Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

thor666 said:
why don't you couple the 500kA pot with a 750k resistor?

http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/potm.htm

saves you the trouble of buying another pot... and you can always take the resistor off if you don't like 300k.
Click to expand...

Very cool! I will try this.

OK, so I've been tweaking the V Hot PAF and now I'm really digging it, and the V PAF Neck. Keep in mind, this was my first excursion into lower output, PAF-type pickups, so it took a LOT pf playing until I got the hang of it. What a newb! I had to stop listening for what I was used to hearing, and start listening for what was actually going on.

The pup did need some adjustments, but I think the main reason I felt the high end was too strong was that I was missing the FATNESS of a JB! Take away some of that low end girth, and you hear more of the high end detail. Duh!

All in all, I don't think it's for me. I need the fat. i'm wimpy. I need something to make me feel bigger. So I just ordered the Air Zone (for the bridge) and Air Norton, and will try that combo. If that doesn't work, it's back to the Jazz/JB, no more screwing around.

I will still post a clip of the same riff, JB and then V Hot PAF, for comparison, before swapping pups again.

I'm going put both V PAF's in my baritone, to clean things up on that guitar. I think that will be a perfect match for me.
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

wildstar said:
Very cool! I will try this.

OK, so I've been tweaking the V Hot PAF and now I'm really digging it, and the V PAF Neck. Keep in mind, this was my first excursion into lower output, PAF-type pickups, so it took a LOT pf playing until I got the hang of it. What a newb! I had to stop listening for what I was used to hearing, and start listening for what was actually going on.

The pup did need some adjustments, but I think the main reason I felt the high end was too strong was that I was missing the FATNESS of a JB! Take away some of that low end girth, and you hear more of the high end detail. Duh!

All in all, I don't think it's for me. I need the fat. i'm wimpy. I need something to make me feel bigger. So I just ordered the Air Zone (for the bridge) and Air Norton, and will try that combo. If that doesn't work, it's back to the Jazz/JB, no more screwing around.

I will still post a clip of the same riff, JB and then V Hot PAF, for comparison, before swapping pups again.

I'm going put both V PAF's in my baritone, to clean things up on that guitar. I think that will be a perfect match for me.
Click to expand...

WILDSTAR, I can assure you that you will love the air zone, since it is a pup that has the same type feel as a V hot paf BUT has all the fat you like of the JB to go with it.
the AZ is such a underated pup just because it is a DIMARZIO but i have to tell you that for a fatter paf tone it is the best out there
I think that is much nicer toned than the JB which can sound too ice picky in some guitars'

the AZ is similar to a JB in that it sings and has harmonics all over the place but it has a very thick lead tone and a great chunck in the low end that is NEVER MUDDY! :beerchug:
The air norton in the neck takes some getting used to IF you are comning from a jazz because it is very fat but still articulate enough to satisfy.
although i love the air norton i prefer the breed neck because it is more like the paf pro but has more warmth than the pro and has more clarity than the air norton! SO WE ARE TALKING THE BEST OF THE PRO AND THE BEST OF THE NORTON IN one PUP!
really a COOL NECK PUP!
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

WICKED LESTER said:
WILDSTAR, I can assure you that you will love the air zone, since it is a pup that has the same type feel as a V hot paf BUT has all the fat you like of the JB to go with it.
the AZ is such a underated pup just because it is a DIMARZIO but i have to tell you that for a fatter paf tone it is the best out there
I think that is much nicer toned than the JB which can sound too ice picky in some guitars'

the AZ is similar to a JB in that it sings and has harmonics all over the place but it has a very thick lead tone and a great chunck in the low end that is NEVER MUDDY! :beerchug:
The air norton in the neck takes some getting used to IF you are comning from a jazz because it is very fat but still articulate enough to satisfy.
although i love the air norton i prefer the breed neck because it is more like the paf pro but has more warmth than the pro and has more clarity than the air norton! SO WE ARE TALKING THE BEST OF THE PRO AND THE BEST OF THE NORTON IN one PUP!
really a COOL NECK PUP!
Click to expand...

Excellent! thanks for the reassurance, and details. So if I don't like the Air Norton, but do like the Air Zone, I'll exchange the AN for the Breed Neck. That pup was the other pup I consdiered for the neck from DiMarzio, but was worried it would be too hot for my tastes. Sounds like I might actually really like it.
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

Ever since my friend put the Air Zone / Norton set in his LP and removed the 498T/490R...he has been in love with his LP. I have the stock Burstbucker Pros but have been dying to try some more Duncans and Dimarzios in this LP.

Can anyone tell me if the Air Zone can be made with a nickel cover!? I would also consider the Hot Virtual Vintage if it is as fat or fatter than the Burstbucker Pro!

