Because you're listening only to the guitar, and ceramic usually sounds fuller. The new ones seem brighter because they're alnico, and alone sound a little empty, but in a mix they're a bless
I do NOT need another guitar. I DO NOT need another guitar. I DO NOT need ANOTHER guitar. I DO NOT need ANOTHER GUITAR. I DO NOT NEED ANOTHER GUITAR. I think I need another guitar.
I have a feeling Ibanez is going to owe you some serious commission for sales of these! You did a great job showing off what appears to be a kickass guitar. Got me interested for sure.
Is there a buzzing sound from a string/fret or something in this video? Seems to be mainly the low strings. Ignoring that, both versions sound great my man!
@@RoomieOfficial yeah, I play 9.5-44, but the tech said they didn't have those, so they put on 9-42. I asked them not to adjust the action since I'll be putting my normal strings back on by tomorrow, and that'll pull the neck hopefully just enough to get that fret buzz out
@@slakker321 that Canon Rock video was one of the first videos I ever saw that got me interested in shredding. Then I saw a Paul Gilbert video and proceeded to spend 15 years stealing from him as much as possible
@@8KilgoreTrout4 our band is the Six Piece Suits. We have a RUclips channel, TikTok, FB, Insta, and Spotify Yesterday I uploaded a minute from our show Monday. It was 96° when we took the stage, and when you see all the movement, you'll see why my guitars degrade so quickly lol. Plus, it's a live look at the new pickups
I bought an Ichi10 about a week ago. Have had several Steinbergs that, IMHO, have serious quality issues. The guitar is amazing and, when you consider it's well under $1,000, is an incredible value. Stock pickups work for me but I can hear a more open sound in the new ones. Matter of preference.
Deffo prefer the new setup - most of the time. The old one's have their own qualities, more grit. The replacements are fresher and you can get, IMHO, jazzier sounds out of them; and I'm just that kind of 'grit also can be bought in a stompbox' kinda girl. The original is more of a rock axe. Deffo a great all-round instrument. And, hey, now you have both versions, so you can always grab your backup guitar if you run out of tonal options for 'just that song'. Thanks for sharing - very affordable piece of pro gear.
i would say stock sounds better for sitting down and playing with just the guitar, but your version sounds tailored to the sound of a live band and having it in a mix with other instruments! love it man, keep up the good content and thanks for leaving in the bits where ya messed up 🔥
I feel like it just does a different thing. My Strat does the 60s sound and frusciante chilly peppers really well. Now the big thing. The ICHI10 for some reason does the John Mayer and Cory Wong sounds so such better. It also has a really fast transient, which makes it perfect for my Funk playing.
Both sound great but the one with the new pickups is that much greater! I have a ‘60’s Vintera strat with those pickups so it’s no surprise that you are capable of all of the tones that I get with my strat, but that switch allows you more tonal possibilities than I have. Not to mention that Ibanez is too damn cool, I’m gonna have to get one! Thank you Kyle, you’ve given me GAS!
You should put a switch like that on your strat. Its a pretty simple mod if you can work a soldering iorn. But i definitely feel you wanting one of these ibanez needs to cut this man a check.
@@Qwervy that's me. I love the familiar Strat tones, and the alter switch gives me those 3 very different tones for more versatility. It should be noted the original pickups are also significantly higher output.
i can totally see what you were going for, so I'd say both they are going for slightly different things, and both sound really good, so if you can have both that's it for me tho, I'd probably keep the OG since I play from home and I already have a strat that gets that tone covered
I bought the Q34 after loving your reviews of ICHI10 and the Q34 was the only one in the shop at discount rate. I love it - thank you! I needed a light weight guitar as I broke my back mountain biking (too much information I know and an extreme way to go about needing a new guitar) This one is perfect and I love the variety of tones available and also the high output they offer. I never had a humbucker option in past. I can see why you personally need strat tones on tour and new pups make sense for you as you explain in your videos and needing the ease of small guitar to travel , but I don’t tour (yet ! Lol) and won’t need to change pups as I have a strat at home for that. So for anyone contemplating buying a Q headless - do it for the variety in my opinion, not necessarily pure strat tones - but they are very decent at that too with multiple other tones.
Awesome!!! I just watched your first review. Was great. New pickups definitely made it more Straty! Just more dynamic. I totally appreciate the roadworthyness aspect!! Also, I own the exact same LP. 1979 vintage. Soooo heavy.
@@kjsdestin every once in a blue moon I bring out the Les Paul for a gig, and as much as I love playing that thing at home, I always regret using it at shows.
ICHI was the first one of the Quest Series I tried but liked the QX52 better in the end. If I stumble over a good offer for an ICHI, i will buy it in a heartbeat. I like how you present stuff, it's like the third video I saw of you. The first "your mom" Joke somehow took me by surprise anyway. For my taste, you maybe overdid it slightly towards the end with overdubs and Jokes? Like with guitars, less is sometimes more, I guess.. I subscribed, I hope you put out more content from your viewpoint, it is a very interesting one!
