Super 2 vs Super 3

[dazedandconfused001]

so anyone use either as a neck pickup? in a month or two im gonna replace the neck pickup in my sg which currently has a super distortion in the bridge. i heard the super 2 was made for neck position with the super distortion but also i know some people use the super 3 with it (like vivian campbells new gibson signature)

 

[gregory]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

Of the two use the Super 2. For a traditionally voiced neck pickup with weaker output compared to the bridge, the Super 3 isn't the best choice, IMO.

I'm quite surprised to read that anyone is using it, though DiMarzio claims the bottom end isn't muddy, so I guess it could work. My issue is that it's a hot dark pickup. Then again I like Steve Morse's neck tone, though it isn't anywhere near as hot relative to his bridge pickup.

Sorry about the edits, I had to look up the specs on the Super 3.

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

I'm pretty sure that the Super 2 is a better bet, but if you like the EQ profile of the Super 3, there are other pickups that might be close.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

the super 2 is a fine, albeit hot, neck pup. id think the super 3 would be muddy in the neck. its a pretty beefy bridge pup

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

I just pulled a Super 3 out of the bridge position of a Tele because it was too muffled sounding. I can't even imagine what it would sound like in the neck!
Just to clarify, it is not a "muddy" pickup at all but it is all mids, low mids, and lows (in that order of prominence) with very little treble at all. I think another Super Distortion would be a better choice than a Super 3, although I don't care for that either. I have never played a Super 2 in any position but I know DiMarzio actually developed it as a neck pickup to pair with the Super D so it seems like a logical choice.

 

[gregory]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

The Super 3 will excel in bright guitars and/or high gain. Will also give a smooth top end for a solo tone that doesn't bite. All good characteristics, depending on what you like. It's like a tight, high power version of the AT-1, which is one of the best pickups ever designed for the kind of thing that AT does, IMHO. AFAIC, his tone was greatly improved once he ditched the JB.

I don't know about you guys, but I say no to fizz.

...but in the neck spot, and in an LP no less?!? At least it will be very vocal. I can't imagine I'd be at all happy with the pick attack.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

That is what I am saying: I cannot imagine the Super 3 sounding good in the neck position of a Les Paul. Bridge of a Strat? Hell yes. LP neck? Hell no.

 

[Toejam]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

The Super 2 is bright, works great as a neck pup with an X2N or regular Super Distortion in the bridge. It also works as a good bridge pup if you want that position brighter.

 

[dave74]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

That is what the dmz/ibz neck is closest to. So if you've ever played an older Ibanez Prestige that should give an idea of the super2 in the neck.

 

[gregory]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

FWIW, I'd likely choose an Evo Neck over a Super 2.

 

[Ben1962]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

And liquifire?

 

[gregory]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

The Evo Neck was for the Super D.

I'd pair the LiquiFire with something darker in the bridge like a Super 3.

 

[Returned]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

This is where I say I use a standard Norton in the neck of a Strat with success. No it isn't a Super 3 in a Les Paul, but it's another case that looks muddy on paper but isn't in experience. With Dimarzio's exchange policy you could try the Super 3 and if it was too dark in your guitar swap it for the safer Super 2.

 

[gregory]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

You running the Norton with a Super D? I bet it will work well with a Super 3.

Not my favorite bridge pickup, but I can see it being a good neck pickup in a bright-ish and/or 25.5" bolt-on, Floyded guitar. I bet it has a nice vocal quality. ...and it's an A5, which is usually a plus in my book.

The Custom 2 can work in the neck, even in a Les Paul; so why not?

 

[Returned]

Re: Super 2 vs Super 3

You running the Norton with a Super D? I bet it will work well with a Super 3.

JB