Middle PuP Suggestions?

Chroma · #1 03-10-2005, 02:26 PM

I just got my S470 earlier this week and put a Tone Zone in the bridge and a Humbucker from Hell in the neck. I'm thinking of replacing the middle pickup with something that would compliment those two better when I use the notch positions. It already has a decent sound, but I'm lookin for a really open, airy sound and need it to match the output levels of the humbuckers better than the stock middle I have now does.

I'm familiar with alot of Dimarzio humbuckers but I've never used their singles but would like to give one a try in this setup. Does anyone have any suggestions for a Dimarzio single that would get me close to the sound I'm looking for?

pete944 · #2 03-10-2005, 03:03 PM

Here's what I did. I disconnected the middle pickup and lowered it all the way down. I installed a Stew Mac Megaswitch P.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electron...aswitches.html
I have all the good single coil sounds and I don't have that middle pickup in the way of my picking. While I was in there I also replaced the vol & tone pots with good quality 500K pots and the controls are more responsive now.

Chroma · #3 03-10-2005, 03:21 PM

I actually have a megaswitch lying around that I used in another guitar so I may give that a shot if I don't find a middle pickup that suits my needs.

Uthark · #4 03-10-2005, 06:19 PM

Blue Velvet, neck model.

frankfalbo · #5 03-11-2005, 01:06 AM

I haven't tried the Cruisers yet but from what I hear they might be perfect. Then, since it's a rails design you really don't have to worry about it getting in the way of your playing. If the pick hits it it'll just glide over it, rather than getting caught up on pole pieces.

The Fast Track would also be a great alternative. I love those as middle pickups.

Shep · #6 03-11-2005, 01:39 AM

hs-2

it's great

nickysplendid · #7 03-11-2005, 05:32 AM

i was all set for a hs2 or hs3...then i noticed that there is an Yngwie version of both with "added highs".!"!

i'm getting confused about all this.

here's my plan so far

bridge: a Tone Zone for sure.

Neck: I want power and clarity so i thought a Humbucker from Hell....BUT!! will i get a good sound when i use the out of phase between the neck and middle pickup??

Middle: again - hs-2? hs-3? yngwie models???

please can someone help before i spend money!!

robyogi · #8 03-11-2005, 12:17 PM

Have you contacted Dimarzio yet? They seem to reply pretty quickly and can give some advice on how the different Dimarzios would interact with one another. Also, per Dimarzio's tech people, they have a 30-day return policy, so, as long as you leave the full length of the lead on the pickup, you can return it for credit (not cash back) on the next Dimarzio you buy. [BTW, I'm not a Dimarzio salesperson or anything, just have some experience recently in trying different pickups and learning through expensive errors!]

Also, if you are not set on Dimarzios, I like Evans single coils and they match very well with the TZ, IMO. In that guitar I use the lower vintage output model in the middle, with the the TZ in the bridge, and a hotter blues output Evans in the neck. It's a good combo. The lower output pickup has a very soft, airy, springy sort of sound.

Jem7RB MK · #9 03-11-2005, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uthark

Blue Velvet, neck model.

There ain't much to beat the tone

Rob

toshiro · #10 03-11-2005, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jem7RB MK

There ain't much to beat the tone

Rob

I like the bridge model in the middle, of course it's in a guitar with a way hot bridge pickup(Super3)...

buddroyce · #11 03-12-2005, 01:04 AM

I'd have to say the Duncan Duckbucker. 'Cause you can get that tone you would normally get in position 4 in position 3 and also get even more of a scooped sound in position 4.

Okay it does sound a little confusing, but the Duckbucker by itself in the middle position gives you that sound you would normally want from position 4. This way you also get a use for that normally useless middle position in your switch. (oh yeah, it's also humcancelling if you're worried about that).