Love the demo and your energy and vibe man!!! Been following you since the first ICHI10 video. What surprised me the most is how similar both pickups sound. I honestly would have hard time choosing one over other specially in a full mix on the neck pickup.
@@adityapadode I feel and hear a pretty substantial difference in how the pickups react, but of course I've been playing the paint right off the guitar for a couple hundreds gigs.
@@realkylehooks Yes, I can see the difference in feel of a slightly high gain style ibanez pickup vs the Fender vintage style coil pickups would be huge. On a side note, I thought that Ibanez pickups would have some weird wiring to accomplish the alter switch, but it is such a great news to hear you can install factory fender pickups. Was that process straightforward??
I think I prefer the originals, but then despite loving single coils I’venever been a big fan of the Stratocaster sound. In case anyone asks: yes there are several other single coil pickups: Burns Trisonic, P90, Jazzmaster, Telecaster, Gold Foil, Danelectro…
it could have to do with the amount of wear within that original set. maybe the pole pieces are a bit corroded and its affecting the magnetic field? that would cause the slight differences. I like the balance on the older ones personally, they feel like they match the playing better since it's worn down by your playing. that said a newer set might mold into the player more depending on their use whereas the worn vibe is more fit to the individual.
Your choice sounds more traditional and if you close your eyes you can hear a nice fender, but I totally get why the artist chose these pickups, they sound more compress and fit his playing
@@gunnarmarks5754 exactly. Using the new pickups the last two weeks for shows, the guitar is able to cut through with less volume, so it's still heard well without getting in the way of vocals, keys, or horns. Then using the alter switch, I can get some VERY fat tones when I want them.
@@realkylehooks it’s always odd setting tones alone, sounding nice and warm, getting in a band context and just being all mush and washed out. Almost want to be too biting playing alone and it ties together within a group. Obviously dependent on the context sometimes you want to be lost in the mix … but that’s what volume and tone knobs are for.
Nice playing, my friend, but I'm not sold on the new pickups. Granted, my tastes are different, but I would have maybe gone with a more overwound set to tame the highs just a little. I bet the Fralin Blues Specials would kill on this guitar.
Yeah id say the main difference to me between the 2 pickup sets is that the ichi set are brighter whereas the new set are more "balanced" if that makes sense. The low end feels more prominent and rounded whereas the ichi set have a lot less low end response which makes sense considering Ichika Nito's sparkly tones. Great comparison vid!
@@jamesred100music my sound guy describes the original pickups as being just a bit too spicy. But yeah, a little rounder tone on the new pickups. The ICHI pickups are also significantly higher output, though I evened out the volumes in post
@realkylehooks Oh yeah I didn't even consider output values so that will definitely play into it. Also I think I love your sound guy now! Calling a pickup spicy is bloody funny🤣
I like your ICHI10 review. Have you seen the Strandberg Bowden Essential? Without the fan blade. Can you compare those 2? I would love to hear your opinion on it. Is it actually lighter than the ICHI10?
In this video, I like the new pickups for the single positions and the originals for the combined positions, hard to tell how it will fit in a mix though. Also, spots where the audio and video don't seem to be syncing, maybe just on my end.
Now let me get this straight, you consider yourself a mediocre guitar player? I have only seen 2 videos, but I already know just from your amount gigging, you are an exemplary musician, I wish I had the endurance to perform that long.
@@realkylehooks Thank you 🙏🏻 Im still young so Ill probably be able to get this guitar at age 18 or more.. I don’t get allowance or any source of income from parents or anything since I’m in an asian family lmao.. And I’m not in American where people find 14 years old work in mcdonalds, which i would if its a thing here
My opinion is in unaltered mode, i think i preferred the sound of the original neck and middle (and their combination). However new bridge unaltered, and all altered positions sounded WAY better with new pickups
The originals make my solo guitar ears happy (more rounded low end and less harsh top end), the new pickups make my ensemble, recording, and mixing ears happy. (more presence and cut which is important when other sounds are happening) those vinteras sound great! Could you ask your tech to make a video on how he got the neck middle to sound so good? Often on 24 frets the neck middle sounds really gross)
EXCELLENT. I just wrote premature comments about your first "Lying" video and here's your Part 2 that answers some of that. Of course, the real questions are: (1) will new pickups handle the corrosion as well, and (2) how long will you leave Old vs. New pickups?
@@Zaotar1 for me, noodling is just as fun, but the positions I prefer have moved. With the original pups, I stuck to the middle position w/ alter switch on a lot (like a Tele middle). Now I like position 2 and 5, and 5 w/ the alter
Nee pick ups are great dude! I’m thinking about putting in some bare knuckle pick ups in mine as I love the guitar but the origins pick ups can be quite dark compared to a Strat
I actually like the older stuff, the things that most people throw the side and forget why they should play. Rickenbackers are 1 of those. At least Gretsch gets a comeback everytime. Fenders frets are too built they don't let you do as much movement as Squiers and the bodies are way too heavy.
