Replacing DiMarzio D Activator with….?

[Bepsi]

I have a d-activator in my Jackson JS32 floyd. Now it’s supposed to be emulating an EMG (I have several guitars with EMGs) but it just sounds shrill and sterile in the highs. It is in standard tuning and I want to play stuff from the 80s to modern stuff and am looking for a versatile pickup that can be a Jack of all trades pickup. Any tips or recommendations?

 

[Mincer]

Welcome to the forum!

I'd say to check out a JB, Custom, or 59/Custom Hybrid which are great bridge pickups that can do lots of different rock sounds through the decades.

 

[pskorz]

I have a strat that had a d activator bridge for years. It was okay and I wasn’t really unhappy with it- I just wanted that loud and powerful vibe with a more open/less tight feel. I replaced it with a dimarzio super distortion and am very happy with it.