My absolute favourite pickup is the Duncan Parallel Axis as well as the axis distortion and this is what I would have chosen 100% however I'm looking to get an RG350mz in yellow and mod it to look like the yellow jem777 and unfortunately you can't get the duncans in pink so what would be the closest tonally to the parallel axis and or axis distortion in the dimarzio range ??
Parallel Axis alternative.....?
- Thread starter killtrox
- Start date
Masta' C
Well-known member
Yeah, SD only offers the PA in black, unfortunately...they've never done shop floor custom on those because the visible parts (bobbins, poles) aren't shared with any other models.
As far as an alternative...hmm...it sounds like you might actually like the Full Shred or the regular Custom. If you don't mind something a little hotter (you said you like the PA Distortion model), the regular Distortion would be a top contender, as well.
As far as an alternative...hmm...it sounds like you might actually like the Full Shred or the regular Custom. If you don't mind something a little hotter (you said you like the PA Distortion model), the regular Distortion would be a top contender, as well.
Artie
Peaveyologist
I love the PA's too. Definitely one of my favorite pups in the Duncan line. This may not sound practical, but you could always paint them. Some model plane/car Testors and a little brush and steady hand. You'd lose the Duncan logo, though. Also, maybe "paint" the pole tops with some wax, then spray or airbrush the bobbin tops. Then the wax would wipe off.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
beaubrummels
Well-known member
OP was asking about DiMarzio alternatives. I don't know the DiMarzio line well enough from personal experience, but when I plugged in the characteristics of the Parallel Axis into their pickup finder, it recommended the Super 2, D-Activator neck and Dominion neck. I really don't know if those would be right, but the idea of a neck pickup in the bridge sounds like it's on the right track.
bigcupholder
New member
I haven't tried the PA Distortion, but I love the regular Distortion so I can offer recommendations based on that.
The closest Dimarzio to the Distortion that I've tried is the Evolution. It's got more/looser bass and a bit of that cocked wah thing in the mids that makes leads really sing but can be annoying on rhythm. It's also more articulate.
Since you also mentioned the regular Parallel Axis, I'll assume you're open to tamer pickups. If so, I recommend the Fred. It's very harmonically rich and a bit thin on the low end, so not as good for chugging if that's what you're going for, but it's a great all-around pickup. No cocked wah sound in my experience.
Both are better for leads than the Distortion but worse for chugging. If you're mostly concerned with metal rhythm from your bridge pickup, then forget those. I'm sure someone will be along to recommend a D Activator or Titan instead in that case (no experience with those, but they seem popular for the chugs).
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The closest Dimarzio to the Distortion that I've tried is the Evolution. It's got more/looser bass and a bit of that cocked wah thing in the mids that makes leads really sing but can be annoying on rhythm. It's also more articulate.
Since you also mentioned the regular Parallel Axis, I'll assume you're open to tamer pickups. If so, I recommend the Fred. It's very harmonically rich and a bit thin on the low end, so not as good for chugging if that's what you're going for, but it's a great all-around pickup. No cocked wah sound in my experience.
Both are better for leads than the Distortion but worse for chugging. If you're mostly concerned with metal rhythm from your bridge pickup, then forget those. I'm sure someone will be along to recommend a D Activator or Titan instead in that case (no experience with those, but they seem popular for the chugs).
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eclecticsynergy
Well-known member
Norton is fatter than a Fred, I think, but not entirely dissimilar.
Masta' C
Well-known member
Oops...good point about the DiMarzio thing. Sorry I missed that.
For the "Distortion" version, I'd lean toward the D-Activator X, D-Sonic, or X2N.
For the regular PA, I'd say Transition, Illuminator, or maybe the new Utopia on the hotter end of the spectrum OR the AT-1, Fred, or Norton in the more moderate output range
For the "Distortion" version, I'd lean toward the D-Activator X, D-Sonic, or X2N.
For the regular PA, I'd say Transition, Illuminator, or maybe the new Utopia on the hotter end of the spectrum OR the AT-1, Fred, or Norton in the more moderate output range
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
If I recall, one of the PAs was based off the Distortion
Ascension
Well-known member
One of the key differences in the sound of PA Pickups are those twin PA Polls. First time i played a PA I instantly recognized some of the nuances from playing Carvin guitars with the M and C 22 humbuckers. Both have the dual poll peaces like a PA Duncan does and there is a slight difference in the feel as a result. Closest non Duncan Pickups to the PA's are those old Carvin designs in feel and tone. .
If these pickups are for an Ibanez RG that you are ‘Jem-ifying’ would you consider PAF Pros as used in the Jem series?
The Jems and RGs have basswood bodies which have a pretty unique interaction with pickups when combined with clamping, 2-post fulcrum Floyd style trems. Even if you wouldn’t dig the PAF Pro in a different guitar, Ibanez (and Vai) figured out long ago that PAF Pros really work well with the RG body in basswood with an Edge/Floyd trem.
The Jems and RGs have basswood bodies which have a pretty unique interaction with pickups when combined with clamping, 2-post fulcrum Floyd style trems. Even if you wouldn’t dig the PAF Pro in a different guitar, Ibanez (and Vai) figured out long ago that PAF Pros really work well with the RG body in basswood with an Edge/Floyd trem.
eclecticsynergy
Well-known member
I hadn't ever really made that association between the 22-pole Carvins and the PATBs.
But now you've pointed it out I can see a bit of PATB-ness in the personality my C22B.
