GreatWallGuard
New member
Hey, well, I am really a newcomer anyway. So maybe it is inevitable for me to ask some "stupid" questions? hehehe, Thanks for any advice!
Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
- Thread starter GreatWallGuard
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Iron Horse
New member
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
It depends on pups, and generally DiMarzios are overly fat or too d**n bright, at least the high gain pups (Tone Zone, X2N, SuperD etc).
Duncan's highs are more high mids, and DiMarzios have more presence, AFAIK, at least IMO
It depends on pups, and generally DiMarzios are overly fat or too d**n bright, at least the high gain pups (Tone Zone, X2N, SuperD etc).
Duncan's highs are more high mids, and DiMarzios have more presence, AFAIK, at least IMO
GreatWallGuard
New member
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
Something ,I found interesting, is that: solo artist like Vai, Gilbert, Satriani, and many others take Dimarzios, while metal bands like Megadeth, Antrax and many take Duncans. But why? Strong solos need more high-mids, and should be fatter and standout, while fast rhythms should be sharp and loose, right?
Thank you, man. I think there are many things for me to learn from you.
Something ,I found interesting, is that: solo artist like Vai, Gilbert, Satriani, and many others take Dimarzios, while metal bands like Megadeth, Antrax and many take Duncans. But why? Strong solos need more high-mids, and should be fatter and standout, while fast rhythms should be sharp and loose, right?
Thank you, man. I think there are many things for me to learn from you.
Loserchief
SwingingIdiot
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
IMO Dimarzios tend to have smoother,less sharp highs than duncans. they usually also have more low mids and bass. It#s all about the right guitar to match up with the pup.
IMO Dimarzios tend to have smoother,less sharp highs than duncans. they usually also have more low mids and bass. It#s all about the right guitar to match up with the pup.
Iron Horse
New member
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
The last sentence pretty much is the answer to every question in the Pickup Lounge, but I'd rather put it this way: It's all about the right pup to match with the guitar, amps, and effects (which should be right, too).
The last sentence pretty much is the answer to every question in the Pickup Lounge, but I'd rather put it this way: It's all about the right pup to match with the guitar, amps, and effects (which should be right, too).
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
At least in the case of Dimarzio's users I would instantly suspect endorsement and financial reasons. Not insulting them too much, but Dimarzio is pretty good at non-fundamental pickup business such as patents, trademarks, endorsement etc.
Overall the "how plays what" games isn't overly useful, since these guys can have a piece of gear hand-selected and hand-made to even the competitors sound, if they just publically play the **** thing.
At least in the case of Dimarzio's users I would instantly suspect endorsement and financial reasons. Not insulting them too much, but Dimarzio is pretty good at non-fundamental pickup business such as patents, trademarks, endorsement etc.
Overall the "how plays what" games isn't overly useful, since these guys can have a piece of gear hand-selected and hand-made to even the competitors sound, if they just publically play the **** thing.
Lazarus1140
New member
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
Yup. Imagine a well known player having the money to, for example, have a guitar hand built to his exact specifications and made to look like some manufacturer's production "signature" model.
Yup. Imagine a well known player having the money to, for example, have a guitar hand built to his exact specifications and made to look like some manufacturer's production "signature" model.
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TheArchitect
Guest
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
If you watch Satriani "Live in SF" DVD you will see that he plays half the show with a Duncan equipped Chromeboy. Shortly after that vid hits that guitar is "stolen" and Joe has not 1 but 2 new signature pickup models. Make no mistake about it, its buisiness.
If you watch Satriani "Live in SF" DVD you will see that he plays half the show with a Duncan equipped Chromeboy. Shortly after that vid hits that guitar is "stolen" and Joe has not 1 but 2 new signature pickup models. Make no mistake about it, its buisiness.
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
You don't even have to do that, in the case of guitars.
You just go to the factory or the main U.S. import point and go through 200 guitars of the same model. You'll find what you want sound-wise. And all the playing stuff can be modified (neck shape etc.). Most endorsement models are also bolt-on so you can say "body from this, neck from this", and you do that for 5 combos.
I rather trust somebody like Ritchie Blackmore who goes into NYC guitar shops on his own and plays 200 Strats without being messed with by Fender.
I have always looked at that endorsement stuff with suspicion, but what tipped me over is how ESP/LTD is now having whole bands under contract. Come on, how likely is it that two guitarists and the bassist all independently decide on the same (non-Giibson) guitar brand as their main axe? Not that ESP/LTD needs it in the first place, their axes are good enough.
You don't even have to do that, in the case of guitars.
