routered) for the motherboard and battery and the body is just too small for that, IMO.

If you want a high gain pickup, Dimarzio Super 3's are a good choice.

For strings, I use D'Addario 8's and 9's in my guitars.

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Kyzob

Blues-n-cues, I read some reviews on those GHS Boomers and they all seem to be very positive so I'm gonna give the extra light version a try, can't go wrong for $4 either. Keith, I've been looking into those Dimarzio Super 3's and they have very promising reviews as well. Would you typically just put one in the bridge, or neck also? I usually play with just the bridge pickup on but again i don't really like the stock pickups.

blues-n-cues

screw the reviews. i've been playing these things since 1982. good strings & once stretched right- awesome for weeks. but do it yourself.
when you say extra light -yer talking 9's or ultra lights yer talkin' 8's...
they break easy depending on your style.

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jbitzel

First off, you really shouldn't stress about strings because they don't differ much from brand to brand, just in size and variety. I know strings are different just not enough to worry over. Plus the fact you are making a big deal about replacing them tells me maybe you havent replaced them yet, so no matter what you slap in it you will be shocked at how dead your old ones were.

As far as the pickups, you don't have to but should replace both. Because, usually stock pups are pretty horrendous.... hell even a fender standard comes with cheap pups. You would be suprised how much pups can make your axe come alive.

I used to stress about my guitar, but after a few mods I am moderately satisfied with it. Its amazing what new pups, strings, wood pickguard, and a tremolo bock can do to your tone.

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HiWattage

if your looking for emgs without all the routing of putting in active pick ups, try emg hz's. i've go a pair of h3's and while they are passive pick ups and not quite as good as their active brothers you can get some nice sharp highs and smooth lows outta them

rudos1

I disagree with jbitzel strings can make a LOT of difference. I have tried almost all the major brands and Ernie Ball Super Slinkys are still the best for tone and performance (bending, vibrato, staying in tune well). For pickups if routing makes actives not a good option there are some cheap high gain alternatives at GFS since any upgrades to a low end guitar don't really increase the resale value I'd go cheap but with good tone like
HOT Hex Overwound Humbuckers- Matched Pair- BLOWOUT!!

Kyzob

After doing a lot of research I'm gonna order the Dimarzio Evos for both neck and bridge, my only problem is I cant really tell if the current pickups are F-spaced or not. I read that standard pickups are 48mm and f spaced are 51mm. I tried measuring it but its kinda hard to tell. Looks like the bridge is F spaced and the neck is normal, anyone know if this is common for Deans, or at all for that matter?

rudos1

according to the Dean website they are standard humbuckers, my understanding is f spaced is more for trem equiped guitars so the poles match the strings.. I think you will be fine with the Dimarzios in normal size good luck!!