stormrider
New member
Anyone tried it? How would it compare to a say JB?
Tone zone in a les paul?
- Thread starter stormrider
- Start date
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
I have a ToneZone in an LP copy (Kaman GTX 36 - pretty solid)
I wouldn't say a ToneZone compares to a JB in the first place.
TZ has way more bass/low mids than JB
JB has way more upper mids
The highs on a JB, to me atre more 'present', but smoother and in a tone zone are more evenly eq'd with mids and bass, but more sharp.
The TZ is way more compressed than a JB. TZ is hotter and fizzier.
Now,I am a huge fan of a the SuperD. But i also really like the TZ. It's a bit less open, a bit more metal, if you will than a SuperD. And the compression, to me, really works well with solid state amps to add a touch of tube tone right out of the guitar.
I like it. But I like both the Custom and the Distortion from Duncan better. Not so m uch a JB fan, but not a hater either. Haven't grooved on one for quite a while.
I have a ToneZone in an LP copy (Kaman GTX 36 - pretty solid)
I wouldn't say a ToneZone compares to a JB in the first place.
TZ has way more bass/low mids than JB
JB has way more upper mids
The highs on a JB, to me atre more 'present', but smoother and in a tone zone are more evenly eq'd with mids and bass, but more sharp.
The TZ is way more compressed than a JB. TZ is hotter and fizzier.
Now,I am a huge fan of a the SuperD. But i also really like the TZ. It's a bit less open, a bit more metal, if you will than a SuperD. And the compression, to me, really works well with solid state amps to add a touch of tube tone right out of the guitar.
I like it. But I like both the Custom and the Distortion from Duncan better. Not so m uch a JB fan, but not a hater either. Haven't grooved on one for quite a while.
TheLivingDead
Dawn Of The Shred
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
It would be too muddy.
I can't speak for the JB as it's only been extremely finicky for me. But I'd bet it would sound better than the TZ in there.
It would be too muddy.
I can't speak for the JB as it's only been extremely finicky for me. But I'd bet it would sound better than the TZ in there.
UberMetalDood
New member
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
I've recorded several things with the Tone Zone and JB and the Tone Zone is actually less muddy. A while back, I put up a sound sample of the two pickups and people thought the Tone Zone was clearer and preferred it overall. Going on that and my experience, I would say the JB is a better match for a Les Paul because the mahogany already has a great low end and lots of low mids so the JB would compliment it.
However, I disagree that the Tone Zone would be muddy. It's not a muddy pickup at all. It has great articulation and makes an incredible pickup for soloing. It has a little more low end than a JB but not much more. What you hear mostly are the low mids. I agree that the Tone Zone does sound a bit sharper so it wouldn't be my choice for a bright guitar.
There are videos and sound samples out there with the Tone Zone in Les Pauls and they sound very good. It's not my first choice for a Les Paul, but neither is the JB.
If you're looking for a great Les Paul pickup then the PAF 36th are the ultimate, a Custom Custom if you're going with Duncans, or if you want something really refreshing and great for all kinds of tone woods then I will recommend an AT-1.
The AT-1 is kind of like a Tone Zone in the low and low mids but trimmed down a bit. The upper midrange has the characteristics of a Mo Joe or Norton. I strongly suggest trying that before anything else.
I've recorded several things with the Tone Zone and JB and the Tone Zone is actually less muddy. A while back, I put up a sound sample of the two pickups and people thought the Tone Zone was clearer and preferred it overall. Going on that and my experience, I would say the JB is a better match for a Les Paul because the mahogany already has a great low end and lots of low mids so the JB would compliment it.
However, I disagree that the Tone Zone would be muddy. It's not a muddy pickup at all. It has great articulation and makes an incredible pickup for soloing. It has a little more low end than a JB but not much more. What you hear mostly are the low mids. I agree that the Tone Zone does sound a bit sharper so it wouldn't be my choice for a bright guitar.
There are videos and sound samples out there with the Tone Zone in Les Pauls and they sound very good. It's not my first choice for a Les Paul, but neither is the JB.
If you're looking for a great Les Paul pickup then the PAF 36th are the ultimate, a Custom Custom if you're going with Duncans, or if you want something really refreshing and great for all kinds of tone woods then I will recommend an AT-1.
The AT-1 is kind of like a Tone Zone in the low and low mids but trimmed down a bit. The upper midrange has the characteristics of a Mo Joe or Norton. I strongly suggest trying that before anything else.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
Yeah - I think of the JB as having less booty than the TZ. The TZ, in fact, is kind of thumpy compared to the SuperD.
Now - there are a LOT of people that would disagree about the Custom Custom in an LP. I am not one of them, but totally understand the reasoning there. The CC is a love/hate thing. I'd say most hate. Obviously not me - because i have one. But it is a particular pup.
What exact sound is it you are looking for? What tone curve, what other gear are you playing, and what sort of LP - or how does this LP sound?
Yeah - I think of the JB as having less booty than the TZ. The TZ, in fact, is kind of thumpy compared to the SuperD.
Now - there are a LOT of people that would disagree about the Custom Custom in an LP. I am not one of them, but totally understand the reasoning there. The CC is a love/hate thing. I'd say most hate. Obviously not me - because i have one. But it is a particular pup.
What exact sound is it you are looking for? What tone curve, what other gear are you playing, and what sort of LP - or how does this LP sound?
