Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

[RolanTHUNDER]

Hey guys. Wasn't satisfied with the JB's performance in my San Dimas. Love the guitar. The '59 was good in the neck, a little on the flat side but otherwise nice. Swopped out the set in favour of DiMarzio Illuminator neck and Evolution bridge (which I had in my JEM). Problem is the Evo is very big in terms of size and sits too close to the strings. I didn't expect that honestly until I installed it lol. I raised the bridge quite a bit but that affects action to a higher setting than I like. Otherwise the tone is really damn good! My plan is to finish off the set with a matching chrome Illuminator for the bridge. Question is, as always there are so many to choose from. This is my Eb guitar and has that classic '80's shred machine, hot rod vibe going on which I love. I play VH, Iron Maiden, Priest, hard rock/metal on it. I also cover modern ground with it and I've started playing Dystopia by Megadeth on it as well as Metallica Hardwired...songs. All those bands and then some basically span my personal playing style. Oh and I play Hendrix on it too... That's the musical-scape I traverse with this machine. Direct mount pickups, Alder body, maple neck and fretboard, OFR top mounted Floyd Rose, single volume knob. I play thru an Orange Jim Root head and at times DI through Guitar Rig 5/Cubase for YouTube material.

Question 1: Will the Illuminator be small enough to allow enough string clearance? Had the neck version in the bridge and it sat perfectly fine with room to adjust.

Question 2: DiMarzio Tone Zone, PAF Pro, or something else other than Illuminator?

Question 3: Go back to SD? If so then TB5, Pegasus, TB6, Jason Becker, Gus G. fire Blackouts?

Please tell me what you would do/choose? I'm open to suggestions but just remember that pickup height/chunkiness has a limitation in this particular guitar with shallow cavities and I ain't routing her cavities

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

Got a router or know someone who does? The MIJ promods have too shallow of pickup routes, even if you convert to pickup rings (which I did as all proper Charvels have). I have no idea what Fender/Charvel was thining on those, but it is a common complaint.

The pickups you listed are all over the map, and frankly, you are going to deal with the shallow holes for some of them. I would say if you like the tone you get with the Evolution, then modding the guitar to accommodate it is easier and cheaper.

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

Got a router or know someone who does? The MIJ promods have too shallow of pickup routes, even if you convert to pickup rings (which I did as all proper Charvels have). I have no idea what Fender/Charvel was thining on those, but it is a common complaint.

The pickups you listed are all over the map, and frankly, you are going to deal with the shallow holes for some of them. I would say if you like the tone you get with the Evolution, then modding the guitar to accommodate it is easier and cheaper.

I unfortunately don't have one and don't know of someone who does. I'm afraid of routing it to be honest. I think I may just have to go with a pickup very similar in height to the original JB, there must be several of those around. I have a feeling the Illuminator Bridge will fit but you make a very valid point about the cavity depth. I'll have to be more cautious with what I choose than I thought. I've seen the USA models come with pickup rings. Those would offer more clearance but then again they alter tone slightly (good or bad way depending on what you like). I could go that route, mod it with rings then keep the Evo in. I'll have to think about it. Such a stellar guitar! Top class

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

I run a 59/custom hybrid in my promod and it sounds fantastic! hot enough to rock, but enough sweetness to just plain sound amazing. And with a nice hot amp. Im also an 80s metal guy.

https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/59custom-hybrid

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

Routing is out then... don't believe the hype on the pickup rings. Yes, there is some difference in sound, but I will buy you a new promod if you can tell the difference blindfolded. You are talking about changing the pickups anyway, how can you tell what rings are going to do.

Where are you located, maybe there is someone close

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

I run a 59/custom hybrid in my promod and it sounds fantastic! hot enough to rock, but enough sweetness to just plain sound amazing. And with a nice hot amp. Im also an 80s metal guy.

https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/59custom-hybrid

Is that the SH5/TB5 Duncan Custom? Your description of it sounds nice! I'll give it a look
I assume the pickup clearance from the strings is comfortable?

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

Routing is out then... don't believe the hype on the pickup rings. Yes, there is some difference in sound, but I will buy you a new promod if you can tell the difference blindfolded. You are talking about changing the pickups anyway, how can you tell what rings are going to do.

Where are you located, maybe there is someone close

I'd like a white Pro Mod please

Unfortunately I'm located far away from the US down in South Africa. There are some guys in the community I can approach for routing help but I just don't wanna "assault" my guitar in that way - no offense to anyone who chose to route any of their guitars.

Way I see it, I remove the Evo and put it into one of my RG's. Buy an Illuminator bridge in chrome which is pricey but will complete the chrome set and look amazing - picture the Ferrari Red San Dimas Style 1 with its chrome hardware and two chrome pickups! As long as the bridge version of the Illuminator is close or identical to its neck counterpart in terms of height then it'll fit comfortably. If not DiMarzio then I'll go Duncans again but need a bridge pickup that is similar in height to the JB because that fit the cavity comfortably.

