direct replacement pickups for Axis

[veniculum]

Hey guys...I'm going to revisit this subject yet again. In the past, I've inquired about EMGs, as well as some other pickup questions. At the end of the day, I keep coming back to this is because I'm just not satisfied with the stock pickups in my Axis. Primarily, my problem is tone...I'm just not thrilled with the stockers. Nothing against the guitar...just want something different. The other problem is...aesthetics (as shallow as that may sound ... in any event...I don't really like the chrome covers on mine...I prefer the cream zebras that I see on 90 percent of the other Axis's out there.

So my question is...based on the fact that these are direct mount...and not only that...where the pickups mount to the body, that area is sort of 'triangular' (and as are the pickups/pickup mount plates themselves)..which doesn't seem to be the standard setup for most pickups.

So my question is...are there any pickups that will just directly bolt right in without modification to the body and/or the pickup. At the same time, I'm looking for a slightly hotter pickup than the stocker (uncovered zebras). And finally, do I need to buy F-spaced...or can I just go with standard spacing?

I would certainly appreciate any suggestions. I really just want to purchase something, give it to my tech, and have them installed...with little (or preferably no) modification to the guitar or pickups.

I really appreciate your suggestions.
Thanks guys

Todd

 

[LawDaddy]

Any DiMarzio will fit (they have the triangular legs); F-spaced for the bridge. The best place for DiMarzio info is over at the DiMarzioForum.com.

 

[ily]

i've just ordered DIMARZIO PAF 36th anniversary
DP 223 Fspaced for the bridge and DP103 standard for the neck + a 6 way toggle switch

i can't wait to receive it

 

[brokenvail]

+1 Any Dimarzio will fit. they also offer just about every pickup they make in a ton of colors including various Zebra's from black and cream to b&w to red and blue ect ect ect. Many of their larger dealers stock many of their models in zebra colors and if you must order a set it shold just be like 2weeks to get it. The ultimate in awsomeness is that they have a 30 day exchange policy as long as you bought the pup new if you don't like it they will swap it for any other one of equal or lesser value.

 

[Sticky1973]

Do bear in mind that the more powerful DiMarzios are taller pickups. The D Sonic and Crunch Lab are about 2.6mm taller than the standard pickups. Given that they are body mounted, do consider potential mods to the pickup (preferred) or the body (your call) if tweaks are required.

DiMarzio CS can supply a diagram with dimensions.

Hope that helps.

 

[Richiesos]

You can actually call or email DiMarzio customer support and they'll help you out. Tell them what type of sound you're going for and they'll make a recommendation.

 

[OU812]

What I would do first is take the chrome covers off the pickups. It will change the tone of the pickups and make them slightly hotter. After all, this is what Jimmy Page did to his '59 Burst bridge pup.

 

[veniculum]

What I would do first is take the chrome covers off the pickups. It will change the tone of the pickups and make them slightly hotter. After all, this is what Jimmy Page did to his '59 Burst bridge pup.

I should've clarified...mine are not covers..they're chrome pickups (a'la Les Paul Burkbuster Pros). At least I'm almost sure they are. My guitar was one of those Guitar Center exclusives that has the chrome pickups and chrome volume knob. I like the knob...not the pickups. That's not to say I don't like chrome pickups..just not particularly in this guitar

Thanks everyone for the replies. That would make sense that all Dimarzios would fit in here...just as my IBZ RGT has the same direct mount config (with the triangular cutouts).
That being said...I don't necessarily know if I want to replace the Dimarzios with different Dimarzios. I do, in many cases, really like them...and have them in a number of my guitars. For this particular guitar, I really wanna go with something considerably hotter than stock. I have become familiar with EMGs recently, and love them..but don't know if they would be what I'm looking for with this guitar. If all Dimarzios will fit, can anyone suggest a higher output model than the stock Axis pickup. I have a Tone Zone in one of my guitars, and I like it...but I like to switch it up a bit. Any others?

Thanks again..I appreciate the comments.

