Dimarzio Super Distortion
- Thread starter PimpDaDdy
- Start date
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
Good ideas and responses. Thanks a lot for the opinions guys. My amp is a tough question to answer. At it's heart it's digital but I have tubes on the front and back to give it some of its feel. Here is my signal chain and rig:
2006 Les Paul Custom mahogany, maple cap, ebony fret board JB/Full Shred
->
Hughes and Kettner Tube Factor (just to warm and thicken the sound no real boost)
->
Line6 Pod XT pro (Mainly the treadplate and Lunatic models)
->
Mesa Boogie Simul 2:90
->
Custom 2x12 cabinet with eminence modeling 12 speakers
The evolution seems to be too pretty to me. If we stick with the girl analogy she seems like the model that doesn’t want to get her hands dirty if you know what I mean. LOL. If I wanted to shred and play lead all day I suppose that could rock. I don't want to go sick nuts with the X2N or Dimebag that’s over kill for what I want the guitar to do.
I think I’m down to making my first try a Dimarzio Super Distortion or the Tone Zone. Somebody at Dimarzio told me that the Tone Zone has better harmonics because it has more mids than the distortion. If the Tone Zone is hot enough I think I would give that a try first. I want a rhythm sound that will hit them in the chest like Thor’s hammer and then a lead sound that is semi-sweet and tubular that will lop off their head with the elegance of a katana!
Has anyone compared the Tone Zone to the JB? I wonder what their relative perceived output level is. I am hoping for something that is hotter than the JB but cooler than the Duncan Distortion. I know the Dimarzio Super distortion fits in there somewhere too. I’m just not sure about the Tone Zone.
Good ideas and responses. Thanks a lot for the opinions guys. My amp is a tough question to answer. At it's heart it's digital but I have tubes on the front and back to give it some of its feel. Here is my signal chain and rig:
2006 Les Paul Custom mahogany, maple cap, ebony fret board JB/Full Shred
->
Hughes and Kettner Tube Factor (just to warm and thicken the sound no real boost)
->
Line6 Pod XT pro (Mainly the treadplate and Lunatic models)
->
Mesa Boogie Simul 2:90
->
Custom 2x12 cabinet with eminence modeling 12 speakers
The evolution seems to be too pretty to me. If we stick with the girl analogy she seems like the model that doesn’t want to get her hands dirty if you know what I mean. LOL. If I wanted to shred and play lead all day I suppose that could rock. I don't want to go sick nuts with the X2N or Dimebag that’s over kill for what I want the guitar to do.
I think I’m down to making my first try a Dimarzio Super Distortion or the Tone Zone. Somebody at Dimarzio told me that the Tone Zone has better harmonics because it has more mids than the distortion. If the Tone Zone is hot enough I think I would give that a try first. I want a rhythm sound that will hit them in the chest like Thor’s hammer and then a lead sound that is semi-sweet and tubular that will lop off their head with the elegance of a katana!
Has anyone compared the Tone Zone to the JB? I wonder what their relative perceived output level is. I am hoping for something that is hotter than the JB but cooler than the Duncan Distortion. I know the Dimarzio Super distortion fits in there somewhere too. I’m just not sure about the Tone Zone.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
No such thing exists because both of those pickups have the same coils, just different magnets. If you go cooler than the Distortion, you're going cooler than the JB. Actually, if we look at magnet power, the JB is cooler than the Distortion (A5 versus Ceramic).
Listen to Mr. Big's "Lean In To It" album. Paul Gilbert was using the Tone Zone on that one from what I recall. He had a great tone on that album.
The SuperD has less winds than the JB and Distortion, and even the Tone Zone, but gets it's power from the magnet. It can hang. It may be old school, but it's still one of the best out there, IMO anyway.
No such thing exists because both of those pickups have the same coils, just different magnets. If you go cooler than the Distortion, you're going cooler than the JB. Actually, if we look at magnet power, the JB is cooler than the Distortion (A5 versus Ceramic).
Listen to Mr. Big's "Lean In To It" album. Paul Gilbert was using the Tone Zone on that one from what I recall. He had a great tone on that album.
The SuperD has less winds than the JB and Distortion, and even the Tone Zone, but gets it's power from the magnet. It can hang. It may be old school, but it's still one of the best out there, IMO anyway.
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Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
ErikH,
As far as winds go I think that you're right there isn't much difference between the DD and the JB. I think the magnets are what makes the significant difference in their output. To me the distortion is definitely a louder hotter pickup. It would be nice if Seymour Duncan actually provided the mV output for their pickups. Obviously this is subject to MANY different factors and that is another topic for another thread anyway.
ErikH,
As far as winds go I think that you're right there isn't much difference between the DD and the JB. I think the magnets are what makes the significant difference in their output. To me the distortion is definitely a louder hotter pickup. It would be nice if Seymour Duncan actually provided the mV output for their pickups. Obviously this is subject to MANY different factors and that is another topic for another thread anyway.