Thanks for the help mate.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

Done properly, you would never even know the routing happened. However, being in SA does have some challenges. Pickup rings would be the next option if you are comfortable adding them, if not you are back to finding something that fits.

You can email DiMarzio tech support and they will give you the dimensions of the Illuminator pickups so you can compare the two.

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

Done properly, you would never even know the routing happened. However, being in SA does have some challenges. Pickup rings would be the next option if you are comfortable adding them, if not you are back to finding something that fits.

You can email DiMarzio tech support and they will give you the dimensions of the Illuminator pickups so you can compare the two.

Rings sound more and more attractive now. I'll consider them.

Good idea man! I will email DiMarzio now and tell them my situation then ask for dimensions on the Illuminator bridge and any other pickup that will fit my SD cavity comfortably. Thanks

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

Rings are easy to install and will not detract from the guitar or the value. I have no idea why they even finalized the guitar without rings because Charvel always had them.

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

Rings are easy to install and will not detract from the guitar or the value. I have no idea why they even finalized the guitar without rings because Charvel always had them.

Oh what a beaut. I hear what you say about them not installing rings as standard on the MIJ models but I honestly don't mind and think its kind of cooler/perhaps more "raw" rock 'n roll '80's hot rod vibe. Not that I don't like the rings version as well. It's every bit a proper Charvel though. Made in Japan quality is on par with USA (and in some cases even better). Excellent finishing throughout. the Mexican models I have my doubts... not to offend anyone with a Mexican made one. Thing is the MIJ models have been discontinued and have become somewhat of a rarity in the lineup nowadays.

And yes, if my guitar had rings then I might not be in this pickup height situation lol. If I had to install rings then could I just line them up and use a screwdriver to drive the screws into the body of the guitar without using any power tools?

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

The MIJ models had the nicest necks (imo) other than that awful yellow color. Thankfully it wipes right off with lacquer thinner. Installing the rings will require drilling the holes for the mounting screws. Do not try to just drive the screws in, you will strip the screw or worse snap the head off. Get the pickup specs first, then we will see how much room adding rings adds. I have plenty of promods here to pull measurements from.

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

The MIJ models had the nicest necks (imo) other than that awful yellow color. Thankfully it wipes right off with lacquer thinner. Installing the rings will require drilling the holes for the mounting screws. Do not try to just drive the screws in, you will strip the screw or worse snap the head off. Get the pickup specs first, then we will see how much room adding rings adds. I have plenty of promods here to pull measurements from.

I can believe that about the necks! And the fretboard wood they used amazes me. I love this unfinished pure feel. Not sure if models produced elsewhere are also unfinished (neck and fretboard)?
OK thanks for the heads up, I won't just drive the screws in if I take the plunge with rings. I sent an email to DiMarzio today a couple hours ago. I asked about the Illuminator, TZ and PAF Pro measurements in comparison to the neck version I have. Soon as they respond I'll let you know.

I'm getting an itch to throw in a set of black and red Pegasus/Sentient lol. How well do you think they would perform in the San Dimas?

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

The MIA and MIJ necks were all quartersawn maple, and some of the MIJ had figuring (flame or birdseye). The MIM necks started out quartersawn, but sometime in the last year or so went to flat sawn. The tabless tuners and that god awful spoke wheel truss nut make those necks worthless to me. Not to mention the crap fretwork. Fender is hell-bent on destroying a once iconic brand.

Thankfully I kept and modded all my early promods with vintage Charvel appointments and German Floyds. Schaller tuners drop right in the Grover holes as well, so no new drilling needed.

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

The MIA and MIJ necks were all quartersawn maple, and some of the MIJ had figuring (flame or birdseye). The MIM necks started out quartersawn, but sometime in the last year or so went to flat sawn. The tabless tuners and that god awful spoke wheel truss nut make those necks worthless to me. Not to mention the crap fretwork. Fender is hell-bent on destroying a once iconic brand.

Thankfully I kept and modded all my early promods with vintage Charvel appointments and German Floyds. Schaller tuners drop right in the Grover holes as well, so no new drilling needed.

It's a shame they're trying to destroy it! Nice mods on your axes

I got confirmation from DiMarzio Tech. Illuminator bridge is too high. He said the Tone Zone will fit. That also means that according to the helpful dimensions chart he sent to me PAF Pro, The Breed, Satch's pickups, Air Classics, and quite a few others will fit my SD comfortably. I would take the Tone Zone but the supplier on Ebay may not have it in chrome. He might have the PAF Pro and possibly the Breed. What's your advice/what would you do?