Todd

 

[Stratty316]

I always liked the Dimarzio Evolution pickups myself. Thought that if I ever found a cheap "beater" Axis I would try a set in it. Why not try the JP pickups in it?

 

[LawDaddy]

i've just ordered DIMARZIO PAF 36th anniversary
DP 223 Fspaced for the bridge and DP103 standard for the neck + a 6 way toggle switch

i can't wait to receive it

I'm a big fan of the 36ths.

 

[Roubster]

If you want something really rockin, I would suggest a Super Distortion in the bridge and Breed Neck...should be pretty versatile and depends on what u want the middle pickup selection to be. Plus I think the all hex pole pieces look awesome.

 

[veniculum]

If you want something really rockin, I would suggest a Super Distortion in the bridge and Breed Neck...should be pretty versatile and depends on what u want the middle pickup selection to be. Plus I think the all hex pole pieces look awesome.

I was looking at this EXACT setup. I've got a Jackson PC-1 with a Super 3, and it's got a cool sound...I'm thinking the Super Distortion (being somewhat similar) would fit this guitar nicely. The Breed seems to be a good match for the neck...that said, I don't play much in the neck...so I'm going to look at pricing. Something like an Evolution Neck (same as one of my other guitars), might be a good fit as well. I'll have to see what they're going for.

I think the questions that need to be asked (which I should've asked early on)...first...what pickup is the stock pickup in the Axis...I thought I read that it was not a specific model, but one made for EBMM. Is this accurate. That being the case, if one could compare it to what Dimarzio currently has in their long list of models, which would you guys think it sounds most like. Reason I ask this is because I'm a little underwhelmed by it...which is why I've said I want to go "hotter". Of course, it's hard to compare when you're only familiar with a few models, when they have so many. I'm familiar with the Tone Zones, the Evolution Neck, the Super 3...and I think that's it. In all honesty, one of my favorite pickups ever is the Dragon IIs in my PRS. Same with the Burkbuster Pros in my LP. Not sure if either one of these would actually be considered "high output". At the same time, these are different instruments...different pickups work better in different instruments...that's the only thing that I'm relatively sure of

In any event...I appreciate the replies. It seems logical to go with some kind of Dimarzio as they are direct drop-ins. Now I'm just trying to decide on which ones. Of the "high output" models on their site, the Evo Bridge or Super Distortion seem to be the way I want to go...I'm a bit more flexible on the neck p'up.
Thanks again.

Todd

 

[veniculum]

I'm going to post one more question and then I'm going to put this thing to bed and make a decision. I'm a little bummed because I tend to prefer Seymour Duncans to Dimarzios...I know...everyone has their own opinion....I've just always been more of a SD guy. So that being said, I'm kinda bummed because as much as I want to drop a SD p'up in my Axis, I don't know how to do it...because the base plates are not triangular. So it doesn't look like Duncan pickups will drop right in. This is a bit unfortunate for us SD guys. I'm sure there are those of you who have done this...but somebody like me, who's not a guitar tech by any stretch, wouldn't even know where to begin.
I checked SD's website and it doesn't look like any of their pickups are designed to fit in the Axis body.
Am I completely wrong about this...is there a way to make these fit without modifying the pickup..or worse...the body.

My favorite pickup ever is the good ol' JB in the bridge. My first guitars all had them...and I still use them in my Charvels. I would love nothing more to be able to install one of these...just don't know how I would go about doing that with the current config.

I'd appreciate suggestions...then, like I said...I'll leave it alone.

Thanks guys

Todd

 

[beej]

Why don't you write to SD and ask them, or post a question at the SD forum? They can probably offer you a suggestion.

 

[brokenvail]

I'm going to post one more question and then I'm going to put this thing to bed and make a decision. I'm a little bummed because I tend to prefer Seymour Duncans to Dimarzios...I know...everyone has their own opinion....I've just always been more of a SD guy. So that being said, I'm kinda bummed because as much as I want to drop a SD p'up in my Axis, I don't know how to do it...because the base plates are not triangular. So it doesn't look like Duncan pickups will drop right in. This is a bit unfortunate for us SD guys. I'm sure there are those of you who have done this...but somebody like me, who's not a guitar tech by any stretch, wouldn't even know where to begin.
I checked SD's website and it doesn't look like any of their pickups are designed to fit in the Axis body.
Am I completely wrong about this...is there a way to make these fit without modifying the pickup..or worse...the body.