A
agent007
Guest
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
from what i've heard, the tonezone is like a competing product to the JB. it's got more low end, smooth, and high output. definitely get good harmonics and limiteless tones and you don't need to pump a lot of distortion because it drives the amp nicely. the only problem i had with it is that i had to play with my eq for a while before i found just the right tone, but that could go for most pickups i guess
from what i've heard, the tonezone is like a competing product to the JB. it's got more low end, smooth, and high output. definitely get good harmonics and limiteless tones and you don't need to pump a lot of distortion because it drives the amp nicely. the only problem i had with it is that i had to play with my eq for a while before i found just the right tone, but that could go for most pickups i guess
Empty Pockets
BadHairDayologist
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
I really like Super Distortions...thick and crunchy and heavy like it used to be. They really need old-school tube amps to sound their best though, your rig is pretty modernized.
I really like Super Distortions...thick and crunchy and heavy like it used to be. They really need old-school tube amps to sound their best though, your rig is pretty modernized.
ex-250
Riffologist Extraordinaire
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
actually you can make a JB from hell, which is hotter than a JB but cooler than a DD. its just a JB (or DD i guess) with a normal sized ceramic mag instead of the oversized ones
actually you can make a JB from hell, which is hotter than a JB but cooler than a DD. its just a JB (or DD i guess) with a normal sized ceramic mag instead of the oversized ones
Skoora
New member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
With all that great gear I think you seriously need to re-think the Pod for nailing your tonal choices before the pickups. It seems a shame to run such a nice guitar (I have a Custom too), into a good pedal (used to own one of those as well) and have a great power amp at the end of such a mediocre preamp. It's like someone building one of those euro style, kit sports cars, but it has the VW beetle engine in it.
With all that great gear I think you seriously need to re-think the Pod for nailing your tonal choices before the pickups. It seems a shame to run such a nice guitar (I have a Custom too), into a good pedal (used to own one of those as well) and have a great power amp at the end of such a mediocre preamp. It's like someone building one of those euro style, kit sports cars, but it has the VW beetle engine in it.
Empty Pockets
BadHairDayologist
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
That's kinda what I was thinkin. You oughta be able to find a head that does those tones to your liking, especially if you only really use two of the settings on your POD. a POD is for when you want to do 30 amp sounds on half an amp's budget. If you've got the dough for all that other sweet stuff you could put a nice li'l Orange or Mesa combo in there.
Hell I saw a Soldano combo amp on eBay the other day. Those get sweet 80's metal tones.
That's kinda what I was thinkin. You oughta be able to find a head that does those tones to your liking, especially if you only really use two of the settings on your POD. a POD is for when you want to do 30 amp sounds on half an amp's budget. If you've got the dough for all that other sweet stuff you could put a nice li'l Orange or Mesa combo in there.
Hell I saw a Soldano combo amp on eBay the other day. Those get sweet 80's metal tones.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
Yes, you can do that too. BUT, that is not a pickup that is part of the standard production line. Sure, a magnet swap is easy to do, but some folks don't care to take that path.
Yes, you can do that too. BUT, that is not a pickup that is part of the standard production line. Sure, a magnet swap is easy to do, but some folks don't care to take that path.
pinto79
New member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
I'm going to voice up for the Super Distortion. I find it hits more sweet spots than the TZ, and overall has a more usable plette.
To throw another in, I'll second a previous mention to a Super 3, everything the SD is, but more output and more growl. It's a current favourite of mine.
Trevor
I'm going to voice up for the Super Distortion. I find it hits more sweet spots than the TZ, and overall has a more usable plette.
To throw another in, I'll second a previous mention to a Super 3, everything the SD is, but more output and more growl. It's a current favourite of mine.
Trevor
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
I am actually really happy with the setup. I'm not using the PODxt as a preamp per se I'm using it's full modeling capability with cabinet emulation. The Mesa Boogie is just acting as a straight power amp. It's like pushing a hi fi stereo sound through it to be amplified clean as opposed to a preamp signal that I want to further distort by getting distortion out of the power amp section. That is one of the reasons why I went so huge on the amp. I wanted the extra headroom. The PODxt simply can't be beat when it comes to fexibility at the stomp of a button. That being said....eventually I know I'll be looking for a tube based amp when I'm ready to make that move and lock myself into one sound. Bogner, Diezel, Mesa Boogie, Marshall, Peavey, Rivera...so many to choose from.
I am actually really happy with the setup. I'm not using the PODxt as a preamp per se I'm using it's full modeling capability with cabinet emulation. The Mesa Boogie is just acting as a straight power amp. It's like pushing a hi fi stereo sound through it to be amplified clean as opposed to a preamp signal that I want to further distort by getting distortion out of the power amp section. That is one of the reasons why I went so huge on the amp. I wanted the extra headroom. The PODxt simply can't be beat when it comes to fexibility at the stomp of a button. That being said....eventually I know I'll be looking for a tube based amp when I'm ready to make that move and lock myself into one sound. Bogner, Diezel, Mesa Boogie, Marshall, Peavey, Rivera...so many to choose from.
Dave Z
New member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
"Has anyone compared the Tone Zone to the JB? "
Yes I tried both in an SG. Got the TZ in there now.
