The best 7 string pickup

microdmitry · #1 02-04-2003, 07:52 PM

I'm looking for bridge pickup replacement for my RG1077 and so far it looks like the only suitable alnico pickup available on the market is Seymour Duncan JB. All DiMarzios are ceramic, even those that have alnico 6-string "brothers".

I'm looking for good chord definition and good mids and presence. An ideal pickup would be a 7-string version of DiMarzio The Breed, but they don't make it.

Any suggestions as to what pickup I should buy?

EKG · #2 02-04-2003, 08:03 PM

Have you asked Dimarzio if they would custom make a Breed7 for you?

microdmitry · #3 02-04-2003, 08:07 PM

It's gonna cost a lot, and the good result is not guaranteed. I don't want a pickup that costs like 1/2 of my guitar. People rave about JB 7-s, so I'm kind of wondering if this is justified or if there's anything better than JB 7-s. I'm not religious about The Breed.

bryangraye · #4 02-04-2003, 09:29 PM

I've got a JB installed in my UV, and it sounds great. It's a versatile pickup and has a nice midrange and presence. It doesn't sound the same as a Dimarzio however, but that's because it's a Duncan. I think it has a more 'natural' clean than the Dimarzios I've heard, and the alnico magnets definitely make a difference.

microdmitry · #5 02-04-2003, 10:16 PM

That's what folks at DiMarzio deemed necessary to send as a reply to my message.

Quote:

FAQ:
One of your 6-string pickup models is just what I need for my 7-string guitar, but I don’t see it listed as a 7-string. Can you make one for me?

Our Blaze™ neck model is very similar to an Evolution® neck model. Our Blaze™ bridge model is very similar to a Steve’s Special™. The only other 7-string models that we presently offer are the Blaze™ middle and Blaze™ Custom models, the Evolution 7™, Tone Zone 7,™ PAF 7™ and Air Norton 7™.

(Sorry)

I'd rather have no response at all than something like this. I guess I gotta check out those Duncans.

The Dark Wolf · #6 02-05-2003, 01:17 PM

microdmitry, it sounds like you want the Duncan JB-7.
Mids, presence, Alnico magnet... that's the JB to a tee. It's not Dimarzio. So what. I love the TZ7/AN7 I have in my Ibanez, but I plan on making a custom 7, and it's going to use Duncans (Probably the Duncan Distortion neck/bridge combo. I love the sound of the JB/Jazz, which are both Alnico, but just too 'vintage' for me. Love the high output and bite of ceramic magnets.)

microdmitry · #7 02-05-2003, 07:07 PM

I love high output, too. I just don't like harsh treble. Ceramic is not conductive, so it doesn't tame it down. And I'm really impressed with The Breed. It has just the right amount of treble and bite for me. I was expecting a less screamin' pickup when I bought it and I was pleasantly surprised.

microdmitry · #8 02-05-2003, 07:09 PM

Oh, and the problem with JB-7 is that I'll have to file it to fit it into RG1077 pickup cavity. The pickup cavity is routed for dimarzios and they have triangular mounting "ears" while duncans have rectangular.

BrianH · #9 02-05-2003, 09:51 PM

I've had the jazz7/jb7 combo, and while not bad, its not outstanding or anything. Sounds like a Les-Paul to me. If it were me, I'd get SD to make you a custom Screamin Demon7 for the bridge. Just my opinion/suggestion

bryangraye · #10 02-06-2003, 12:25 AM

IMHO, Dimarzios that I've tried seem to be more 'upfront' with their sound, and the Duncans seem to have a bit more depth. A pickup that is too hot gives me the feeling I'm not actually playing the guitar - although this is incredibly entertaining at high gain death metal settings. Since I've replaced my TZ with the JB, I've been able to craft my own sound to a larger degree ( Also, it gets a great clean through my JC77).

My thoughts anyway...