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Post by jkemmery on Jun 27, 2007 12:18:17 GMT -5
I like them, some people don't ...
Just wanted to get some general opinions and possibly some specific instances of "likes/dislikes" .... or "love/hate" as it were.
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Post by Runewalker on Jul 1, 2007 17:14:55 GMT -5
My Dimarzio experence is with Freds, HS2 an HS3 stacked humbucker in Strat Single coil form factor, and some experience with Super distorins and the SD version of the single coil. The Fred is a unique beast, lots of harmonics without much effort in overdrive mode, but it is clear, musical and articulate when the volume is reduced. For what I do I like it alot. I also like the lack of slug coils, having both coils with adjustable poles, a feature I prefer with all thise mods. I also like the HS series as well. The have nice tone in cut coil. The Local Series funciton makes them loose much of the sparkle, but are still very pleasing and in the direction of a strat pup --- except dead quite. If you Eq the modeler or amp or stomp boxes you can return some of the chime, but the cut coil gets you closer, albeit with a little hum --- not for some reason as much as with a pure single coil. The SD series to me are muddy inarticulate and the single coil version is trash, --- one voice, loud and without breadth, and the noiciest hum producing single coil I have ever experimented with. In general, I like the Dimarzio line. I am not so sure that all these differences people swear by are as distinct as belief would have it. I have definitely had throw away pup where guitars were demontrably improved with a pup upgrade. But once a base level of quality is met, the differences are measured in minutia. Also, once a player plunks down $75-100 for a boutique pup, there is a natural proclivity to justify the expenditure with a paucity of objectivity. That is my objective opinion  |
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Post by sumgai on Jul 1, 2007 23:58:11 GMT -5
Did someone say "expensive pickups"? Try these on for size: Langcaster Low-Impedance pickups. Look part way down the page for the price, or search for "US$", and jump right to the price. Makes Kinman look pretty cheap.  sumgai p.s. The Langcaster site uses frames, so the above link is to one page that has no navigation. If you wanna see more of his site (and I think it's worth it), go here: www.langcaster.com/ |
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Post by gitpiddler on Jul 2, 2007 1:19:24 GMT -5
Fred +1 here, although i'm scared to pot it knowing their fragility. I potted a Duncan JB years ago (bulletproof). Fred has a floppy bottom and squeals with a lot of gain, I want to try a cap to roll off the lows, for the volume pot acts as a tone knob with off at the bottom. As Rune mentioned, it's clean til you dig in, then it blooms and makes stuff start moving about the room. It's a single-coil full up, but at 1 or 2 has enough low end to drown squeal with high notes that jump out when you hit it. Much fun.
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Post by ChrisK on Jul 2, 2007 19:06:06 GMT -5
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Post by jkemmery on Jul 2, 2007 22:19:50 GMT -5
Gorgeous guitars, dude!
I'm thinking my next one will have an Air Norton bridge, Virtual Vintage Heavy Blues neck and either an Area '61 or a Virtual Vintage 54 pro mid.
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Post by ChrisK on Jul 5, 2007 22:16:39 GMT -5
This one that I've been not building for some years now  might have a Tone Zone in the bridge, an Air Norton in the middle, and a PAF Pro in the neck. I have these as well as a Multibucker, a Steve's Special, and another PAF Pro, so I guess that I should do something with them. |
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Post by Runewalker on Jul 6, 2007 0:11:32 GMT -5
This one that I've been not building for some years now might have a Tone Zone in the bridge, an Air Norton in the middle, and a PAF Pro in the neck. I have these as well as a Multibucker, a Steve's Special, and another PAF Pro, so I guess that I should do something with them. CK, you are an inspiration because you have almost as many unfinshed projects as I (have). But you are are a Strat freak. How about getting a little Texas Beef and mod up a 3 'bucker LP (carved, slab [jr.], DC, etc.)? I know, I know, Strat is. no. Lester is. |
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Post by UnklMickey on Jul 6, 2007 1:13:37 GMT -5
I know, I know, Strat is.
no.
Lester is. Wait for it Rune.... This one that I've been not building for some years now Procrastination is. |
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Post by sumgai on Jul 6, 2007 1:58:00 GMT -5
unk,
I was waiting for "Procrastination will be......"!
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Post by wolf on Jul 6, 2007 13:47:46 GMT -5
Well if the topic is DiMarzio pickups, I guess I'll have to post to this topic.
As some of you know, I am somewhat partial to the DiMarzio X2N. ;D
I have installed a few of these in my guitars and despite the fact that they are extremely high output (possibly the highest output available), they have a lot more clarity than you'd expect especially if you employ all switching options (series / parallel / coil cut).
Also, (I could be wrong on this), the X2N has clarity because of its powerful magnetic field. Basically there are two ways to increase pickup output 1) increase the windings or 2) increase the magnetic strength. Since option 1 is probably easier and cheaper a lot of companies pursue this route. The result is a high output, but very muddy sounding pickup. (As I've said, I could be wrong on this but that's what I've heard. Let's see what the GuitarNuts have to say about it).
The DiMarzio Super III is an interesting pickup which I also use. It does not have the treble range of the X2N and it can sound very "full" and "punchy" with distortion.
