DD vs Evolution vs ???

[bellis]

(hello)...

New to the forum, and could use some pick-up expertise and/or advice: I've always been an Ibanez RG (or similar) kind of guy and have always loved the Dimarzio ToneZone. However, I've recently made the switch to alder-bodied, string-thru, tune-o-matic Jacksons, and the ToneZone doesn't seem to match up too well with this style of guitar. Where the TZ thickened up and smoothed out the Floyds, it now sounds loose and boomy in the low end (though not quite muddy, yet) and lacking in cut and focus (for lack of better terms...) I love the TZ's thick mids, but need something with a bit more presence and output, and tighter/less low-end. I originally considered the EVO2, but a)couldn't find it in stock anywhere, and B) the output looks too similar to the TZ. So on to the Evolution, but I've heard alot of good things about the Duncan Distortion as well (which in fact was the first replacement pick-up I ever bought way, way back; though I now have no memory of what it sounded like through whatever little SS combo I owned back then, and believe that I only chose it because it had "Distortion" in the name...)

So, anyone with experience with both that could offer some advice? How do they compare? I'm concerned about the treble in the DD as one of the characteristics of the TZ which I love is the softened/rolled-off pick attack. Which of these will be less harsh and fuzzy/fizzy in the highs? tighter in the lows? thicker in the mids? or should I be looking somewhere else altogether?

Thanks...

 

[Trey]

Re: DD vs Evolution vs ???

The DD and the Evolution are very different.


The DD is very hot, organic.

The Evolution is a razor , very cold and neutral.
Evolution like hifi's pickup

 

[bellis]

Re: DD vs Evolution vs ???

bump...

 

[bellis]

Re: DD vs Evolution vs ???

(help???)

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: DD vs Evolution vs ???

I had an RG470 with an Evo, and liked it, but after I took out the hex poles and replaced them with the caps from an Invader, I really liked it.

I really think hex poles are the worst thing to happen to pickups.

 

[Destructone]

Re: DD vs Evolution vs ???

I happen to like hex poles on pickups. it adds a lot of "cut" and punch to the tone.

the Evo's are really THICK sounding pickups, on rhythm AND lead. i have them on my PRS and the Evo's are really picky on whatever amp you put them through. In some amps they will sound too thick, too middy and muddy up. but on the right amp, they will sound really ballsy and very crisp. on solos the Evo's are really articulate, clear and cuts through. it has a LOT of punch and bite... more than the DD and the Custom, and that's a cold hard fact. I guess that's what they meant by "razor sharp" sounding. the Evo's are very middy like most hot pickups. but they are great for any recording and live situation.

When comparing the Evo's to the TZ, the Evo's sound a lot thicker and have a lot more top-end sizzle than the TZ. the TZ is a lot tighter and bigger than the Evo's though.