I like them both, they sound pretty similar but the new pickups definitely have more of that single coil chime that is often associated with fender style guitars I think personally i prefer the stock pickups but i would see why someone else would want the slight change
I'm not sure raw sound at full volume tells the whole story. I feel the tone of the originals is warmer while the new PU are thinner. And for my tastes and what you played, I think I like the originals better. But what about versatility? For example, maybe it is easier to coax warmer sounds out of the new PU with some EQ or just the guitar's tone control, than it is to get the glassier sound out of the originals?
@@donald-parker in my experience, it's easier to get a warm sound out of thinner pickups than it is to get a clear, glassy sound out of fatter pickups. Using the alter switch on positions 1 or 5 gives a fat, warm tone, so I'm really happy with the new pickups tones. I can't complain about the old pickups though. They're quality pickups and have certain advantages over the ones I swapped for. Just a different flavor of guitar
The Fender pick ups sound better to me, but not thaaaat much. For the kind of sound you play, at least. I personally would slap two Seymour Duncan Hot Rails on it, get rid of the middle pick up and play some Nlrvana and other stuff from my teen years on it.
I really like the original pickups, but it definitely lacks a bit of the sparkle and mid scoop of the strat pups. And the strat pickups definitely standout in the in between positions.
It reminds me of my top of the line through necked hard tail roadster from C. 1979 - 1982 which is Gorgeous with Flamed Ash Body & 5 piece maple neck & Gorgeous Stacked Single coil Humbuckers in Strat configuration & it's Bolt on Roadster Siblings of the Same era.....All Stunning Guitars easily on a par with especially Japanese fenders....!!!! it's Really Nice to See Ibanez Going Back to their Roots with these ones too.....!!!!! Also Have to Say I do Prefer the Fat round tone of the Stock Pickups though I can def see where you're going with the thinner 60's Strat vibe but it's Def 50's Slightly thicker Bell like tone for me....!!!!! But Super Cool Review demo thing man Thanks So much Lovely Playing & def keep them coming man too.....!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)
Wow, watching your videos I now regret selling my ICHI10. I got rid of it because I felt the high E string was too close to the edge of the fretboard and at times slipped off. I played another Q-series and it had the same problem. The pickups were also a bit weak/dull, so I understand why you swapped them.
@@roebuckmckinney it's pretty noticeable in the room to my ears, but not a huge difference like swapping out for humbuckers or something. The new pickups are substantially lower output, so I have to adjust the amp volume to equalize it
@@semyonboyk0 when I got the ICHI10 initially, the only position that gave me any disappointment was the bridge/middle position (I just found out officially Fender calls that position 2) because I couldn't get that classic funky twang Strat thing. New position 2 and 5 are my favorites, and I typically use 1 with the alter switch for high gain sounds
Definitely an improvement, although I liked how the old pickups looked, I'd chance the plastic cover for the silver ones on the original, but sounds great!!
If the silver is metal it will do something to the tone…would be interesting to hear. I’m guessing that the metal cover would soften the tone a bit („un-chime“), so that would push the new pickups a bit in the direction of the old ones tone-wise…or vice versa when removing the covers from the stock pickups. Keep us posted!
I reallyyyyy like the new pickups ! And I own an Ibanez quest so I may have to get some pickups ! It’ll most likely be Dimarzios or bare knuckle pickups . I love Ichika so I bought the Ichi 10 . Edit: I don’t shred so please if anyone goes to my channel please don’t expect me to shred . I play with all my might and I’ll keep on practicing
But 😂anyway dude you’re brilliant and I appreciate that you’re funny and you make both sets of pickups sound pretty ! Edit : it’s not easy talking to a camera ! Nicely done !
@@Nickshreds890 I had actually never heard of Ichika before I bought the guitar. From road life, I just knew there were certain problems I had with my guitars, so I started searching for a guitar that fixed those issues like the weight, length, and tonal options. The ICHI checked all the boxes I needed
Were the new pickups just plug and play? I'm going to swap mine for the 57'/62's but i'm confused about the "hot" "cold" and "ground" on the dyna mix switch
New pickups gave it that sweet fender tone for sure. Original pickups have that traditional ibanez sound, that has no charisma in my opinion, but a lot of people like it so who cares. My main guitar is ibanez too, tho I swapped pickups as well ;P
I've played all my uncles Fender's and then my Squier and I'll say if just 1 Squier is better than every Fender I've ever played, then yeah, it is all better.