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

You won't want to hear this, but the covers limit your choices (unless you order). The last thing you want to do is order a new chrome covered pickup and then not like it.

The Tone Zone, Breed, Air Classic and Paf Pro I have all tried. The best humbucker DiMarzio offers, in my opinion, is the Andy Timmons AT-1. I usually pair with a Humbucker from Hell in the neck. Listen to some samples or videos and narrow down your choices to say 2 or 3. Then try and find them used, and don't worry about the color. Once you have a final decision made, you can order that pickup with the chrome if you want and sell off the other.

I am an old Charvel nerd, so all Charvels should have double cream pickups and rings.

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

You won't want to hear this, but the covers limit your choices (unless you order). The last thing you want to do is order a new chrome covered pickup and then not like it.

The Tone Zone, Breed, Air Classic and Paf Pro I have all tried. The best humbucker DiMarzio offers, in my opinion, is the Andy Timmons AT-1. I usually pair with a Humbucker from Hell in the neck. Listen to some samples or videos and narrow down your choices to say 2 or 3. Then try and find them used, and don't worry about the color. Once you have a final decision made, you can order that pickup with the chrome if you want and sell off the other.

I am an old Charvel nerd, so all Charvels should have double cream pickups and rings.

U just reminded me about the AT-1! Thanks! I'll check for it. I like Andy's playing and I think he's a cool guy. He's a great player in fact and his tone is full on rock which is how his pickup has been described so it's definitely on the list now. since I really want chrome to complete the set and dual chrome humbucker look, I think I should invest in a chrome one now because down the line I'm still going to invest in Pegasus/Sentient for my RG2570 (epic shred machine for D/C standard metal - Symphony X in D of course, hehe). Your thoughts on TZ and PAF Pro especially for our beloved Charvel San Dimas? I've got Air Classics in my PGM 401 and they sound super smooth even with loads of gain but I think I want something with more bite and growl for the hot rod SD.

By the way your SD with double cream looks awesome! Which pickups? I thought about the Zebra look as well.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

That red matching headstock is not mine, random picture off the web.

PGM you say?

I have a PGM10th, 401, 301, 301HSS, 500, and PGM800. I love Paul.

I think I have tried just about every pickup DiMarzio makes, and the sounds I prefer are more Seymour Duncan. The AT-1 is great and it has worked so far in everything I have tried it in. I like the HFH in the neck because I don't care for most neck humbuckers. I won't say the HFH is like a single coil, but more of a clean neck sound. I did not care for the Tone Zone or the PAF Pro. I will eventually change them out in my guitars that came with them. I think I have a set of custom Liqufiers in one of my Vs as well. They are going to get the boot soon too.

Here are some of my Charvels.

 

[RolanTHUNDER]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

That red matching headstock is not mine, random picture off the web.

PGM you say?

I have a PGM10th, 401, 301, 301HSS, 500, and PGM800. I love Paul.

I think I have tried just about every pickup DiMarzio makes, and the sounds I prefer are more Seymour Duncan. The AT-1 is great and it has worked so far in everything I have tried it in. I like the HFH in the neck because I don't care for most neck humbuckers. I won't say the HFH is like a single coil, but more of a clean neck sound. I did not care for the Tone Zone or the PAF Pro. I will eventually change them out in my guitars that came with them. I think I have a set of custom Liqufiers in one of my Vs as well. They are going to get the boot soon too.

Here are some of my Charvels.

View attachment 85488 View attachment 85489 View attachment 85490 View attachment 85491 View attachment 85492 View attachment 85493

Yip PGM. Wow you have so many! My favourite PGM is the 301/300 but my 401 which replaced the 301 is a fantastic addition and Paul himself spec'd it of course so he definitely approves of its "Les Paul" KILLER vibe

So many Charvels!! Awesome! So I'm thinking of Air Zone or The Breed for the bridge. Your thoughts on those? Air Zone is apparently a more vintage sounding TZ but has that big power sound to it too. also looking at gold topped versions of those and the AT-1. Choices! Other thing is most of them seem to be standard spaced. You reckon it will be ok with the Floyd?

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Charvel San Dimas Pro Mod MIJ - JB Delete, what next?

I have Breeds in my DBK, but I can’t really remember anything about them. Don’t think I have tried the Air Zones, but supposedly it is close to the old PAF. I really need to clean out my pickup drawer. I know there are several DiMarzio in there that can go.

The only pickups you can’t get F spaced are the new ‘59s. The AT-1 is like a better or more rounded JB. The JB is awesome in the right guitar, where the AT-1 seems to work in everything.

The only DiMarzio I still willingly use are the AT-1, HFH, old PAF, VPAF, VHPAF, and 59. I have others still but they will be eventually replaced.