DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

chill

chill

New member
I picked up an IC400 reissue Iceman recently. The stock pups are the AH1 and AH2, which are OK but not great. I like that they have plenty of mids, some scream for soloing and a bit of chunk on the low end (once the low E string hex pole was screwed out a bit), but they seem to lack clarity. I like the ease with which I get the pinch harmonics.

I want to keep the scream, cut, and pinch harmonics, add some low mids and a bit more chunk and clarity. Thought about the Norton, Evo, Evo 2, or Tone Zone at the bridge (TZ's described warmth/ lack of highs concerns me). Super D is a bit brighter than I'm looking for.

Which DiMarzio pup is the closest to what I'm looking for?
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

Given that the guitar is mahog and you want clarity i'd go with either Evo or Evo2. Both have the scream,cut and insan pinch harmonics. They should also sound quite chunky in mahog and give you all the clarity and tightness you could ever want
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

I'm NOT feeling the Tonezone. I do like them though....

I'm almost thinking this is really a job for Duncan. Jazz/JB, or maybe even PG/Custom???
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

Loserchief said:
Given that the guitar is mahog and you want clarity i'd go with either Evo or Evo2. Both have the scream,cut and insan pinch harmonics. They should also sound quite chunky in mahog and give you all the clarity and tightness you could ever want[/QUOTE

I second the vote for the Evo if you want to stick to DiMarzios. They work great in my Les Paul. Very tight and articulate. Am going to try a d-sonic in another guitar soon. Heard good things about them too. Kinda like a JB but a bit warmer with a little more bass.
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Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

Hmm, a double creme Evo set may be in my future...thanks for the tips! Who's a good seller for that sort of stuff?

And good tip on the Custom/ PG Aceman, I have a Custom/ 59 in zebra laying around which may make their way into the axe for a trial. I've always thought they would make a good set for an SG, and the Iceman's all mahogany/ set neck/ TOM bridge config is pretty SG-ish. (and in fact, with the Iceman in and a Greco LPC on the way, my SG and Ibby Artist are on ebay waiting to go out)
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

Is the iceman a rather bright guitar? If so then the tone zone might do the job. I put one in a bright mahogany ESP and was afraid that it would lack highs.

I don't need to put the treble over 6 on my amp. It was fat, aggressive and much clearer than it was made out to be. In fact, the clarity is just about the same now as it was when the guitar had a JB. But like the JB, I'm betting the TZ is fickle about what guitar she's in. Maybe play it safe and go with an evo. But the TZ is a perfect match for my brighter/thinner guitar and its not coming out anytime soon.
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

Amog Dimarzio the Air Norton/ Air Zone is an AMAZINg high powered, buttery, setup. I also love the Air Classic and VPAF's for brighter, vintage sounds.

Haven't tried all the new Satch inspired stuff yet or the new strat stuff like the Areas.
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

chill said:
I picked up an IC400 reissue Iceman recently. The stock pups are the AH1 and AH2, which are OK but not great. I like that they have plenty of mids, some scream for soloing and a bit of chunk on the low end (once the low E string hex pole was screwed out a bit), but they seem to lack clarity. I like the ease with which I get the pinch harmonics.

I want to keep the scream, cut, and pinch harmonics, add some low mids and a bit more chunk and clarity. Thought about the Norton, Evo, Evo 2, or Tone Zone at the bridge (TZ's described warmth/ lack of highs concerns me). Super D is a bit brighter than I'm looking for.

Which DiMarzio pup is the closest to what I'm looking for?
Click to expand...

I'm guessin' it's what I use - the D Sonic. It has a ton of treble and brightness. It screams, power chords cut and are well defined. It's all about low mids - not bassy (or muddy) at all. Pinch Harmonics are a cinch to eke out. This is a PURELY HEAVY METAL pickup (besides different wiring config's).
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

OlinMusic said:
Amog Dimarzio the Air Norton/ Air Zone is an AMAZINg high powered, buttery, setup. I also love the Air Classic and VPAF's for brighter, vintage sounds.

Haven't tried all the new Satch inspired stuff yet or the new strat stuff like the Areas.
Click to expand...

The Air Zone is great for something but it's already muddy in an alder body floyded super strat, i guess it would only get worse in mahog.
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

How does the Norton compare to the FRED or the Duncan Custom?

And what axe do you have that D-Sonic in, Distortion?
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

I'd do with a Dimarzio Superdistortion or Evolution Bridge and PAF neck. Both the superdistortiona nd evolution add clarity to the mahogany, though the Evolution is a bit more sensitive to your playing and exposes your mistakes more oftes- I describe it as a "hairier" superdistortion.

I had the Tone Zone in my Les Paul. It was like an uncontrollable fire breathing dragon- nice for Toni Iommi tones, but lacked clarity
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

Fire breathing LP - I can see that. I like the TZ compression. Adds a nice tube-iness to solidstate/digital IMO. I agree with the superD also. I can see the clarity addition statement there and agree. I really like the SuperD tone in my old age. It's not the balls-to-the-wall shrieker that my Duncan distortion is, and that's ok. In a good way.
 
Re: DiMarzio pups for an Iceman

chill said:
And what axe do you have that D-Sonic in, Distortion?
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I have it in my Jackson DKMG that has an Alder body, maple neck, and 24 fret rosewood fretboard. The pickup is bright naturally which is fine, but I use it with a 250k pot to take some edge off of it, and it's fine. Very good for shred styles - which I ever so slightly play (ha) - and Heavy Frickin' Metal rhythm. Loads of prescence. I find it a good match with my SH-6 Distortion neck p.u..
 
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