Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

[Van Noord]

Looking at replacing the D-Activator in my US Strat.

DiMarzio pup selection here in Canada is limited and a PITA to order with VERY long turnaround times.

So my options currently are:

- Black PAF Pro humbucker
- Black Fred humbucker
- Black Super Distortion humbucker
- Black Tone Zone humbucker
- White BC2 Billy Corgan single sized rail

I'm basically looking for something with more.... personality.
The D-Activator is fine, but just a little too sterile. It's very clear and tight under high gain. But I'd like more bite/sizzle and oomph! But not over the top or too modern because I still want warmth and some clarity. I don't want an overly fuzzy or bassy sounding pup either.

The Billy Corgan is a parts bin pickup, and would require a new pickgaurd. (SSS mint green I'm thinking) Description has it as a tweaked TZ. Sure is intriguing...

Guitar in question:

 

[jeremy]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

more bite/sizzle usually comes at the expense of oomph and vise versa. for bite id go with the fred, for oomph id go with the sd. some people like the tz but ive never gotten along with it

 

[Hank-]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

I'd go with the paf pro, it does blend in nicer with singles. SuperD & TZ can be too much. A new pickguard would be cheaper, wouldnt hurt to try out the BC you already have stored in parts bin, might fit in better with the SC vibe without raising it too close to the strings.

 

[CB434]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

Consider the Norton. It's very versatile and a combo of FRED and TZ.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

I highly suggest you look at the Transition or the Illuminator bridge models for lots of expressiveness in a medium-high output design. The Norton is a decent recommendation, also, but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Out of your specific list, I'd strongly suggest the Super D for added sizzle & oomph without sacrificing output compared to the D-Activator.

The PAF Pro is a very cool pickup, but here's the thing...it's pretty low in power compared to all of the others listed and almost every iteration of that pickup, from Ibanez' early IBZ pickups to artist signatures like the Satriani "PAF Joe", have sought to add power to the PAF Pro's sound, so you might take that into consideration. Going from the D-Activator to the PAF Pro is like going from a Corvette ZO6 to a Mazda Miata...still cool and plenty capable, just different

 

[MkIII Renegade]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

Here is the answer:

Evo2.

:beerchug:

 

[Juanhanglo]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

I would also recommend the norton. it is indeed a mix of the tone zone and Fred.

I have had one in an Ibanez rg for close to 15 years now. it won over a tz and a Steve's special.

turning the volume and tone knobs does a lot with it too.

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

Thanks, like I said my selection​is rather limited.

I'll also add that I may be looking for a lower output than the D-Activator. It's quite hot.

In my other Strat I have an Air Norton in the bridge which I LOVE. Med output pickups seem to be better suited for me. They stay clear and tight under high gain, and have better touch/feel/dynamics when used in Strats.

I just noticed that there is also a Liquifire as an option.
This pickup appears to have great clarity and decent output (slightly hotter than the AN) Although designed for the neck, the Liquifire has tested well in the bridge.

So I'm starting to think the SD and TZ will be too much in this guitar. Forcing me to turn amp knobs whenever I switched from Strat to Strat.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

Based on what you're saying and the list provided, I'd start with the PAF Pro.

 

[Teleplayer]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

Since you like the Air Norton, you will probably like the Fred as well.

 

[DKSEARS]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

From your list, I would also recommend the Fred or the PAF Pro. Fred has more personality of its own, in my opinion. I think the PAF Pro has a little less output and may match up to your single coils better.

In my HSS guitars, I have a PAF Master with Texas Specials or a Screamin' Demon with Jackson Stacked VS-100's

Both of those combinations have been excellent to me.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[EmiAba]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

In this situation my vote goes to Paf Pro. But the super distortion .... is the super distortion!!

 

[DonP]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

Two words. Iron Maiden.
Two words. Super Distortion.

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Which DiMarzio pup for Strat bridge?

I've never played a SD, but have loved every one I've heard.

Coming from​ both a D-Activator and AN, I'm thinking I may want a pickup with some extra low-end. So the SD is a top contender.

The Evo 2 bridge has become available now too, but it seems to have similar eq rating from DiMarzio as the DA. Although still differently voiced.