What would the Dimarzio/IBZ pups be comparable too?!?

gemini8026 · #1 10-15-2007, 08:36 PM

Im doing up a Custom guitar with the help of Chris Woods. However, Im ordering a fresh guitar then selling the neck first. Im curious if the upgrade for the RG2550e over the RG1570 is worth it?!? You get a pickguard and different pickups.

Are the IBZ pups a quality pickup, or mass produced junk that needs to be replaced?!?

Thx for any input!

Petie · #2 10-15-2007, 08:58 PM

http://www.jemsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46316

marianozz · #3 10-15-2007, 09:00 PM

Acording to Dimarzio's FAQ, theyre proper Dimarzios made in NY, the neck is like a Super 2, and the bridge is a cross between the Morse bridge and the Super Distortion...

Still, i dont know if its psychological or what, but people still change them out (sometimes unheard) for what are refered to as "real dimarzios"... :P

Mister CCJ · #4 10-15-2007, 09:27 PM

I can't really compare from hearing the difference but I can imagine that going by that they would be suitable for only shred, with that crazy output and scoop on the neck pickup (feel free to argue this). I would imagine swapping them out on any guitar. I have the 1570 and plan on swapping for breeds asap, although the neck and middle arent that bad.

marianozz · #5 10-15-2007, 09:39 PM

The 1570 has V series pickups, not Dimarzios, and yes, theyre crap...

Big Red · #6 10-15-2007, 11:12 PM

I've fooled around with several Dimarzio/IBZ pup-equipped guitars either by testing them at a store, or my friends. I also have the entire Super Distortion series (e.g. SD, Super II, Super 3) in several of my current guitars. I feel I can make a valid comment or two on this.

In terms of output, I think (based on my experience) the Dimarzio/IBZ are about %80 of what the Super/Super II is, which in my mind brings them in line with the Seymour JB's (which are stocked in the competing Jacksons...coinidence?). I've had the Super 2 in both alder and mahogany guitars, and in absolutely destroys the Dimarzio/IBZ neck pickup in terms of power......it was so piercing/loud in alder, I had to move it to a mahogany guitar which has tamed it a fair bit.

In terms of eq-voicing the neck Dimarzio/IBZ emulates the Super 2 very well. However the bridge Dimarzio/IBZ is close to a Super 3.....were the bass is tight and defined.

Of course, people hear the same things differently, so YMMV.

Cheers

LuredMaul · #7 10-15-2007, 11:35 PM

I feel the IBZ are weak in comparison to the Actual Super distortion/Super 2.
I also find them somewhat bland sounding.........not as vanilla as say the V7/V8 but still just blah.

I play Evo2/ISCV2/Evo Neck so that may have alot to do with it also, but I have owned almost every Dimarzio Bucker at some point.

jemjem · #8 10-16-2007, 12:10 AM

I just got a RGA321 with the IBZ pups and I'm pretty impressed. I've got 3 JEMs (FP, DBK and VWH) so I've got paf pros, breeds and evolutions to compare to and I have to admit that I really like the IBZ pups. They are pretty fat sounding to me. Very "classic humbucker". Not too over the top, not too weak. I think the bridge pup could be a little brighter sounding, but I think that is my being used to the JEM sound. I may eventually try a different bridge pup, but I'm in no hurry. Not like other guitars where the first thing I did was order $150 worth of new pickups.

ColinMmmmm · #9 10-16-2007, 12:44 AM

Yeah I've got the RG2550 and love the sound. I think this guitar are what those pups were made for. Just right.

GAZ · #10 10-16-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jemjem

I just got a RGA321 with the IBZ pups and I'm pretty impressed. I've got 3 JEMs (FP, DBK and VWH) so I've got paf pros, breeds and evolutions to compare to and I have to admit that I really like the IBZ pups. They are pretty fat sounding to me. Very "classic humbucker". Not too over the top, not too weak. I think the bridge pup could be a little brighter sounding, but I think that is my being used to the JEM sound. I may eventually try a different bridge pup, but I'm in no hurry. Not like other guitars where the first thing I did was order $150 worth of new pickups.

Try raising the pole pieces to brighten up the sound on the bridge humbucker. They are quite neutral sounding so won't make up for an amp's weak points like some other pups can.

screamndemon69 · #11 10-16-2007, 09:40 AM

I picked up a new Prestige last week with these pups (Dimarzio/IBZ) and with the research I did I read a quote from a guy that wrote Dimarzio asking what Dimarzio make that are closest to those pups. Larry Dimarzio himself wrote back saying:

"I emailed Dimarzio to see what standard Dimarzio pickups these Dimarzio/IBZ pickups were similar to. Got a response from Larry Dimarzio himself stating that they are made specifically for Ibanez, but that the closest standard pickups would be the Super Distortion bridge and the Steve Morse model neck."

The SM(S.Morse) pup is no longer made but sounds nice so far for me and so far the bridge SD(S.Distortion) type pup isn't as tight in the low end as I prefer. I have tried it on several amps and the only amp it sounded OK on (for me) was a Mesa Roadster head thru a 4x12. I will try it for a little longer and if it still isn't what I want I will swap it out with a JB, my fav pup in mahogany with maple tops. The JB is tighter on the low end and more balanced than the stock bridge pup on my new Prestige IMHO.

I don't have any experience with the SuperD series so I can't compare the bridge pup to the original. I would be interested in trying the TB-5 Duncan Custom since it is compared to a PAF on steriods.

I will post a new thread on my new axe when I get time to get some pics taken.

gemini8026 · #12 10-16-2007, 03:23 PM

thanks guys, RG2550e ordered, with a fancy crazy custom neck on the was as well. Will be posting a thread

jemjem · #13 10-16-2007, 11:45 PM

Good tip, I'll try the pole piece adjustment.

Screamon, it's funny you mention the sound in a Mesa Roadster, that is the amp that I have...and the pups sound real nice through it.

leppermessiah · #14 10-17-2007, 02:49 AM

I've no idea why so many problem have a problem with these pups. Because they have IBZ written on them perhaps? They are extrememly versatile and I use my RGT220H with these for absolutely everything except shred when i'll reach for a Jem.

They sound awesome in the mahogony body of my RGT and i would never swap them out. I myself highly reccomend them.