I've thought about it, but what I'm running into is that I love the new neck pickup. It's got that glassy, bluesy tone I love so much. Then I love that funky 2nd position, so my two favorite tones use all three pickups. I'd hate to lose those, plus I prefer the new alter switch neck position. That little bit of extra clarity makes a difference.
@@RUSTY-A-L yes! I had the black one, but I didn't like the sound of the pickups, so I got rid of it and got the second ICHI instead. Looking back though, I'd love to have a Q52 with Burstbuckers
Just tried one, I wasn’t able to see the fret markers very well. It put me off on the guitar. I noticed you increased the visibility with yours. Is that tape or did you paint?
@@deano572 white gorilla tape. The tape usually lasts about 25 shows or so. I plan to cut some little trenches out of the wood and fill it with phosphorescent paint. Rectangles instead of dots.
@@juanignaciopozzi7412 if they start paying me, trust me, you'll know it. I'll start dissing other brands, vandalizing all the Gibsons at Guitar Center, and putting Paul Gilbert on speed dial.
I think "conventional" guitar players would prefer your sound a lot more. Ichika seems to be intentionally going for a more sterile kind of tone. May be it suits his style better.
original ones sound better to my ears
@@hustlinc3540 fair enough, for sure. A lot of folks have suggested going for a HSS setup.
@@realkylehooksif you ever go that route, check out the Seymour Duncan lil 59
Because you're listening only to the guitar, and ceramic usually sounds fuller. The new ones seem brighter because they're alnico, and alone sound a little empty, but in a mix they're a bless
@@unacuentadeyoutube13 Something Ichika rarely does - he plays solo
@@r0bophonic I know, that's probably why the guitar sounds like that standard - that and the fact that ceramic are cheaper
if youre a mediocre then im the worst guitarist in the world😭
@@josephkalfyt6778 I've been lucky to be surrounded by superb musicians pretty much my whole life. What matters is the love of music
I do NOT need another guitar.
I DO NOT need another guitar.
I DO NOT need ANOTHER guitar.
I DO NOT need ANOTHER GUITAR.
I DO NOT NEED ANOTHER GUITAR.
I think I need another guitar.
I got an Ibanez QX52, same body shape and neck, mine has 2 splitable humbuckers and it is my favorite Guitar of all time...
I have a feeling Ibanez is going to owe you some serious commission for sales of these! You did a great job showing off what appears to be a kickass guitar. Got me interested for sure.
uh, or they can pay their artist whos name is literally on the guitar lmfao, im sure Ichikas 2.6 million subscribers are whats selling this guitar.
fr cause i want to yeet my strat into the sun now and buy one
agreed. The only reason I am now considering about buying this guitar is this guy. Also he's just a great guy, I'm glad I've found him.
Is there a buzzing sound from a string/fret or something in this video? Seems to be mainly the low strings. Ignoring that, both versions sound great my man!
Buzzing in the low E
Oh shit hi Joel!
@@RoomieOfficial yeah, I play 9.5-44, but the tech said they didn't have those, so they put on 9-42. I asked them not to adjust the action since I'll be putting my normal strings back on by tomorrow, and that'll pull the neck hopefully just enough to get that fret buzz out
I believe what you’re hearing is preamp tube rattle. It happens, it’s annoying, but yeah.. they’ve gone microphonic
@@realkylehooks ah mystery solved!! Really considering this guitar because of you. Really cool and great playing!
This is full circle from that old youtube video of the asian guy playing super mario on two paul gilbert ibanez's.
@@ManOrWomanIDK Zack Kim! I remember that video from when it came out.
u know ur a youtube og if u rmbr zack kim and funtwo/jerryc
@@slakker321 that Canon Rock video was one of the first videos I ever saw that got me interested in shredding. Then I saw a Paul Gilbert video and proceeded to spend 15 years stealing from him as much as possible
I'm quite happy with both sets of pickups. There is definitely a difference but both sets are pleasing to my ears.
You are weirdly good at melodic trolling
I just love the vibe man! It's ALWAYS the presenter that makes or breaks a channel!
Hey does your band have a channel or some uploads of the shows?
@@8KilgoreTrout4 our band is the Six Piece Suits. We have a RUclips channel, TikTok, FB, Insta, and Spotify
Yesterday I uploaded a minute from our show Monday. It was 96° when we took the stage, and when you see all the movement, you'll see why my guitars degrade so quickly lol. Plus, it's a live look at the new pickups
@@realkylehooks Thanks so much! I'm glad to check it all out!
I bought an Ichi10 about a week ago. Have had several Steinbergs that, IMHO, have serious quality issues. The guitar is amazing and, when you consider it's well under $1,000, is an incredible value. Stock pickups work for me but I can hear a more open sound in the new ones. Matter of preference.