Thanks!
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

papersoul said:
Ever since my friend put the Air Zone / Norton set in his LP and removed the 498T/490R...he has been in love with his LP. I have the stock Burstbucker Pros but have been dying to try some more Duncans and Dimarzios in this LP.
Click to expand...

Hey bro..just posted over on the LPF re: your pup question...

Also, I've got an AZ for sale cheap..no cover...but brand new... regular spacing...can always buy a cover (?)

:end saleswhore mode:

:D
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

papersoul said:
Jeff, don't you like the Air Zone?
Click to expand...

Never tried it. Bought it for my Bird..heard some guy at the local shop with one in a V through a 2203 reissue and did not like the tone he was getting..too much bass and mids...not enough clarity.

Since the Bird is somewhere between a V and a Explorer tone-wise I was leery of using it.

I think it would sound best in a bolt on neck guitar that needs some "fat". In a Les Paul I'd imagine it would sound better due to the added brightness of a maple cap, but I don't know.
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

papersoul said:
Can anyone tell me if the Air Zone can be made with a nickel cover!? I would also consider the Hot Virtual Vintage if it is as fat or fatter than the Burstbucker Pro!

Thanks!
Click to expand...
yes but you would be better off buying jeff's and putting your own cover on it
i say this for two reasons
one is that jeff will give you a great deal on a NEW air zone he has
and second i think that the AZ sounds best without a cover
the cover takes some highs out and you dont want that with a AZ in a lester
calls me CRAZY but dimarzios in general dont sound very good with covers:beerchug:
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

If anyone is still looking for a sample with a VPAF besides the one that's probably available on the DiMarzio site, he could download it from a "G&B" humbucker comparison that this german magazine published a few months ago. There are samples with Seymour Duncans, too, all done with the same setup:

http://www1.gitarrebass.de/magazine/0502/paf.htm
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

hans-jürgen said:
If anyone is still looking for a sample with a VPAF besides the one that's probably available on the DiMarzio site, he could download it from a "G&B" humbucker comparison that this german magazine published a few months ago. There are samples with Seymour Duncans, too, all done with the same setup:

http://www1.gitarrebass.de/magazine/0502/paf.htm
Click to expand...

Wow, those samples were nice and surprising I really didn't prefer the WCRs in those clips. I really liked the Dimarzio VPAF and now am very interested ion the Virtual hot PAF. I may have to check one out in my Les Paul. I thought about the Air Zone as well but am impressed with that VPAF. Maybe I could do the Air Zone in my PRS CE. I never thought I would like Dimarzios from hearing so many bad things from people.

I would have liked to hear how the Rio Grande BBQ would have sounded in that mix. Does anyone know the winner?

I think the Air Zone may be a bit too fat in a Les Paul but the VHPAF may work wonders.

One thing this proves is how pickups are really only seasoning. If you listen to all of those clips.....the differences are small and the amp can be tweaked to get most of those pickups sounding similar. A real eye opener! Makes you wonder if it is ever worth it to buy expensive boutique pickups.
 
Last edited:
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

Well this Vpaf clip is the worst guitar tone i ever had to listen ; no pick attack , punch , all in a buzz !
Come on fellows make your self a treat an put a good old set of Jazz and Screaming Demon , you'll have tone to spare and when you'll be very old and on viagra just put a set of virtual paf to be a virtual guitar hero !!!
:firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing: :firing:
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

papersoul said:
I would have liked to hear how the Rio Grande BBQ would have sounded in that mix. Does anyone know the winner?
One thing this proves is how pickups are really only seasoning. If you listen to all of those clips.....the differences are small and the amp can be tweaked to get most of those pickups sounding similar. A real eye opener! Makes you wonder if it is ever worth it to buy expensive boutique pickups.
Click to expand...
The author thought that the boutique pickups by Kloppmann and Dommenget sounded best = closest to the original 1962 Gibson PAF he also tested. By the way, the test was done with a Gibson Historic R9 and a Marshall 18w Combo plus additional box. You can hear bigger differences with a good headphone, too, but it's true that they are all quite close which also depends on the chosen settings for the guitar and amp of course.
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

The ultimate Hybrid?

How about:
- one coil from the Air Zone
- one coil from the Virtual PAF

That would be about 12k of PAF-shaped goodness. I'd like to hear that. :beerchug:

I find it hard to believe anyone's tone would be either muddy OR spikey with that setup.
 
Last edited:
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

Hmmm...I just listened to a bunch (but not all) of those clips through some good headphones...

I listened to the DiMarzio, the Gibsons, the Duncans, and the Fralin

out of those I'd personally rate them

1) Antiquities
2) BurstBuckers
3) Seths
4) Fralin
5) 57 CLassic
6) DiMarzio

i thought the v PAF was not so good...at least in those clips..it's got that little bit too much fuzz on top...I HATE that...and that's typical of DiMarzio pickups...