You just go to the factory or the main U.S. import point and go through 200 guitars of the same model. You'll find what you want sound-wise. And all the playing stuff can be modified (neck shape etc.). Most endorsement models are also bolt-on so you can say "body from this, neck from this", and you do that for 5 combos.
I rather trust somebody like Ritchie Blackmore who goes into NYC guitar shops on his own and plays 200 Strats without being messed with by Fender.
I have always looked at that endorsement stuff with suspicion, but what tipped me over is how ESP/LTD is now having whole bands under contract. Come on, how likely is it that two guitarists and the bassist all independently decide on the same (non-Giibson) guitar brand as their main axe? Not that ESP/LTD needs it in the first place, their axes are good enough.
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alashredder
Guest
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
I had experiences with most of the Dimarzio and half of the Duncan lineup. Dimarzio's are more smoother like someone said earlier and they have a more rounded sound with a nice modern tone. The bass is definetly there, but the high's sound thinner than Duncans. Duncan's tend to have that (real) warmer sound, tones are more edgier than Dimarzio's and has that classic sound to them. Both great pickups, but most Duncan's tend to be a tad more expensive than most Dimarzio pickups.
I had experiences with most of the Dimarzio and half of the Duncan lineup. Dimarzio's are more smoother like someone said earlier and they have a more rounded sound with a nice modern tone. The bass is definetly there, but the high's sound thinner than Duncans. Duncan's tend to have that (real) warmer sound, tones are more edgier than Dimarzio's and has that classic sound to them. Both great pickups, but most Duncan's tend to be a tad more expensive than most Dimarzio pickups.
Holy Diver
New member
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
You can't really play metal with Dimarzios, not good heavy chords, anyway. I tried it with Evolutions (crappy), Steve Morse Bridge (better, but still crappy). Dimarzio's are really only good for lead work. You need Duncan's for that heavy metal sound, no way a Dimarzio is going to pull that off. Let the flaming begin, although I'm right. I know about Maiden, too. Maybe they got lucky with the SD.
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alex1fly
Well-known member
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
Don't generalize something like "overly fat" or "you can't play metal" to a whole line of pickups - you'll misinform people, especially someone relatively new to pickups. Your amp and fingers are much more important for getting that heavy metal sound, and "overly" fat is just an opinion. Dimarzio makes more fat sounding pickups, yes. Evos were designed specifically for Steve Vai, so of course they're better suited to lead work since that's all he plays. I'd listen to someone like alashredder who has tried most of the DMZ line, not someone who has only tried a couple of DMZs and disliked them both. I've only tried the VPAF and VPAF Hot, both low output, and I do agree that the slight cocked-wah effect makes them sound very nice for lead work, but they are both tight enough to do metal rhythm. I think the VPAFs are a little tighter than the Duncan PAFs I've tried. The VPAFs sound a little more polished, like they've already been slightly compressed and EQed, whereas the Duncans I've tried sound a little more accurate to the guitar they're in. You can't judge pickups by the famous bands that use them, because they're backed up by EQ units, compression, stacks, high dollar tube heads, all that. Dimarzio makes more HBs that accentuate lower mids, and I think they may sound better through smaller and less expensive amps. It really depends on your gear.
Don't generalize something like "overly fat" or "you can't play metal" to a whole line of pickups - you'll misinform people, especially someone relatively new to pickups. Your amp and fingers are much more important for getting that heavy metal sound, and "overly" fat is just an opinion. Dimarzio makes more fat sounding pickups, yes. Evos were designed specifically for Steve Vai, so of course they're better suited to lead work since that's all he plays. I'd listen to someone like alashredder who has tried most of the DMZ line, not someone who has only tried a couple of DMZs and disliked them both. I've only tried the VPAF and VPAF Hot, both low output, and I do agree that the slight cocked-wah effect makes them sound very nice for lead work, but they are both tight enough to do metal rhythm. I think the VPAFs are a little tighter than the Duncan PAFs I've tried. The VPAFs sound a little more polished, like they've already been slightly compressed and EQed, whereas the Duncans I've tried sound a little more accurate to the guitar they're in. You can't judge pickups by the famous bands that use them, because they're backed up by EQ units, compression, stacks, high dollar tube heads, all that. Dimarzio makes more HBs that accentuate lower mids, and I think they may sound better through smaller and less expensive amps. It really depends on your gear.
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Holy Diver
New member
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
Fingers and amps don't matter if the sound can't be acheived because of technical inadequacies. I want to hear ANY Dimarzio that sounds close to a JB or DD for metal. I am waiting for the clips.
Fingers and amps don't matter if the sound can't be acheived because of technical inadequacies. I want to hear ANY Dimarzio that sounds close to a JB or DD for metal. I am waiting for the clips.
