Best set with DiMarzio Tone Zone

bujecas · #1 09-13-2006, 06:18 AM

Hello,

I'm going to put a Tone Zone in the bridge of my RG550 to substitute the V8. For the neck I've head that the Air Norton is the best match. Now I'm with doubts about the middle pickup. I have a S1, should I keep it or replace it with what?

Thanks.

mi2tom · #2 09-13-2006, 06:21 AM

Replace the single with blue velvet

John01W · #3 09-13-2006, 08:36 AM

Don't get the air norton, unless you want nasal, stiff, and no sparkle(I hate the air norton). I have an air zone, and PAF JOE in my RG550DX in the neck do yourself a favor and get the PAF Joe, man that is the perfect bucker neck pickup IMO, from Dimarzio anyway. I love the PAF Joe, you can't go wrong with it. Does have the tubular sound, clear on bottom, warm up top, and always clear as a bell. The AN sounds good split though, I have one in the neck of my RGA121vlf and I'm gonna pull that POS and sell it before too long.

buddroyce · #4 09-13-2006, 12:12 PM

There are plenty of neck pickups that work with the TZ in the bridge. It really comes down to what kind of sound you are going for. (some suggestions are: Air Norton, Paf Pro, Paf Joe, Humbucker from Hell, Paf Classic, or another Tone Zone even)

As for the middle pickup, it really depends if you use it much at all. If you rarely use it, maybe you should consider just keeping the S1 single coil. But if you do intend on using it, the Blue Velvet seems to be a pretty popular one(can't exactly comment on it since I don't use it, even though I have it as a stock pickup on all my J-Customs). Another choice would be the HS-2(single coil or humcancelling mode) or a Duncan Duckbucker.

**jaxadam** · #5 09-13-2006, 01:04 PM

For single coil slot with TZ, I'd recommend an FS-1. I have one with a TZ/AN combo, and it sounds great all around, also in split mode as well. I'm not so happy with the HS-2 or HS-3 in two other guitars I have with this similar configuration.

bujecas · #6 09-15-2006, 03:56 PM

I have the Ibanez V7 neck pickup, do you think I should changed it to a PAF Pro for example? I don't want to change it for now (no money), but I'm afraid that it could not be balanced with the bridge pickup Tone Zone...

TheToneZone · #7 09-16-2006, 04:29 AM

I use a Tone Zone/Paf Pro combo in my RG3120, also on a 540R. When set right the Pro is actually a bit louder than TTZ. For an all rounder axe this combo is where it's at. It seems the Pro is also pretty adjustable from muddy to clear by tinkering with the pole pieces too (usually makes more of a difference on lower output pickups). The Pro will also do split stuff with singles well.

As far as a suitable single coil, well, they just aren't my bag.

Mike

Sabre · #8 09-16-2006, 05:33 AM

If you look at some of the descriptions on DiMarzio's site there's plenty of tips on which pick-ups work well with each other. But I'd go for either the Blue Velvet or the HS-2 ( Single Coil Closest to the JEM single ).

Roadstar · #9 09-20-2006, 02:08 PM

I like the paf joe or the fred in the neck spot
for the middle you can go wrong with a good old Hs2 or Hs3

slugman · #10 09-20-2006, 03:22 PM

Isn't the Blue Velvet an actual single coil? Trouble is you'll get noise, whereas with a HS-2 or HS-3 it will be quiet since its a stacked humbucker.

marianozz · #11 09-20-2006, 03:36 PM

You will get noise in pos.3 alone, since the notch positions will cancel hum with either split bucker (as long as you wire it right)...

Anyway, my vote goes to the Air Norton

(btw, at the moment i have a TZ / S1 / Paf Pro combo on a 550 and i love it, but i just cant get past the vintage kinda sound the Paf Pro puts out....)

rty13ibz98 · #12 09-21-2006, 12:56 PM

i would steer clear of the hs series of single coils. their output is really low. the virtual vintage pickups are better and louder. they will match better with the humbuckers. i use the air norton/tone zone combo in at least 8 ibanez's and they kill, but i have them in mahogany. for my basswood axes, the super3 in the bridge is my fave and the fred in the neck is great. the air norton will suit you well in basswood as well, but for versatility, the fred has a slight advantage in basswood.

rich

Jeff - CRO · #13 09-24-2006, 08:56 AM

I use Air Norton with the ToneZone in my ibanez,and that's a hell of a match.
Air Norton has a slightly darker but warm voicing in my guitar,and it really sustains greatly.It's a great combination with Tonezone in bridge,also it sounds wonderfull when in singlecoil mode...

Team J Crafter · #14 10-02-2006, 10:52 PM

I'm a fan of the Tone Zone & Air Norton combo. I've got a Tone Zone(single) in the middle position of my old 370EX and it sounds killer.

Yousef · #15 10-12-2006, 06:06 AM

Dimarzio came out with 2 new pickups.. the area 58 and area 61.. I've heard these pickups being played and they sound like an amazing single coil without ANY noise !
Just a suggestion !
You could also go with the ToneZone S if you like
You know, you could also just not use the middle coil.. and just use the 2 humbuckers in a 5 way config