TheLivingDead
Dawn Of The Shred
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
I'm just going from my personal experience with it. I slapped a TZ in my mahog super strat and it was pure mud. Power chords were farty and too loose. I lowered the hell out of the TZ and jacked up the polepieces and lo and behold it sounds great now.
I love the TZ in just about everything else, but it with mahog gave me a little trouble.
I'm just going from my personal experience with it. I slapped a TZ in my mahog super strat and it was pure mud. Power chords were farty and too loose. I lowered the hell out of the TZ and jacked up the polepieces and lo and behold it sounds great now.
I love the TZ in just about everything else, but it with mahog gave me a little trouble.
UberMetalDood
New member
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
Man I just pulled my AT-1 out of my Ibanez and put it into my Les Paul the other day because I wanted to try Burstbucker Pros in my strat. I was thinking it would sound pretty good but man it's even better that I thought. It sounds REALLY good. It has the vintage kind of brightness that the Burstbucker Pros have but more output and more mojo overall. I'm going to keep it this week and if I still love it then I'm going to have to find a Dimarzio neck pickup to compliment it.
Man I just pulled my AT-1 out of my Ibanez and put it into my Les Paul the other day because I wanted to try Burstbucker Pros in my strat. I was thinking it would sound pretty good but man it's even better that I thought. It sounds REALLY good. It has the vintage kind of brightness that the Burstbucker Pros have but more output and more mojo overall. I'm going to keep it this week and if I still love it then I'm going to have to find a Dimarzio neck pickup to compliment it.
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=216519&highlight=jb
if the LP is on the bright side a TZ will work well but if it is dark forget it!
I remember that clip and i thought you used a strat for it not a LP?
https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=216519&highlight=jb
if the LP is on the bright side a TZ will work well but if it is dark forget it!
TheLivingDead
Dawn Of The Shred
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
Man, every time you bring up the AT-1 I want to try one. Maybe I'll snag a used one this weekend and put it in place of that TZ.
Man, every time you bring up the AT-1 I want to try one. Maybe I'll snag a used one this weekend and put it in place of that TZ.
MetalManiac
Li'l Junior Member
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
I would try a TZ in an Agile LP bridge , or something as equally very bright and dead sounding with a normal PAf in the bridge.
In a forst rate mahogany Les paul, the TZ wold be to dark and not clear enough. IMO.
A great les paul guitar is worthy of a great pickup like a Duncan PAF or variant.
I would try a TZ in an Agile LP bridge , or something as equally very bright and dead sounding with a normal PAf in the bridge.
In a forst rate mahogany Les paul, the TZ wold be to dark and not clear enough. IMO.
A great les paul guitar is worthy of a great pickup like a Duncan PAF or variant.
UberMetalDood
New member
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
Think of a Tone Zone with trimmed down low end, better articulation, brighter overall, but without the harsh top end. Get one and if you don't absolutely love it, PM and we can talk about trading for it.
Think of a Tone Zone with trimmed down low end, better articulation, brighter overall, but without the harsh top end. Get one and if you don't absolutely love it, PM and we can talk about trading for it.
TheLivingDead
Dawn Of The Shred
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
Cool deal, man.
Cool deal, man.
stormrider
New member
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
What exact sound is it you are looking for? What tone curve, what other gear are you playing, and what sort of LP - or how does this LP sound?
Aceman.
Duane Allman at the fillmore east!
Love that sound! I just traded for it. Its a 88 les paul, has the org Gibson pickup in the neck ,sounds ok. I was thinking a jb or a tone zone just because of the mid range of those pups. I own a TZ, JB, 59, prs dragon2. All I can throw in the bridge.
What exact sound is it you are looking for? What tone curve, what other gear are you playing, and what sort of LP - or how does this LP sound?
Aceman.
Duane Allman at the fillmore east!
Love that sound! I just traded for it. Its a 88 les paul, has the org Gibson pickup in the neck ,sounds ok. I was thinking a jb or a tone zone just because of the mid range of those pups. I own a TZ, JB, 59, prs dragon2. All I can throw in the bridge.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
Oh...Allmans.
No No No: You NEED the Custom Custom. This is my go to Southern Rock / classic rock pickup.
The a2 highs are so fat they will clog your arteries. The mids are beastly and will cut through the band like a machete.
Do a search for Aceman and CC; Much discussion on this.
You may find some people that will recomend an assortment of 59's types as well.
TZ or JB for Allman? No No No - I see what you you are thinking there. But no.
Custom Custom. There are a couple of critical tweeks that can be made easily too. Read up on this.
ToneZone for Duane? whew - saved a life there!
Oh...Allmans.
No No No: You NEED the Custom Custom. This is my go to Southern Rock / classic rock pickup.
The a2 highs are so fat they will clog your arteries. The mids are beastly and will cut through the band like a machete.
Do a search for Aceman and CC; Much discussion on this.
You may find some people that will recomend an assortment of 59's types as well.
TZ or JB for Allman? No No No - I see what you you are thinking there. But no.
Custom Custom. There are a couple of critical tweeks that can be made easily too. Read up on this.
ToneZone for Duane? whew - saved a life there!
IanBallard
New member
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
It would likely turn out like this:
It would likely turn out like this:
TheLivingDead
Dawn Of The Shred
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
:haha:
:haha:
Archer_of_Fish
New member
Re: Tone zone in a les paul?
I called it the mud zone
I called it the mud zone