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thucydides
Guest
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
my, my, it's getting warm in here...
my, my, it's getting warm in here...
Loserchief
SwingingIdiot
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
LOL, if you can't pull off metal rhythms and chords with the Evo either your amp or your technique is seriously lacking.
I've tried both the regular Evo and the 7-string version and both have tightness and clarity a JB(way too loose sounding) or a DD(tight but a bit harsh imo) can't even be compared to.
I don't know what definition of metal is but for more technical stuff there are few things that are on par with the Evo.
Whatever setup you tried the pups with and whatever your style of metal is you're way too generalizing here.
There are lots of artists out there who get killer metal rhythms out of DMZ it's all a matter of preference and the rig you're using.
LOL, if you can't pull off metal rhythms and chords with the Evo either your amp or your technique is seriously lacking.
I've tried both the regular Evo and the 7-string version and both have tightness and clarity a JB(way too loose sounding) or a DD(tight but a bit harsh imo) can't even be compared to.
I don't know what definition of metal is but for more technical stuff there are few things that are on par with the Evo.
Whatever setup you tried the pups with and whatever your style of metal is you're way too generalizing here.
There are lots of artists out there who get killer metal rhythms out of DMZ it's all a matter of preference and the rig you're using.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
A serious attempt to answer the question (I know- it's not my style, but here it goes!):
General grossest overall statement - Dimarzio is bass/low mids, Duncan is highs/upper mids.
Next- Dimarzio is more modern/experimental, Duncan is more classic
Then- Dimarzio is all A5/Ceramic mags, Duncan is about A2's as well as A5/Ceramics
Also- DiMarzio is about a great range of outputs, Duncan is about standard or high
Finally- DiMarzio is about Punk-@$$ patent moves and litigation, Duncan is about the Worlds Greatest Guitar Forum!
Overall they both make great pups, but Larry and Seymour have different ears. As has been said- the right answer is "Whatever sounds best." I have both Duncans and DiMarzios. Each works best for different things. I think my ears are more like Seymours.
At the end of the day, though, I prefer Duncans. I'll always start here. If I can't find what I need I'll go elsewhere. That's rare - but it happens. But I keep coming back here and suspect I always will.
Welcome!
A serious attempt to answer the question (I know- it's not my style, but here it goes!):
General grossest overall statement - Dimarzio is bass/low mids, Duncan is highs/upper mids.
Next- Dimarzio is more modern/experimental, Duncan is more classic
Then- Dimarzio is all A5/Ceramic mags, Duncan is about A2's as well as A5/Ceramics
Also- DiMarzio is about a great range of outputs, Duncan is about standard or high
Finally- DiMarzio is about Punk-@$$ patent moves and litigation, Duncan is about the Worlds Greatest Guitar Forum!
Overall they both make great pups, but Larry and Seymour have different ears. As has been said- the right answer is "Whatever sounds best." I have both Duncans and DiMarzios. Each works best for different things. I think my ears are more like Seymours.
At the end of the day, though, I prefer Duncans. I'll always start here. If I can't find what I need I'll go elsewhere. That's rare - but it happens. But I keep coming back here and suspect I always will.
Welcome!
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edsmith
New member
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
OMG! I can't believe I missed that comment. Saying Dimarzios can't do metal is like saying Fender can't do blues.
OMG! I can't believe I missed that comment. Saying Dimarzios can't do metal is like saying Fender can't do blues.
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alashredder
Guest
Re: Do Dimarzios sound fatter than Duncans?
I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one. The Dimarzio X2N, Evolution, Tone Zone, and also the Super Distortion are considered high gain pickups that can drive an amp real easy. Any of these are great for metal. When I first put the Evolution in, I immediately thought I nailed "Korn" tone. It's got that low tight bass, yet aggressive sound to it, with a very decent crunch, with a bit of fuzz on top of it. The Super Distortion sounds big and thick..again with bass but it reminds me of Metallica's "Black Album" era tone. These are all used on basswood bodies, as I think that Dimarzio's sound the best in them..except I think the evolution would sound massive in an alder body like some of Steve Vai's guitars.
I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one. The Dimarzio X2N, Evolution, Tone Zone, and also the Super Distortion are considered high gain pickups that can drive an amp real easy. Any of these are great for metal. When I first put the Evolution in, I immediately thought I nailed "Korn" tone. It's got that low tight bass, yet aggressive sound to it, with a very decent crunch, with a bit of fuzz on top of it. The Super Distortion sounds big and thick..again with bass but it reminds me of Metallica's "Black Album" era tone. These are all used on basswood bodies, as I think that Dimarzio's sound the best in them..except I think the evolution would sound massive in an alder body like some of Steve Vai's guitars.