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Post by crazymanandy on Jul 6, 2007 14:34:05 GMT -5
Basically there are two ways to increase pickup output 1) increase the windings or 2) increase the magnetic strength. Since option 1 is probably easier and cheaper a lot of companies pursue this route. The result is a high output, but very muddy sounding pickup. (As I've said, I could be wrong on this but that's what I've heard. Let's see what the GuitarNuts have to say about it). The DiMarzio Super III is an interesting pickup which I also use. It does not have the treble range of the X2N and it can sound very "full" and "punchy" with distortion. I've actually read that before. I believe Harmonic Design uses these concepts in some of their pickups. Here is what they say about their Vintage Plus line: "These higher output pickups retain the basic Tele character, but with a bigger, deeper tone. These are richer and more expressive than other high-output pickups. To avoid the "overwound" tone, we use exactly the same number of turns as our '54 pickups, with a specially designed magnet and pole piece assembly, carefully balanced to produce a warm, full tone..." CMA |
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Post by wolf on Jul 6, 2007 15:26:16 GMT -5
Thanks for finding that cite Andy.
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Post by ChrisK on Jul 6, 2007 23:20:54 GMT -5
The X2N has clarity because of it not being over-wound (inductance isn't in this case). AND you have to evaluate the sound using Chaos theory (pendulum's are), and you don't need a stand or case 'cuz you can just stick it on the side of your refrigerator! ;D (The ultimate refrigerator magnet.) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_theory |
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Post by wolf on Jul 7, 2007 0:35:36 GMT -5
Chris K
That's what I thought I said.
Something else I like about the X2N as I've said many times here. Unless you're using a humbucker that really packs a wallop, parallel mode and especially coil cut will sound very weak.
From DiMarzio's website:
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Post by ChrisK on Jul 8, 2007 23:55:45 GMT -5
It's what you indeed said, but I needed an in-theme lead-in for my refrigerator magnet joke.
(I'm sorry, but I love refrigerator magnet jokes since my wife, er, collects refrigerator magnets.)
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Post by wolf on Jul 9, 2007 0:28:25 GMT -5
Incidentally, as you probably know, the X2N makes an astounding refrigerator magnet. (I don't know about the other Guitar Nuts, but I think I've tried the "refrigerator test" on just about every pickup I've ever bought.)
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Apprentice Shielder
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Post by blank on Jul 9, 2007 13:18:35 GMT -5
I use mostly DiMarzios. Mostly Super 3's (I have three guitars with it and one more in the wings). I also have a Multibucker, two Fast Track 1's, a Fast Track 2, Super 2, HS-2, Blaze bridge middle and neck.
Two that I tried and got rid of were the Tone Zone and Evolution. The TZ had way too much bass and the Evo was harsh.
Is the X2N anything like the Evolution? I know Vai used the X2n before he got his sig pickups, thought maybe he based it on the X2N. I'm curious about the X2N but don't want a repeat of the Evo with higher output.
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Post by kuzi16 on Jul 9, 2007 17:03:33 GMT -5
i have a guitar that i put the dimarzio PAF pro in the neck and a Steves special in the bridge. i think it sounds great.
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Post by wolf on Jul 9, 2007 18:49:24 GMT -5
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I have a guitar with 2 Super III's in it. I like the sound of those too.
The Super III seems to have a more mid-range "punchy" kind of sound. The X2N (in spite of its higher output) is a brighter sounding pickup. I think you'd be happier with the Super III's.
I figured I'd edit my post by including some stats from DiMarzio's website. (Since you mentioned the Evo and the Tone Zone, I figured I'd show those also).
EVO 2
Treble 6
Mid 7.5
Bass 6
Tone Zone
Treble 5
Mid 8.5
Bass 8.5
X2N
Treble 6.5
Mid 6.5
Bass 5.5
Super III
Treble 5
Mid 8
Bass 6.5
Also, the X2N has an output of 510 and a DC Resistance of 15.8 K.
The Super III has an output of 435 and a DC Resistance of 25.8 K.
Although the X2N has an extremely high output, I believe its powerful magnetic field and relatively "low" DC resistance make it a brighter sounding pickup.
Contrast that to the Super III and I think you'll see why the Super III is probably more your type of pickup.
I like the X2N a lot because when played through the amp "straight", you can still get things like the "surf sound" (in parallel or coil cut). It's fantastic for distortion but I am starting to like the Super III sound more for that.
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Apprentice Shielder
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Post by blank on Jul 10, 2007 9:52:28 GMT -5
Thanks Wolf. I'll probably stick with what i like. Took me awhile to get to the Super 3, why screw it up now?
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Post by ChrisK on Jul 10, 2007 12:11:56 GMT -5
I appreciate the inclusion of DiMarzio's data (data being a weak use of the word since we don't know what frequency bands pertain to said banding, or what the numbers infer whether dB, an uncalibrated listener's ear, miles per gallon, or furlongs per fortnight).
I would also attach the units to such ratings as
in the form of
Also, the X2N has an output of 510 mVAC and a DC Resistance of 15.8 K.
