DiMarzio equivalent to Quarter Pound?

Re: DiMarzio equivalent to Quarter Pound?

Good to know! If you find out anything about running the Areas in split mode, please report back.
 
Re: DiMarzio equivalent to Quarter Pound?

I did actually. I asked DiMarzio directly... is there a tonal and/or any other advantage to using a super switch with a RWRP middle pickup and wiring the Areas to split+noise cancel in positions #2 and #4, versus wiring them straight up?

The answer from tech support:
There is a little more quack in the 2 and 4 positions with the PDF you cited. How much of an advantage that offers depends on the sound you have in mind. Some players depend on the 2 & 4 positions for this sound, but others don’t find it to be as important.​

The PDF is a RWRP wiring diagram on their site. The flip side is that many vintage purists are adamant that the 2/4 positions sound BETTER when they're non-RWRP.
 
Re: DiMarzio equivalent to Quarter Pound?

I can't speak for others, but I'd be more concerned about authentic tone in position 3. I don't think I'd have an issue with running full stacks in positions 2 and 4, but welcome the possibility of having those positions closer in output to positions 1, 3 and 5.

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of using an RWRP stack in position and running it full-time as a true single. That way it can sit a little lower, though it would be also be quieter than the split bridge and neck in positions 2 and 4, but some people like that.
 
Re: DiMarzio equivalent to Quarter Pound?

If you want a beefy tone that is still single coil....

Have you thought about upgrading the Legacy's alnicos for the S-500's MFD singles? Drop-in replacements. They are a powerful pickup with a full-range response.

And...how are you adjusting your PTB controls? I set the TREBLE on 10, BASS on 5. Then I set my amp for the twang I want from the bridge. If I want a fatter tone, I can back down the TREBLE, and add BASS.

The original Legacys used Duncan SSL-2s with flattops. The flats work well with the standard 12" radius board. The G&L CLF-100 pickup of the newer Legacys are virtually the same. The stock Alnicos give you that great vintage strat tone, but the MFDs of the S-500 are just bigger...think Texas blues or singing sustained fusion tones.

I have Legacys, Comanches, S-500s and Legacy Specials; all are good. Z-Coils sound very close to the S-500 MFDs, but are hum-cancelling. The Legacy Special's Gotoh Blades have more of a thick, PAF-ish tone. I usually gig with a Legacy and a Special. But if I can only take one guitar, then it's usually the Comanche or an S-500.

One other set that I really like is the Texas Hot Antiquitys. I have sets in two of my ash Legacys (I have 18 G&Ls), and use the RW/RP middle and the Power Bridge. Another flavor from the others; not as bright as Alnicos and the MFDs, brighter than the Gotohs. Beefier. Creamier, smoky mids. Almost remind me of P-90s at times. For Nile Rodgers' rhythm parts with Chic, I'd want the stock Legacy. For something more ROCK, the TH Ants work great. Bridge pickup has balls. A great set. Not giving up my stock pickups, but I like the Texas Hots for a change of pace.

I hope this helps.

Bill
 
Re: DiMarzio equivalent to Quarter Pound?

I can't speak for others, but I'd be more concerned about authentic tone in position 3. I don't think I'd have an issue with running full stacks in positions 2 and 4, but welcome the possibility of having those positions closer in output to positions 1, 3 and 5.

I'm a relative strat newbie -- been playing for 30+ years, this is my first legit strat-style guitar. I'm loving the tonal versatility but I'm not in love with position #3, in terms of it being useful. It's just a little too "in yer face".
 
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Re: DiMarzio equivalent to Quarter Pound?

If you want a beefy tone that is still single coil....
Yes. But I say that based on the assumption that having a super beefy bridge tone (i.e P-90 or beefier) is going to be sacrificing #2 quack. I want both! :)

And...how are you adjusting your PTB controls? I set the TREBLE on 10, BASS on 5. Then I set my amp for the twang I want from the bridge. If I want a fatter tone, I can back down the TREBLE, and add BASS.
In theory, I'm a PTB fan. In practice, not so much. I'd rather have no-load tones on the neck/bridge and nothing on the middle pup. In fact, if I had a dedicated bridge tone I might have never started down this path.

The original Legacys used Duncan SSL-2s with flattops.
Never knew that!

One other set that I really like is the Texas Hot Antiquitys. I have sets in two of my ash Legacys (I have 18 G&Ls), and use the RW/RP middle and the Power Bridge. Another flavor from the others; not as bright as Alnicos and the MFDs, brighter than the Gotohs. Beefier. Creamier, smoky mids. Almost remind me of P-90s at times. For Nile Rodgers' rhythm parts with Chic, I'd want the stock Legacy. For something more ROCK, the TH Ants work great. Bridge pickup has balls. A great set. Not giving up my stock pickups, but I like the Texas Hots for a change of pace.
In the end, I'll be happy as long as I can do a convincing SRV tone with this Legacy. Everything else is gravy.

I hope this helps.
Yes, tremendously. Thanks!
 
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