Im loving this series, please continue 😂
Deffo prefer the new setup - most of the time. The old one's have their own qualities, more grit. The replacements are fresher and you can get, IMHO, jazzier sounds out of them; and I'm just that kind of 'grit also can be bought in a stompbox' kinda girl. The original is more of a rock axe. Deffo a great all-round instrument. And, hey, now you have both versions, so you can always grab your backup guitar if you run out of tonal options for 'just that song'. Thanks for sharing - very affordable piece of pro gear.
i would say stock sounds better for sitting down and playing with just the guitar, but your version sounds tailored to the sound of a live band and having it in a mix with other instruments! love it man, keep up the good content and thanks for leaving in the bits where ya messed up 🔥
I feel like it just does a different thing. My Strat does the 60s sound and frusciante chilly peppers really well.
Now the big thing. The ICHI10 for some reason does the John Mayer and Cory Wong sounds so such better.
It also has a really fast transient, which makes it perfect for my Funk playing.
None is better. They each have their strengths and sounds. I love both
So funny- I just watched the first video this morning! Fun video- thank you!
Both sound great but the one with the new pickups is that much greater! I have a ‘60’s Vintera strat with those pickups so it’s no surprise that you are capable of all of the tones that I get with my strat, but that switch allows you more tonal possibilities than I have. Not to mention that Ibanez is too damn cool, I’m gonna have to get one! Thank you Kyle, you’ve given me GAS!
You should put a switch like that on your strat. Its a pretty simple mod if you can work a soldering iorn. But i definitely feel you wanting one of these ibanez needs to cut this man a check.
sweet sound, so much better than original pickups
When I was at school I would hum sunshine of your love, only to have someone else start humming funky town... thanks for unlocking that memory...
More high mids, single coily sounding on the new ones. I prefer it to the modern flat almost DI sound of the OG. Basically it sounds more familiar.
@@Qwervy that's me. I love the familiar Strat tones, and the alter switch gives me those 3 very different tones for more versatility.
It should be noted the original pickups are also significantly higher output.
I think the original ones were better tuned for alter switch, but the new ones have awesome single coil tones.
@@hophopkins3526 for my ears, I like the new pickups on position 1 and 5, but position 3 got thinned out too much.
Ibanez Quest series my beloved
i can totally see what you were going for, so I'd say both
they are going for slightly different things, and both sound really good, so if you can have both that's it
for me tho, I'd probably keep the OG since I play from home and I already have a strat that gets that tone covered
I bought the Q34 after loving your reviews of ICHI10 and the Q34 was the only one in the shop at discount rate. I love it - thank you! I needed a light weight guitar as I broke my back mountain biking (too much information I know and an extreme way to go about needing a new guitar) This one is perfect and I love the variety of tones available and also the high output they offer. I never had a humbucker option in past. I can see why you personally need strat tones on tour and new pups make sense for you as you explain in your videos and needing the ease of small guitar to travel , but I don’t tour (yet ! Lol) and won’t need to change pups as I have a strat at home for that. So for anyone contemplating buying a Q headless - do it for the variety in my opinion, not necessarily pure strat tones - but they are very decent at that too with multiple other tones.
i agree the new pickups sound better. Nice video again! So, how about the plastic saddle?
People making pickup comparison video’s should take notes. For once you can hear it back to back. Great video thank you.
I have 20ish guitars and I almost never play. You're doing a great job of making me want one of these lol
I was at 28 at the start of the year. I'm down to 15. It's a sickness :). Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Awesome!!!
I just watched your first review. Was great. New pickups definitely made it more Straty! Just more dynamic. I totally appreciate the roadworthyness aspect!!
Also, I own the exact same LP. 1979 vintage. Soooo heavy.
@@kjsdestin every once in a blue moon I bring out the Les Paul for a gig, and as much as I love playing that thing at home, I always regret using it at shows.
ICHI was the first one of the Quest Series I tried but liked the QX52 better in the end. If I stumble over a good offer for an ICHI, i will buy it in a heartbeat. I like how you present stuff, it's like the third video I saw of you. The first "your mom" Joke somehow took me by surprise anyway. For my taste, you maybe overdid it slightly towards the end with overdubs and Jokes? Like with guitars, less is sometimes more, I guess.. I subscribed, I hope you put out more content from your viewpoint, it is a very interesting one!
Love the demo and your energy and vibe man!!! Been following you since the first ICHI10 video. What surprised me the most is how similar both pickups sound. I honestly would have hard time choosing one over other specially in a full mix on the neck pickup.
@@adityapadode I feel and hear a pretty substantial difference in how the pickups react, but of course I've been playing the paint right off the guitar for a couple hundreds gigs.
@@realkylehooks Yes, I can see the difference in feel of a slightly high gain style ibanez pickup vs the Fender vintage style coil pickups would be huge. On a side note, I thought that Ibanez pickups would have some weird wiring to accomplish the alter switch, but it is such a great news to hear you can install factory fender pickups. Was that process straightforward??
