Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

EL WHOPPO

EL WHOPPO

New member
Hi Guys,
Bought a Super Distortion (going for that late 70's /early 80's vibe) and was wondering what would be a good DiMarzio neck pup to match. Looking for a PAF type of pup, but not muddy or with that "wah" thing going either. Air Norton? Oh, and it's a Mahogany fixed bridge guitar.
I still have a shoe box full of Duncan pick ups, but just going trying something different.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

Teh DiMarzio page says:

"If you love the sound of a Super Distortion® in the bridge and you like hot neck pickups too, try a Super 2™. The Super 2™ takes the classic Super Distortion® sound and slides the EQ up in favor of the high-end, so its brighter top and lighter bottom work to balance out the darker, overtone-heavy information up by the fingerboard. The Super 2™ is just the pickup to clean up the overdrive sound of a mud-heavy 24-3/4" scale, two-humbucker guitar. Add snap to a dark sounding 25-1/2" bolt-on. It works great in the bridge or the neck.
Recommended For: Neck position with equal or higher-power bridge pickup. Bridge position with equal or lower-power pickup (PAF Pro®, Fred®, Evolution® Neck)."

Judging from the specs (8.7k) its a paf-type with a ceramic magnet and allen heads.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

The PAF is a good match. Another Super Distortion in the neck wouldn't be a bad choice either. Some like the Super 2 in the neck spot if you think the Super Distortion might be too muddy.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

hamerfan said:
Judging from the specs (8.7k) its a paf-type with a ceramic magnet and allen heads.
Click to expand...

It's not a PAF type. It's just as hot as the Super Distortion. DC Resistance doesn't (always) equal output. This is especially true when talking about DiMarzios.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

I don't know much about Dimarzio pickups, but my old Super Distortion really likes being paired with an APHn in my Hamer Special.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

Depends on what you mean by "matched"

Obviously, guys have been putting 2 SuperD's in for years...you'll need to really tweek that pup for good balance in the neck though.

Or, if by match you mean something that isn't too overthe top for a flexible sound, the PAF is great. Got that combo in a Paul myself and like it. Sidebar - like the DiMarzio PAF better than a Duncan 59 - just a preference.

Finally, if high output for the neck is your deal - I say go with the super2.

Other options - The Air Norton or Air Zone might be cool.

Of course, here are he Duncan options. I don't like mixing brands. No good reason. Just superstitious.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

Something from the Virtual Paf series. Great tone. You can't imagine the quality of cleans you can get from these pups. I use a VHPAF in neck and the cleans are almost acoustic.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

Yup, I'll echo the PAF iffins ya want lower output. GREAT neck pup. Also the Air Classic/PAF classic are good choices too.

But as mentioned a SuperD suprisingly makes a GREAT neck pup too. Had 3 of 'em in my space ace, and wasn't an issue at all for tweaking volume levels. Big FAT John Sykes super sustain type neck tone. Still had decent clarity. Not good for bluesy stuff, but if you like higher gain soloing on the neck pup, go for it.

Super 2 lacks lows...but if the guitar has some beef already...should be fine.

I think an Airzone, or Air Norton, or the Super D will be way too muddy tho if its just a mahog body/neck w/out a maple cap...unless its a 25.5 scale ..and then they *may* work...maybe not. I'd be inclined to go with the PAF/Air Classic/PAF classic to be on the safe side.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

I'll add that a superD neck is as JeffB said - great fo power solo's. But it's not a great blues/clean pup or a great rhhm pup IMO.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

Aceman said:
Depends on what you mean by "matched"

Obviously, guys have been putting 2 SuperD's in for years...you'll need to really tweek that pup for good balance in the neck though.

Or, if by match you mean something that isn't too overthe top for a flexible sound, the PAF is great. Got that combo in a Paul myself and like it. Sidebar - like the DiMarzio PAF better than a Duncan 59 - just a preference.

Finally, if high output for the neck is your deal - I say go with the super2.

Other options - The Air Norton or Air Zone might be cool.

Of course, here are he Duncan options. I don't like mixing brands. No good reason. Just superstitious.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice guys. And I should have not said "matched", but that it would be paired with a Super Distortion. I'll probably go with the PAF, then if that's not what I'm looking for maybe the Air Norton.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

D-Activator neck .... :cool2: it has the balls to blow the SD out of the water if not set up properly though ... when i'm using a higher output neck pickup (i always used dimarzio pickups) adjust the pickup down further than usual then use the 12 adjustable pole pieces to tune it so you get a smooth transition with whatever switch you are using ... those 12 pole pieces are by far underutilized, most people drop the pickup in and either say "i love it", "i hate it" or "its okay ... i guess" ... dimarzios are like women if you dont do anything to them they are one way but if you take the time to work with them prepare for many good night :laughing: ;)
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

First choices, PAF (old DP103 or 36th Anniversary), Air Classic, PAF Pro.

Second choice, another Super Distortion - but wired to a push/pull to put it in parallel mode.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

I'll say something totally different. A jb. Tight,articulate,and superjuicy.like a alnico2pro,only a bit hotter.
 
Re: Neck pup to match up with Super Distortion

I have an Air Norton in the neck my Rhoads and a Super D in the bridge. Great combo. Also the PAF Pro would be a good choice as well.
 
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