Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

[PFDarkside]

For the Dimarzio fans, what do you think of the following two combos in a Strat with Rosewood and vintage style bridge? I'm just looking for some interesting and fun combos to try out.

-Super Distortion & FRED
-Tone Zone/Air Zone & Air Norton

 

[gregory]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

I like the Tone Zone/Air Norton combo, but think the LiquiFire is a better neck pickup. The Illuminator is supposed to be a further enhancement in the way of note definition, but I haven't yet heard the two compared side by side.

I haven't heard a Fred in the neck, but can see how it could sound quite nice.

 

[DKSEARS]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

I have and like the Super Distortion / PAF Pro, the Breed set, the Transition set and Super Distortion / 36th PAF combos. Each is good in its own right, but each is different.

I haven't tried the illuminators, yet, but I hear the same as gregory.


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[treyhaislip]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

Have not yet tried a FRED but would like to someday (as well as the other Satriani pickups.)

While not one you listed, I do think the Liquifire is worth checking out–very tubular and warm without getting muddy. I have it paired with a Screamin Demon (which also makes for an awesome neck pickup.)

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

So it seems like the Liquifire is a modified version of the Air Norton for Petrucci, based on the description. Definitely an interesting option.

 

[gregory]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

If you want something a little brighter in the neck, there's the PAF Pro. If you want something a bit more vintage sounding, there's the PAF Joe.

 

[Wolfenstein98k]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

How heavy? If you need to cut through high-gain and still be able to sing some lead phrases, try a D-Activator/LiquiFire set. I adored mine

 

[Demanic]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

Or just the D-Activator set.

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[Dusty.Rhoads]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

Air Norton bridge and a Bluesbucker neck...robust bridge and sweet neck...that's the way you do it

 

[Obsessive Compulsive]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

If you want something a little brighter in the neck, there's the PAF Pro. If you want something a bit more vintage sounding, there's the PAF Joe.

I reckon with your ear you can actually identify the gauge of strings used as well as the brand.

 

[The JEM Ghost]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

If you want something a little brighter in the neck, there's the PAF Pro. If you want something a bit more vintage sounding, there's the PAF Joe.

I got both the PAF Pro and the PAF Joe, and even if the DiMarzio site describe the PAF Joe as sounding vintage, it is not vintage sounding to my ears at all, it's just a little brighter than the PAF Pro, but in my opinion it really does not sound like a vintage bucker.

From the two sets the OP has put up I would certainly pick the Tone/Air Zone and Air Norton combo. The Liquifire is indeed an evolution of the Air Norton, so that one could be worth looking at too if you like the sound of an Air Norton in the neck spot.
But to give a good recommendation, we need to know what sound you after, what you like in the bridge and neck spot usually or what you are after. Fat sounding pickups? Scooped ones? etc...
If you let me know, I can put out my thought on it!! :approve:

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

Really I'm looking for something more powerful than what I currently have (mostly vintage and mid level output Strats, PAF Class HBs and a Custom, C5 & PAF Pro. Add in a powerful neck as well. (On the Duncan side I'm considering trying the Distortions and the Black Winters)

 

[gregory]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

I got both the PAF Pro and the PAF Joe, and even if the DiMarzio site describe the PAF Joe as sounding vintage, it is not vintage sounding to my ears at all, it's just a little brighter than the PAF Pro, but in my opinion it really does not sound like a vintage bucker.

I've been reading all sorts of mixed things about the PAF Pro vs the PAF Joe. Reviews seem all over the map. In terms of a bit more vintage, I think it has to do with reduced mids and output. In my mind there's a distinct difference between saying something sounds a bit more vintage than something else, and saying something sounds vintage. I didn't claim the latter. Personally I like the PAF Pro in the neck and I've never tried a PAF Joe. Like you, I don't think the PAF Pro sounds vintage at all and from demos I can see why some people would find the PAF Joe to be more vintage sounding.

Anyway, it looks like Steve Blucher has revisited a few of his designs, adding "Virtual Vintage" tech. Does it work as advertised? YMMV. Maybe "vintage" is the new buzz phrase and DiMarzio is desperately trying to shoe-horn their products to fit a changing market where people are clamoring to pay top dollar for rusty pickups; especially those that have a sticker with a J on it.

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

I like the Tone Zone/Air Norton combo, but think the LiquiFire is a better neck pickup.

Why? How is it different?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

I'd say you are on the right track with the Black Winters, more than the Distortions.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

My favorite fun, hot, hh strat set right now is 2 duncan vintage strats in series in the neck and a custom and quarter pound strat in series in the bridge. Sounds soo good. So hot, so tasty and fun. I'm using just a 250k volume and it's bright enough. The tone sounds so wonderfully skanky with the staggered poles going the opposite way and the mismatch bridge.

 

[BartOfDarkness]

Re: Dimarzio HH combos for Super Strat

I'd go with an Illuminator in the bridge, it's very thick and punchy sounding, but has enough highs to keep it balanced out. Not sure what I'd put in the neck though, as I'm not a huge fan of any of my DiMarzio neck pickups at the moment. You could always try the fred and exchange it if you don't like it.