The 57 classic was a little muddy..the Fralin had a mid spike I didn't like...

Antiquities, BB, and Seths all were woody & full with just enough compression..I'd be curious to how the BB pros sound in that "shootout" cos they are very good sounding pups too when ya set em up right...

for what it's worth I didn't think the 62 PAF sounded as nice as the Duncans or the BB's either...it had a little too much fuzz too...
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

JeffB said:
Hmmm...I just listened to a bunch (but not all) of those clips through some good headphones...

I listened to the DiMarzio, the Gibsons, the Duncans, and the Fralin

out of those I'd personally rate them

1) Antiquities
2) BurstBuckers
3) Seths
4) Fralin
5) 57 CLassic
6) DiMarzio

i thought the v PAF was not so good...at least in those clips..it's got that little bit too much fuzz on top...I HATE that...and that's typical of DiMarzio pickups...

The 57 classic was a little muddy..the Fralin had a mid spike I didn't like...

Antiquities, BB, and Seths all were woody & full with just enough compression..I'd be curious to how the BB pros sound in that "shootout" cos they are very good sounding pups too when ya set em up right...

for what it's worth I didn't think the 62 PAF sounded as nice as the Duncans or the BB's either...it had a little too much fuzz too...
Click to expand...

I listened to them again and think you are right! Also, the BB Pros are so good. I can get about any tone from clean to blues to metal in my LP Standard. Nice hot PAF tone. Definitely hotter than a Pearly gates or 59.
 
Last edited:
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

papersoul said:
I listened to them again and think you are right! Also, the BB Pros are so good. I can get about any tone from clean to blues to metal in my LP Standard. Nice hot PAF tone. Definitely hotter than a Pearly gates or 59.
Click to expand...

If I wanted a strictly Blues/Classic Rock Guitar I'd definitely go with any of the pups in "my" top 3 for that midrange "honk" and smoothness. But since most of the stuff I play is harder rock (insert obligatory "see my sig" comment), I prefer something a little more crunchy sounding, like the BB pros or Duncan 59. The BB pros "crunch" a little better than a Seth/Antuiquity, etc.

As an example, Thin Lizzy: Live and Dangerous: Brian Robertsons tone, Fat, yet crunchy. Scott Gorhams tone: smoother and more biting. Granted the rigs are just totally different for the two guitar players but its a good comparison "in one place" to hear what I want/need. Again. Thin Lizzy Live: Life: Sykes more crunchy rhythm tones vs/ Scotts smoother sound (actually a 500T nails Sykes tone on that album)

They (BBPs) do smooth out tho as the gain gets higher (too much depending on the individual guitar), and cleans are excellent. I'm really starting to like them thanks to your setup recommendation. :)
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

Majestic said:
So we still don't have any clips of the Virtual Hot PAF?
Click to expand...

Ask and Ye Shall Receive! Just uploaded:

http://www.justinsamaha.com/JB.mp3
http://www.justinsamaha.com/VHotPAF.mp3

I considered giving the clips anonymous names, but it just seemed screamingly obvious which was which, so I didn't bother.

I was kind of shocked by the difference. I could swear an oath that I recorded with the exact same setup, but the difference is so great that it makes me wonder... The JB clip was recorded two weeks ago, the V Hot PAF about 15 minutes ago. The strings were changed between recordings, and were about the same age. It was recorded direct through a Pod XT, 100 watt Marshall Plexi model, no EQ or compression after recording. The levels were matched as closely as possible and normalized before converting to MP3.

The more I use the VHPAF, the more I like it. Recorded, it sounds so balanced, crisp, and hi-fi. The JB, in contrast, sounds fat and big (which I love!) - but kind of ugly in the upper mids. Exactly as many would predict, I think.

Wow. Interesting. But still, YMMV - this is me playing my guitar through my recording rig, and then smashed down into an MP3. Hardly scientific!

I'm installing my new Air Zone/Air Norton combo tomorrrow or Thursday, and will record the same riff again. I'm hoping the Air Zone might bring together in peace and harmony the fatness of the JB and sweet, clear crunchiness of the VHPAF! stay tuned...
 
Re: Dimario Virtual PAF - thumbs up

Perfect example of why I don't like a JB in a set/neck through guitar..its got punch and will cut through a mix...but very little clarity and that brittle high mid sound....love em in a strat..but ughhh...

The VPAF actually sounds nice Wildstar..better than the shootout clips...it does have that DiMarzio fuzz in the top end though...I certainly wouldn't judge all lower output pups/PAFs using DiMArzio as a benchmark...grab a Seth or a BurstBucker or something and try that before ya give up on em.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top