Dark but warm bridge pickup

T

Taipan

New member
Hi
I have a few Hotrails im my strats & Im looking for a similar tone in a full size humbucker for some other strats

Obviously there is a difference from rail type pickups to full size humbuckers

But the EQ curve or the Super 3 looks like it might be close , as I like a fuller tone with strong mids to lower mids & not much top end .
That compresses to a sweet but not bright tone in high gain lead mode.

I already have a regular Super Distortion , Duncan Distortions & Tone Zone in other guitars & there not the tone Im looking for

The pickups that interest me are
The Super 3
Breed
AT-1 (Andy Timmons)
And maybe the Air Zone , Im just concerned that it might be flabby sounding like the Tone Zone

Any ideas guys ?

Cheers
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

From the Duncan realm, I imagine a Custom Custom should do it for what you want.
But I haven't tried one so I can't really suggest it, can I? I've only read about it.

So in my experience, get a Dimarzio Breed. Your description nails it.
I had one, big output, and plenty of low mids with a moderate presence that makes it cut pretty good.
I love that pickup.
 
Last edited:
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

Hi
I had a Custom Custom , nice pickup but not what Im looking for right now

About cutting in the mix isnt an issue as far as needing brightness
I double my volume when playing lead , so I get to keep a warm tone but still get to be heard.
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

Diego said:
From the Duncan realm, I imagine a Custom Custom should do it for what you want.
But I haven't tried one so I can't really suggest it, can I? I've only read about it.

So in my experience, get a Dimarzio Breed. Your description nails it.
I had one, big output, and plenty of low mids with a moderate presence that makes it cut pretty good.
I love that pickup.
Click to expand...

This.

I liked the Breed over the CC by a mile, but had trouble cutting through in a two-guitar situation with it.
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

Taipan said:
Hi
I have a few Hotrails im my strats & Im looking for a similar tone in a full size humbucker for some other strats

Obviously there is a difference from rail type pickups to full size humbuckers

But the EQ curve or the Super 3 looks like it might be close , as I like a fuller tone with strong mids to lower mids & not much top end .
That compresses to a sweet but not bright tone in high gain lead mode.

I already have a regular Super Distortion , Duncan Distortions & Tone Zone in other guitars & there not the tone Im looking for

The pickups that interest me are
The Super 3
Breed
AT-1 (Andy Timmons)
And maybe the Air Zone , Im just concerned that it might be flabby sounding like the Tone Zone

Any ideas guys ?

Cheers
Click to expand...

the closest bucker to a duncan HR is the invader:14:
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

Yeah I know about the Invader too bad its so ugly looking I cant stand the site of it
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

richard parker said:
You double your volume when playing lead ? Interesting - how do you do it ?
Click to expand...

If I play Multi FX or pedals through a clean amp I boost the hell out of it
Or program my lead sound allot louder

If I'm using a multi channel amp i set my lead volume allot louder.

Or If im using an amp with an FX loop two ways .......
Drop the volume (rhythm/clean) with an EQ pedal dialed back then click it off to go to a louder lead tone or go the other way by boosting the volume for lead

Funny thing I have scared the crap out of singers that don't expect it
one jumped in fright & fell off the stage LOL

I don't trust sound guys they have no idea
Most spend all night worrying too much about the drummers snare etc....:banghead:
 
Last edited:
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

Taipan said:
If I play Multi FX or pedals through a clean amp I boost the hell out of it
Or program my lead sound allot louder

If I'm using a multi channel amp i set my lead volume allot louder.

Or If im using an amp with an FX loop two ways .......
Drop the volume (rhythm/clean) with an EQ pedal dialed back then click it off to go to a louder lead tone or go the other way by boosting the volume for lead

Funny thing I have scared the crap out of singers that don't expect it
one jumped in fright & fell off the stage LOL

I don't trust sound guys they have no idea
Most spend all night worrying too much about the drummers snare etc....:banghead:
Click to expand...

:no:
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

Invader. Get over it. You could even mod it with regular poles and I think it would make it more articulate.
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

PATB-2 Parallel Axis Distortion has a bit of the Invader's growl, but doesn't tend to become as inarticulate with many rigs. It's got more high end as well, closer to the TB-6 Distortion, though without quite as harsh a ceramic presence. Less obviously different a pickup from a distance, though still not standard humbucker cosmetics at point blank range.

Do you care about functionality or cosmetics, though?

Either's output might be problematic with some digital devices. Too much output and their ADCs just curl up and digital clip, NOT a good sound. Need some kind of a buffer or limiter first in that case.
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

Warm, dark, full is something that is more dictated by the guitar.

I don't think a Strat with a trem can really go there. Sure you can kill treble but then you'll just muffle it.

Havign said that, the PAT I had was way too warm for my taste even in a Strat, so...
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

I had an EMG-85 in a guitar for a year or so.
Not the tone or the look im going for in the guitars in question as there pretty vintage looking

BTW I only speak from experience , I never make weird judgments
Even though I have been gigging for over 20 years
Im always interested in experienced players opinions.
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

tone zone,breed,super 3 any of these are warm and of good output
of those the super 3 is the closest to a duncan Hot rail IMHO
 
Re: Dark but warm bridge pickup

Taipan said:
I had an EMG-85 in a guitar for a year or so.
Not the tone or the look im going for in the guitars in question as there pretty vintage looking

BTW I only speak from experience , I never make weird judgments
Even though I have been gigging for over 20 years
Im always interested in experienced players opinions.
Click to expand...
I understand, just seems so many are quick to blow them off purely on internet stereotype. And too many seem to think the 85 is just a neck pup (I blame ZW) and don't realize its really good in the bridge. But if you know its not what you're looking for than cool. It is warm and more traditional sounding in the bridge than something like the 81, but it still sounds like an EMG.
 
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