Unreal videos these, cheers!
keep making videos, Man.. you have a hilarious and great personality and can make guitar comparisons video enjoyable to watch.
Similar sound from both pickup sets... but the replacements I hear less noise.
I think I prefer the originals, but then despite loving single coils I’venever been a big fan of the Stratocaster sound.
In case anyone asks: yes there are several other single coil pickups: Burns Trisonic, P90, Jazzmaster, Telecaster, Gold Foil, Danelectro…
it could have to do with the amount of wear within that original set. maybe the pole pieces are a bit corroded and its affecting the magnetic field? that would cause the slight differences. I like the balance on the older ones personally, they feel like they match the playing better since it's worn down by your playing. that said a newer set might mold into the player more depending on their use whereas the worn vibe is more fit to the individual.
you turned it into a strat with all the QOL benefits of the ICHI10 - goshdarnit now I need two of these suckers
Your choice sounds more traditional and if you close your eyes you can hear a nice fender, but I totally get why the artist chose these pickups, they sound more compress and fit his playing
I really like the pickup swap~! Sounds good. Great video!
I wasn't convinced until you hit the alter switch. Either way, both sound good
@@thebeardeddread the alter switch is a game changer. I played for 20 years without one, but now that I have it, I don't think I can go back
Stock pickups are great for playing by yourself, the new are are sound amazing with a bass player and cut through the mix real good
@@gunnarmarks5754 exactly. Using the new pickups the last two weeks for shows, the guitar is able to cut through with less volume, so it's still heard well without getting in the way of vocals, keys, or horns.
Then using the alter switch, I can get some VERY fat tones when I want them.
@@realkylehooks it’s always odd setting tones alone, sounding nice and warm, getting in a band context and just being all mush and washed out.
Almost want to be too biting playing alone and it ties together within a group. Obviously dependent on the context sometimes you want to be lost in the mix … but that’s what volume and tone knobs are for.
Nice playing, my friend, but I'm not sold on the new pickups. Granted, my tastes are different, but I would have maybe gone with a more overwound set to tame the highs just a little. I bet the Fralin Blues Specials would kill on this guitar.
Yeah id say the main difference to me between the 2 pickup sets is that the ichi set are brighter whereas the new set are more "balanced" if that makes sense. The low end feels more prominent and rounded whereas the ichi set have a lot less low end response which makes sense considering Ichika Nito's sparkly tones. Great comparison vid!
@@jamesred100music my sound guy describes the original pickups as being just a bit too spicy. But yeah, a little rounder tone on the new pickups. The ICHI pickups are also significantly higher output, though I evened out the volumes in post
@realkylehooks Oh yeah I didn't even consider output values so that will definitely play into it. Also I think I love your sound guy now! Calling a pickup spicy is bloody funny🤣
I like your ICHI10 review. Have you seen the Strandberg Bowden Essential? Without the fan blade. Can you compare those 2? I would love to hear your opinion on it. Is it actually lighter than the ICHI10?
In this video, I like the new pickups for the single positions and the originals for the combined positions, hard to tell how it will fit in a mix though. Also, spots where the audio and video don't seem to be syncing, maybe just on my end.
Love the new pickups 👍🏼
Now let me get this straight, you consider yourself a mediocre guitar player? I have only seen 2 videos, but I already know just from your amount gigging, you are an exemplary musician, I wish I had the endurance to perform that long.
I'm all for old stuff. New guitars smell better but the old ones have character
literally my dream guitar. Not only because ichika nito inspires me but that guitar is so good and has bunch of tones variaty.. Im broke anyways
@@Hajin_kr I hope you're able to save up and get one someday!
@@realkylehooks Thank you 🙏🏻 Im still young so Ill probably be able to get this guitar at age 18 or more.. I don’t get allowance or any source of income from parents or anything since I’m in an asian family lmao.. And I’m not in American where people find 14 years old work in mcdonalds, which i would if its a thing here
I like the stock pickups better.. Just need a bit more treble in the mix
It might be cool to have a stacked single coil in the bride if you need a bit more oomph.
Those new pickups are great man!!!
My opinion is in unaltered mode, i think i preferred the sound of the original neck and middle (and their combination). However new bridge unaltered, and all altered positions sounded WAY better with new pickups
Original. Love your presentation style. Best Regards and Best Wishes!
The originals make my solo guitar ears happy (more rounded low end and less harsh top end), the new pickups make my ensemble, recording, and mixing ears happy. (more presence and cut which is important when other sounds are happening) those vinteras sound great! Could you ask your tech to make a video on how he got the neck middle to sound so good? Often on 24 frets the neck middle sounds really gross)
EXCELLENT. I just wrote premature comments about your first "Lying" video and here's your Part 2 that answers some of that. Of course, the real questions are: (1) will new pickups handle the corrosion as well, and (2) how long will you leave Old vs. New pickups?
