Steinberger

I think it is personal preference for tone. I played my ZT3 for a couple

of months with the stock Gibson USA pickups before giving up and replacing

them. The ZT3 pickups aren't active and are also used on some of the Kramer

guitars I believe. The standard pickups were OK for clean tones (although

not as good as the Duncan Jazz and Custom-Custom I have in another guitar)

but I couldn't get a distorted rhythm I was happy with. Just not tight enough

compared to any of my EMG equipped guitars (with either 89/85/81s in the

bridge). One of my favorite things about Steinbegers was the versatility

particularly with active tone. I was disappointed that the ZT3 didn't follow

this route in the tradition of the early models but it didn't stop me from

purchasing one and modifying it. The TT3 is great and I'm happier taking

a guitar that can be replaced out of the studio.

Hi,

I'm planning to put EMG-89R on the neck and EMG-89 on the bridge (both of them have coil tap).

What is your ZT3 Pickups current setting? What EMG do you use? Do you have sound sample?

I think Bob is going to post some basic ZT3 sound videos...

I'll post some pictures of the ZT3 neck later on,

 The Gibson pickups in my ZT3 suck,  microphonic.  Gibson has really taken a nose dive.

Not the first time I bought a guitar costing over $1600 that the pickups were crap and needed replacements.

I guess I'm gonna install EMG 89R 89 as well (you get  humbucker and single coil tones)

My new ZT3 came with a blemish at the 2nd fret. It was not set up at all (intonation, transtrem)  Output jack nut hand loose.  Nitrocellulose lacquer used instead of much more preferred polyester,  I noticed the finish  scratches easily.

Still with its flaws I do like my ZT3.