It's nice to see K Ohms and not just "my pickup has an output of 8.5 Ohms."
It's powerful CERAMIC (fuller frequency response than AlNiCo magnets) magnetic field and relatively "low" DC resistance (which infers fewer coil turns and hence considerably less self-inductance [L=N2I] which low-pass filters its output) make it a brighter sounding pickup.
But then, us engineers (reality translators) have always had issues with such "tight" definitions as "warm", "middy", "tone-full", (?"toneless?), and of course, "vintage sounding" (what does it mean to sound old?)..
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Post by ChrisK on Jul 10, 2007 12:17:55 GMT -5
I always used the file cabinet test. It is a convenient place to put them and my wife takes umbrage at pickups "loitering" aboot the 'fridge. Also, said ferro-masses  make excellent "keepers". Hmmm, should pickups have keepers placed thereon to prevent them from " going vintage" on us? ;D ;D ;D........................... ;D We probably could have avoided the whole "vintage" scam thing with a little forethought and prevention. |
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Post by gumbo on Jul 14, 2007 6:04:41 GMT -5
But I must say that my "genuine Fender 60's vintage" (they must be..that's what the seller called them on eBay) certainly get THE best tone out of my refrigerator....
...one day I'll see whether they also work in a guitar.
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Post by sumgai on Jul 14, 2007 16:18:10 GMT -5
gum-head,
Yeah, but tell us, is your refrigerator fully shielded against all the hum and buzz laying around such a large mass of metal? I mean, buying that much copper shielding has gotta hurt the ol' wallet, nooo?
;D
sumgai
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Post by andy on Oct 13, 2007 13:27:29 GMT -5
Hiya, I've never used a full sized Dimarzio humbucker, but I had a Virtual Vintage 2.1 strat pickup, which I added to a 'do-it-all' guitar a while back. It turned out to be very bright (with 500k pots) but in a hyper-sparkly way, rather than un-musically so, and with a 'vintage strat' sort of character too. With the tone rolled off it took on more of a warm, classic tone, but more 50's than 60's, if that is an adequate description. The hum-cancelling was top notch compared to the more 'humbucking' pickups in the array, too (SD JB.jr and SD Little '59), and in the end that pickup got the most use in that guitar, despite being added as something of an after-thought. I would certainly recommend it for anyone into the strat tone, but looking to avoid buzz and hum. I'm also currently using Twang-King pickups on my Tele, and the neck unit has turned out to be, quite unexpectedly, a case of stumbling across a tonal holy grail for me. It is very tough to force into sounding bad, at any degree of overdrive, and if I could only ever use one pickup, I would go for this one. And there was me thinking that I'd never fall in love with any one particular piece of gear again! The bridge unit didn't blow me away in quite the same way, but did prove to be very useful musically until it developed an terrible case of microphony, as yet unfixed. Im debating spending the £20 international postage to get a replacement under warranty, or trying to fix it myself and risking the £40 to buy a new one if I void the warranty AND fail to fix the thing! Other than that, I was very happy with the pickup. As for all this refrigerator bothering, I would rather keep my pickups well clear of the greasy, ice cream-streaked beast that moans away in the corner of my kitchen- do you know, when it was new... ...it was white! |
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Post by ChrisK on Oct 13, 2007 22:36:39 GMT -5
I like the Virtual Vintage series from DiMarzio. I used them in the PadoukCaster a few years ago. guitarnuts2.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=music&action=display&thread=1144693179This wiring scheme doesn't select the middle only, so I only use and hear it in either parallel or series conjunction with another pickup, but I do like it. My current build (amongst 5) is using a DiMarzio FRED in conjunction with an Area '58 and an Area'61, which are supposed to be the next evolution of the Virtual Vintage series. I'm looking forward to hearing these, especially with the ALL possible combo's realized in my design. guitarnuts2.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=schem&action=display&thread=1186634210I've heard nothing but great reviews on this pickup. I've considered using one in a Tele build, but I currently have about 10 Tele pickups still in the box. Well, for what it's worth, with the £20 international postage, the warranty's not worth much. You could try wax potting, but be sure to use a double boiler and be very, very careful. A hot plate is better than an open gas flame since paraffin is most flammable. You could try heating the pickup somewhat (I don't know what this means but I don't recommend a microwave ), to partially melt and rearrange the wax (if it's potted). |
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Post by andy on Oct 14, 2007 11:26:31 GMT -5
Thanks for that ChrisK, I'm currently terrified of messing with pickups too much, but for the price of returning the pickup (I can buy a new one for £40!) I might just give it a shot. That said, on inspecting the pickup since the microphony began I have noticed that one of the bare wires to the hook up leads has become unstuck from the bobbin. With any luck, that will be the only cause of the problem and a bit of wood glue will suffice to hold it in place and save me a lot of time and hassle.
I can't remember off the top of my head if the pickup is potted, it may have been left unpotted for that good 'ol vintage vibe, but somehow I doubt it- either way, I know it was fine until I changed back to the original bridge, so my fumbling fingers may well be to blame, and ought to redeem themselves by a bit of repair work!
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make excellent "keepers".