@@BuffaloC305 I plan to leave the guitars with the different pickups
Sounds like a telecaster now. I can see how that would be better for a live mix, but for solo noodling I like the original pickups better.
@@Zaotar1 for me, noodling is just as fun, but the positions I prefer have moved. With the original pups, I stuck to the middle position w/ alter switch on a lot (like a Tele middle). Now I like position 2 and 5, and 5 w/ the alter
Nee pick ups are great dude! I’m thinking about putting in some bare knuckle pick ups in mine as I love the guitar but the origins pick ups can be quite dark compared to a Strat
Underwound pickups sound much clearer. You can compansate the lack of mids & meat with amp eq. But you cant make an owerwound pickup sound clearer.
I actually like the older stuff, the things that most people throw the side and forget why they should play. Rickenbackers are 1 of those. At least Gretsch gets a comeback everytime. Fenders frets are too built they don't let you do as much movement as Squiers and the bodies are way too heavy.
I enjoy them both differently. Still nice
meh i prefer the stock pickups, except for the bridge+ mid position
I like them both, they sound pretty similar but the new pickups definitely have more of that single coil chime that is often associated with fender style guitars
I think personally i prefer the stock pickups but i would see why someone else would want the slight change
New has almost a lofi “broader” range maybe but I think I prefer the old pickups tbh
I'm not sure raw sound at full volume tells the whole story. I feel the tone of the originals is warmer while the new PU are thinner. And for my tastes and what you played, I think I like the originals better. But what about versatility? For example, maybe it is easier to coax warmer sounds out of the new PU with some EQ or just the guitar's tone control, than it is to get the glassier sound out of the originals?
@@donald-parker in my experience, it's easier to get a warm sound out of thinner pickups than it is to get a clear, glassy sound out of fatter pickups.
Using the alter switch on positions 1 or 5 gives a fat, warm tone, so I'm really happy with the new pickups tones. I can't complain about the old pickups though. They're quality pickups and have certain advantages over the ones I swapped for. Just a different flavor of guitar
The Fender pick ups sound better to me, but not thaaaat much. For the kind of sound you play, at least.
I personally would slap two Seymour Duncan Hot Rails on it, get rid of the middle pick up and play some Nlrvana and other stuff from my teen years on it.
@@thaedleinad I had a '90 Strat with a hot rail bridge. Hell of a sound on that one!
I really like the original pickups, but it definitely lacks a bit of the sparkle and mid scoop of the strat pups. And the strat pickups definitely standout in the in between positions.
@@michaelcarrig627 that classic position 2 Strat sound is unbeatable for funky stuff.
Lol I love it. I want one of these headless Ibanez guitars. I already have the 5 string, fanned.
Oh heck yearh!
It reminds me of my top of the line through necked hard tail roadster from C. 1979 - 1982 which is Gorgeous with Flamed Ash Body & 5 piece maple neck & Gorgeous Stacked Single coil Humbuckers in Strat configuration & it's Bolt on Roadster Siblings of the Same era.....All Stunning Guitars easily on a par with especially Japanese fenders....!!!! it's Really Nice to See Ibanez Going Back to their Roots with these ones too.....!!!!! Also Have to Say I do Prefer the Fat round tone of the Stock Pickups though I can def see where you're going with the thinner 60's Strat vibe but it's Def 50's Slightly thicker Bell like tone for me....!!!!! But Super Cool Review demo thing man Thanks So much Lovely Playing & def keep them coming man too.....!!!!! :) :) :) :) :)
I like both of them for different things.
The strat pickups are slightly more chimy sounding, and that sounds better for what you were playing.
Wow, watching your videos I now regret selling my ICHI10. I got rid of it because I felt the high E string was too close to the edge of the fretboard and at times slipped off. I played another Q-series and it had the same problem. The pickups were also a bit weak/dull, so I understand why you swapped them.
I really can’t hear much difference, but I don’t doubt there is one if you’re actually sitting in the room with the amp. Great playing.
@@roebuckmckinney it's pretty noticeable in the room to my ears, but not a huge difference like swapping out for humbuckers or something.
The new pickups are substantially lower output, so I have to adjust the amp volume to equalize it
Weirdly, I prefer stock pickups on single pickup positions, but new ones on 2 and 4. But both sets sound really cool, just different.
@@semyonboyk0 when I got the ICHI10 initially, the only position that gave me any disappointment was the bridge/middle position (I just found out officially Fender calls that position 2) because I couldn't get that classic funky twang Strat thing. New position 2 and 5 are my favorites, and I typically use 1 with the alter switch for high gain sounds
Definitely an improvement, although I liked how the old pickups looked, I'd chance the plastic cover for the silver ones on the original, but sounds great!!
@@flaitom I like the silver look, too. I wonder if I could swap the covers. I still have the original pickups set aside.