JB: good pickup, as you found does a lot of things well, decent lows but not thunderous, lots of mids, so very characteristic sound. Good harmonics but again, not outstanding.
TZ: Definitely has a big low end, chunky rhythms, yes indeed, and does very good harmonics. I do not find it dark, but it has some sweetness on the high end. Not old school, has a more modern flatter sound to it. Think the athletic chick with a killer tush, round & full without any flab, tight abs and a decent but not overwhelming top end, to use your analogy. She's not easy to keep up with - she will kick your ass if you get sloppy. She's very sensitive to your fingers, uh, if you know what I mean...hit her hard and she'll yell. Stroke her softly and she's surprisingly sweet. Crank her up and she'll scream, oh yes she'll scream. Not the shrill twang of the custom, but a bit more masculine. After all, she's the athletic chick.
God, now you got me all hotted up! LOL....
"Has anyone compared the Tone Zone to the JB? "
Yes I tried both in an SG. Got the TZ in there now.
JB: good pickup, as you found does a lot of things well, decent lows but not thunderous, lots of mids, so very characteristic sound. Good harmonics but again, not outstanding.
TZ: Definitely has a big low end, chunky rhythms, yes indeed, and does very good harmonics. I do not find it dark, but it has some sweetness on the high end. Not old school, has a more modern flatter sound to it. Think the athletic chick with a killer tush, round & full without any flab, tight abs and a decent but not overwhelming top end, to use your analogy. She's not easy to keep up with - she will kick your ass if you get sloppy. She's very sensitive to your fingers, uh, if you know what I mean...hit her hard and she'll yell. Stroke her softly and she's surprisingly sweet. Crank her up and she'll scream, oh yes she'll scream. Not the shrill twang of the custom, but a bit more masculine. After all, she's the athletic chick.
God, now you got me all hotted up! LOL....
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
Great Replies!!!
You guys take this p/up thing WAY too seriously...
:9:
j/k,great analogies!
8/
Great Replies!!!
You guys take this p/up thing WAY too seriously...
:9:
j/k,great analogies!
8/
fullfistrock21
New member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
you should try the patb line seymour duncan has it seems to be all the things your lookin for, i would say patb-1 or patb distortion.
you should try the patb line seymour duncan has it seems to be all the things your lookin for, i would say patb-1 or patb distortion.
toneseekr
New member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
i love the super distortion and the evolution. i switch all the time between the super and evo. i have a jackson DXMG with alder body and maple neck and rosewood fretboard. and i also have a peavey explorer with mohogany body and maple neck and ebony fretboard. on the peavey i like the super more than the evo. and i like the evo more on the jackson. the super on the jackson sounds to dull, but the evo sounds just powerful and screams but around the 2-3 stings on the 12 thru 15 frets the notes fill the room up more with the super, rather than with the evo and same 12 - 15 effect on the peavey, but on the peavey the super has waaay more chugga chugga effect with the rythm section and fill the room more. here is me doing a dimarzio comparison on the evo and super. later will have one for the peavey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RcZoFLOopM
i love the super distortion and the evolution. i switch all the time between the super and evo. i have a jackson DXMG with alder body and maple neck and rosewood fretboard. and i also have a peavey explorer with mohogany body and maple neck and ebony fretboard. on the peavey i like the super more than the evo. and i like the evo more on the jackson. the super on the jackson sounds to dull, but the evo sounds just powerful and screams but around the 2-3 stings on the 12 thru 15 frets the notes fill the room up more with the super, rather than with the evo and same 12 - 15 effect on the peavey, but on the peavey the super has waaay more chugga chugga effect with the rythm section and fill the room more. here is me doing a dimarzio comparison on the evo and super. later will have one for the peavey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RcZoFLOopM
IanBallard
New member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
Al DiMeola, Ace Frehley, Jerry Garcia, Frank Zappa, both guitarists in Iron Maiden, Eddie Van Halen (early club days and some say on the first record), Kurt Cobain and a host of others used the Super Distortion either exclusively or at various times. If you want a one-trick pony metal pickup, you won't find it there. Smooth, creamy and still loud enough to cut through. If you want something with versatility and can still hold up in a wicked metal amp setup, that's your pup.
Al DiMeola, Ace Frehley, Jerry Garcia, Frank Zappa, both guitarists in Iron Maiden, Eddie Van Halen (early club days and some say on the first record), Kurt Cobain and a host of others used the Super Distortion either exclusively or at various times. If you want a one-trick pony metal pickup, you won't find it there. Smooth, creamy and still loud enough to cut through. If you want something with versatility and can still hold up in a wicked metal amp setup, that's your pup.
IanBallard
New member
Re: Dimarzio Super Distortion
Supposedly, the Evo is a modded (unbalanced coil) version of the Super D. Vai used to use them too... forgot to add him to the list. The Evos are more aggressive on the high-end and frankly, I'm not a huge fan of his tone and sometimes his "noise solos" give me a headache.
Supposedly, the Evo is a modded (unbalanced coil) version of the Super D. Vai used to use them too... forgot to add him to the list. The Evos are more aggressive on the high-end and frankly, I'm not a huge fan of his tone and sometimes his "noise solos" give me a headache.
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