SD Pickup most like Evolution?

[Top-L]

I installed an evolution in the bridge of my new LTD M400, and it suits me well. However, the neck pickup is a SD Jazz (with white logo) and the evolution is all black (with no logo). I'd like the pickups to match.

Is there a SD pickup that is from the same vein as the Evolution? I used to think the Full Shred was that pickup, but I'm no so sure any more.

Hot, ceramic, harmonics galore. Go.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Well, I haven't tried the Evo, but if you want hot, ceramic, and great harmonics, I think your options with Duncan are the Nazgûl (probably the closest spec-wise), and both versions of the Distortion (neck and bridge) and Black Winter (neck and bridge as well). I haven't tried the Nazgûl, but the Black Winter Neck and Distortion Neck both make excellent bright shreddy bridge pickups. I've always been under the impression the Nazgûl shares some similar heritage to these two just tuned for the bridge position specifically, so there's that.

Like I said, I've never tried the Evo first-hand, but I've always been under the impression it's sort of like a tight, slightly dry, upper-mid-focused pickup. Out of the Duncan lineup, I don't think there's anything quite like it with the mis-matched coils, and the other DiMarzio signature design elements (brass plate, dual allen screws), but those ceramic offerings would probably fit the bill to some extent.

 

[superpete]

if you're happy with the tone, why not just remove the logo from the duncan?

 

[Top-L]

if you're happy with the tone, why not just remove the logo from the duncan?

The duncan has silver pole pieces and a logo, the dimarzio is jet black.

Always looking to expand my knowledge of pickups.

The Full Shred I had bout ten years ago reminded me of the Evo, but it had a brigher top (alnico) and wasn't quite as hot.

 

[SoundAt11]

I’d say a Full Shred neck or an Evolution neck. The Evo has that stiff, percussive big ceramic magnet and big allen heads. A Full Shred neck has a little bit of that stiff, percussive quality. You could also get an Invader neck, or black hex poles from Dimarzio, and swap out the screws.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Why not go for a DiMarzio in the neck, then?

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

I installed an evolution in the bridge of my new LTD M400, and it suits me well. However, the neck pickup is a SD Jazz (with white logo) and the evolution is all black (with no logo). I'd like the pickups to match.

Is there a SD pickup that is from the same vein as the Evolution? I used to think the Full Shred was that pickup, but I'm no so sure any more.

Hot, ceramic, harmonics galore. Go.

If the logo on the SD Jazz pup is the issue, how will that be helped by replacing it with another type of SD pup? Sounds like you need a neck pup with no logo, right?

 

[Mincer]

Keep in mind, any Duncan can be ordered with all kinds of options (color, poles, etc) through the Shop Floor Custom options.

 

[Top-L]

If the logo on the SD Jazz pup is the issue, how will that be helped by replacing it with another type of SD pup? Sounds like you need a neck pup with no logo, right?

I can reuse the SD baseplate if I stick with SD pickups. Any dimarzio I put in the guitar, I have to modify the base to fit in the direct mount rout.

I modified the evolution, but I don't want to modify any more pickups for this guitar.

 

[Lewguitar]

If you want to remove the logo a metal polish called BRASSO works very well.

 

[Masta' C]

You could try a ceramic mag in the Full Shred! A ceramic in a JB might get you in the ballpark, as well.

The reality is that the Distortion and Black Winter models are closest in SD terms. Unfortunately, nothing from SD is a direct match.

The Evo really has its own thing going on. It's as signature "DiMarzio", as the JB is "Seymour Duncan".

 

[Top-L]

Well, I haven't tried the Evo, but if you want hot, ceramic, and great harmonics, I think your options with Duncan are the Nazgûl (probably the closest spec-wise), and both versions of the Distortion (neck and bridge) and Black Winter (neck and bridge as well). I haven't tried the Nazgûl, but the Black Winter Neck and Distortion Neck both make excellent bright shreddy bridge pickups. I've always been under the impression the Nazgûl shares some similar heritage to these two just tuned for the bridge position specifically, so there's that.

Like I said, I've never tried the Evo first-hand, but I've always been under the impression it's sort of like a tight, slightly dry, upper-mid-focused pickup. Out of the Duncan lineup, I don't think there's anything quite like it with the mis-matched coils, and the other DiMarzio signature design elements (brass plate, dual allen screws), but those ceramic offerings would probably fit the bill to some extent.

Ive been listening to demos, and I think you're right, the distortion is closest to the evolution. The Distortion has a pronounced mid/treble character. I had always thought the Duncan Distortion was like the Super Distortion, but I see they are different. I think the Evolution was Dimarzios take on the Duncan distortion.

I don't care particularly about whether the coils are mismatched per Dimarzios patent.

 

[Juanhanglo]

I'd say the full shred is closest, but then not really.

A ceramic mag might do the trick.

 

[idsnowdog]

The Full Shred is similar but the Full Shred is focused on the treble frequencies while the Evolution is bass focused.

 

[Masta' C]

It's a bit out-of-the-box, but a Full Shred with a double-thick ceramic mag and DIY "Virtual Vintage" mod might get you close, LOL!

Seriously, though, there's nothing quite like the Evo available from SD. It's been asked many times over the years and the answer is always the same...stick with the DiMarzio if that's the sound you want (feel free to do a forum search!)