If the silver is metal it will do something to the tone…would be interesting to hear. I’m guessing that the metal cover would soften the tone a bit („un-chime“), so that would push the new pickups a bit in the direction of the old ones tone-wise…or vice versa when removing the covers from the stock pickups. Keep us posted!
Least important of all: the newer pickups look nicer with the cream finish
you did me want
one with the originals ahhahaa
Have to hear it in the mix of your band, but solo I like the originals. They are fuller across the spectrum, imho (just a picker and grinner here).
I reallyyyyy like the new pickups ! And I own an Ibanez quest so I may have to get some pickups ! It’ll most likely be Dimarzios or bare knuckle pickups .
I love Ichika so I bought the Ichi 10 .
Edit: I don’t shred so please if anyone goes to my channel please don’t expect me to shred . I play with all my might and I’ll keep on practicing
But 😂anyway dude you’re brilliant and I appreciate that you’re funny and you make both sets of pickups sound pretty !
Edit : it’s not easy talking to a camera ! Nicely done !
@@Nickshreds890 I had actually never heard of Ichika before I bought the guitar. From road life, I just knew there were certain problems I had with my guitars, so I started searching for a guitar that fixed those issues like the weight, length, and tonal options. The ICHI checked all the boxes I needed
Neither better nor worse - just different.
Were the new pickups just plug and play? I'm going to swap mine for the 57'/62's but i'm confused about the "hot" "cold" and "ground" on the dyna mix switch
You got a great personality, keep it up
@@InThePlnes it distracts from my guitar mediocrity. Smoke and mirrors
@@realkylehooks I don’t know about that, haven’t heard you play, I just know the good energy will take you far.
😂😂😂
I want one, but .... They are not really cheap. 🤔
But Yes, for a professional or semi professional musician a good investment.
New pickups gave it that sweet fender tone for sure. Original pickups have that traditional ibanez sound, that has no charisma in my opinion, but a lot of people like it so who cares. My main guitar is ibanez too, tho I swapped pickups as well ;P
I think I would go for original neck and new middle and bridge.
Love your chops, love your humor. Sorry, I am in love. Just a little bit. Also, I am not sorry.
I tried Fender CS 60s' set in my PRS Silver Sky SE and didn't like it, ended up putting Suhr V70 set - costs the same, sounds much better.
I've played all my uncles Fender's and then my Squier and I'll say if just 1 Squier is better than every Fender I've ever played, then yeah, it is all better.
Having trouble hearing much difference. On the other hand, you make both of them sound great, so who cares.😀🤣
@@ChrisBrown-oo4bf the differences are more pronounced in person, of course, but not a huge difference.
I can’t believe you lied to me. Me specifically
Nothing wrong with the originals so your previous review stands ;)
Im almost wondering if switching 2 out of 3 pickups would fix the one position that thinned out too much? Might even contribute to some thicker sounds
I've thought about it, but what I'm running into is that I love the new neck pickup. It's got that glassy, bluesy tone I love so much. Then I love that funky 2nd position, so my two favorite tones use all three pickups. I'd hate to lose those, plus I prefer the new alter switch neck position. That little bit of extra clarity makes a difference.
The Ibanez is the only headless guitar that looks cool in a classic way
Now it sounds like a real strat
@@WEIRDONG_MARINO it is studio worthy now.
2:41 man I absolutely love that chord progression. Is that from an actual song or just a noodling?
Have you tried the Q52 with twin humbuckers yet? Great entertaining video by the way!
@@RUSTY-A-L yes! I had the black one, but I didn't like the sound of the pickups, so I got rid of it and got the second ICHI instead.
Looking back though, I'd love to have a Q52 with Burstbuckers
@@realkylehooks I am thinking about picking up a used myself $650 if I don't like the P U I might try a Dylan 8 Ball!
@@RUSTY-A-L if you see one for $650 snag it quick!
Just tried one, I wasn’t able to see the fret markers very well. It put me off on the guitar. I noticed you increased the visibility with yours. Is that tape or did you paint?
@@deano572 white gorilla tape. The tape usually lasts about 25 shows or so. I plan to cut some little trenches out of the wood and fill it with phosphorescent paint. Rectangles instead of dots.
both guitars have a fresh set of strings? if yes, the new pickups sound brighter and more detailed to me
at this point i just want to know when is the sponsored giveaway is going to be
@@juanignaciopozzi7412 if they start paying me, trust me, you'll know it. I'll start dissing other brands, vandalizing all the Gibsons at Guitar Center, and putting Paul Gilbert on speed dial.
New has a bit warmer sound, but oh well who am I to judge
Btw nice "Old Love" over middle
@@DIYDUDE012 it's tough for me to play that riff and not sing it.
@@realkylehooks feel ya brother! Same!
I think "conventional" guitar players would prefer your sound a lot more. Ichika seems to be intentionally going for a more sterile kind of tone. May be it suits his style better.