70's southern rock pickup recommendations

[notCardio]

Looking for something that can get some bite if you want it, but mellows out nicely if you don't.

I've got what I'm relatively certain is a DiMarzio Super Distortion (mid-70s) that I like, but I don't know if the modern ones are as good, or if there's something better. And I'm not talking about $500 Burst Brothers, I mean regular old, sell 'em at music stores, kinda pickups.

 

[jimistone]

Looking for something that can get some bite if you want it, but mellows out nicely if you don't.

I've got what I'm relatively certain is a DiMarzio Super Distortion (mid-70s) that I like, but I don't know if the modern ones are as good, or if there's something better. And I'm not talking about $500 Burst Brothers, I mean regular old, sell 'em at music stores, kinda pickups.

70's era fender single coils and gibson humbuckers would be my bet.

 

[Outlaws]

If you want a vintage sound there is no better way to get it than to use vintage equipment.

 

[Zaphod B]

notCardio, as you may recall, my bastardized '72 LP has a DiMarzio SD in the bridge position, and the reason I installed it is because I was playing a lot of southern rock, ZZ Top, and the like at the time.

It's a great pickup for that type of music. It has enough gain to really push the front end of a tube amp, but not so hot that it's completely lacking in tone.

 

[Anfontan]

If its a fairly old pickup, the magnets have lost some of their magnetism-so they will be weaker than a new pickup somewhat. I have also heard good things about the ToneZone by DiMarzio, its a bit weaker than the SD (50milliVolts less) but its supposed to clean up nicely.

 

[notCardio]

So is it a new one?

The SD, I mean.

Got a clip anywhere?

It's nice to get at least one helpful anwer.

OK, make that 2 now.

 

[Zaphod B]

If you're referring to my SD, no, it's not new - I installed it back in the late '70s sometime.

Sorry, I don't have a clip of it. (I've never posted anything on any of the MP3 hosting services - any tips?) But I can tell you that when that puppy is plugged into my new AC30CC, the amp just screams. Tons 'o drive.

If the output has fallen off as Anfotan has suggested, I can't tell - it's still tons hotter than the P90 in the neck position.

 

[Anfontan]

The SD, I mean.

Got a clip anywhere?

It's nice to get at least one helpful anwer.

OK, make that 2 now.

Oh, I was just meaning that a pickup loses some power over the years-I have pickups in my Gibson "Paul" that are 30 years old but still pack a punch-its just not Mike Tyson's punch anymore~

Go the this link, under humbuckers, high power, super distortion, click on sound for a couple of sound clips--Ace Frehley with his Les Paul is one you've probably heard a couple hundred times and another guy shredding away.....
DiMarzio

 

[Big Kenny]

Easier to prescribe a guitar or amp. Pickups can be beaten into submission pretty easily

 

[notCardio]

See, I am of the belief that

besides pedals & such, the pickups and the amp are the big tonemakers. Unless it's a hollow body, to me the body influences tone the least (given a decent bridge/saddles/nut setup).

So we've both got 70's SD's that we like. Coincidence? I think not.

But I still want to know if the new ones are the same or if they've been 'improved' to the point of leaving me wanting old ones.

Or if there are any others that are an actual improvement, that are the new defacto 'classic southern rock' or 'blues rock' champs.

And I want an off-the-shelf solution, not hunting around pawn shops & ebay for 'vintage'. I just want as close as something new can get me is all.

 

[Zaphod B]

I would think that DiMarzio technical support personnel could answer the question about whether the pickup specs have changed over the years.

 

[ocnor]

The Seymour Duncan JB also works great for any type of rock.

 

[Light]

Seymour Duncan Alnico II, the Pearly Gates, The `59, and the JB.



Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[Micter]

Seymour Duncan Alnico II, the Pearly Gates, The `59, and the JB.



Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

Exactly! Especially the 59 and JB.

 

[cephus]

Seymour Duncan Alnico II, the Pearly Gates, The `59, and the JB.

I'd never buy those particular pickups for the very reason Light recomends them - EVERYONE USES THEM.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......

I really don't think pickups are the crucial ingredient for the southern rock tone. Humbuckers for sure, but brand wise, I'd think any middle of the road (not too hot) off-the-shelf would be fine.

I think a huge part of it is the amp, or at least having the right amount of distortion. Those guys played loud and clear. Make sure your amp is not over-fuzzed. Just enough distortion for sustain.

I think that explorers and Vs and Jrs sound better for southern rock than les pauls. They just have a slightly cheesier sound that invokes house trailers and skoal.

 

[apl]

Carvin C22B.

 

[Big Kenny]

http://www.schematicheaven.com/deltabluesland/artists/duane_allman.htm
duane uses
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DiMarzio-DP200-Steve-Morse-Pickup?sku=302480&src=00633 you don't get more southern than Steve
and Albert Lee uses mm90's

 

[Zaphod B]

I think a huge part of it is the amp, or at least having the right amount of distortion. Those guys played loud and clear. Make sure your amp is not over-fuzzed. Just enough distortion for sustain.

Pretty close.

Most southern rockers did not use overdrive pedals and relied on the amp for the distortion. Those using LPs or other humbucker-equipped instruments naturally got more drive and sustain, and could get sustainable, controllable feedback very easily. Strat players sounded cleaner.

 

[Thurgood]

Good ole PAF clone or original if you can find and afford the damn thing.

 

[notCardio]

http://www.schematicheaven.com/deltabluesland/artists/duane_allman.htm
duane uses
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/DiMarzio-DP200-Steve-Morse-Pickup?sku=302480&src=00633 you don't get more southern than Steve
and Albert Lee uses mm90's

Since I don't have several grand for some vintage PAF's, I guess that option's out. I found some others that I'd like for about $500 (can't remember the name off the top of my head, I can post a link if anybody cares), but I wasn't looking for the 'ultimate' right now, just something kinda quick and easy and 'pretty darned good'. Like I said, if the Dimarzio SD is what it used to be, then that's good enough for me.

Tech support. Now why didn't I think of that.

Of course, they'll probably lie...