My favorite pickup ever is the good ol' JB in the bridge. My first guitars all had them...and I still use them in my Charvels. I would love nothing more to be able to install one of these...just don't know how I would go about doing that with the current config.

I'd appreciate suggestions...then, like I said...I'll leave it alone.

Thanks guys

Todd

Two things #1 what people have done is buy the SD and file down the square ears into a trianlgle until it fit. #2 the Dimarzio AT1 is based on the JB. Andy Timmons used a JB for years till Dimarzio made him his sig pickup which is a tweeked JB.

For what it's worth the PRS pickups and dragon pups are not high output. They are medium out put. I think what your not digging is the way the Axis pup is voiced not it's "power" I hated the pup in my A.S.S. but never got around to change it and I recently sold it to pay for my G.C. If highout put is really what you need the Evo's are high out put and JP's sig pups are high out put and rock. And I don't think we can leave the Steve Morse pickups out of the list either

 

[veniculum]

Two things #1 what people have done is buy the SD and file down the square ears into a trianlgle until it fit. #2 the Dimarzio AT1 is based on the JB. Andy Timmons used a JB for years till Dimarzio made him his sig pickup which is a tweeked JB.

For what it's worth the PRS pickups and dragon pups are not high output. They are medium out put. I think what your not digging is the way the Axis pup is voiced not it's "power" I hated the pup in my A.S.S. but never got around to change it and I recently sold it to pay for my G.C. If highout put is really what you need the Evo's are high out put and JP's sig pups are high out put and rock. And I don't think we can leave the Steve Morse pickups out of the list either

Thanks for the reply...I was actually wondering if folks are filing the SD's down to make them fit. But i really appreciate the recommendation of the AT-1...I thought his was a stacked humbucker though...guess I was wrong. What I don't like about the stock Axis pickups is not necessarily the tone of them...I don't like that they just don't seem to sustain/hold the notes...if that makes any sense. They're a bit flat. I'm not necessarily looking for the hottest/heaviest sound...that's not my playing style. But I do play at high gain, and like the sort of quintessential 80s guitar sound. I understand that this sound isn't necessarily achieved with "high output" pickups. But in a lot of cases, the higher output pickups have worked well for me (i.e. Tone Zones, Super 3, EMG 81, SD, SH5, etc)...But at the end of the day...whether one would consider them high or medium output (I don't really care)...the JBs have been my all-around favorites.
Regarding the Dragon IIs, it's like I said...different sounds/tones for different guitars. For whatever reason, that Dragon II bridge pickup gives me what I want...in that guitar. Perhaps it wouldn't in another guitar. But that brings me back to why I like the JBs...because there's never been a guitar that I didn't like them in. They just seem to work in every application...at least for me. I know..some guys hate them. To each their own though, right?

So based on what I'm saying about my dislikes with the stock Axis pickups...does it still sound like a JB would be the answer...or would this be the one case (at least in my experience) where this pickup might not work?...at one point, I was considering an EMG in there...but there was just too much involved. The whole point here is that I want to spend the least amount/not have to do any body or any other major modification...hence, wanting to use a drop in pickup...and yet I really do want to improve an already great guitar.

I should probably add, lastly...I don't usually play through a proper rig. Yeah..I've got a decent setup right now...but because of my circumstances (family guy these days), I play mostly through one of those little pocket pods. Some guys laugh at me when I say that....but they really do sound great once you get them setup how you like...and you really can hear the differences between guitars...they're individual tones, their pickups, etc. Playing through that thing actually makes me even more aware of the individual guitars' sounds and little nuances. But it also makes me a little more critical I can almost guarantee that if I were playing at 10 through my amp/rig, I would be much less critical...the stock p'ups in this Axis would've probably been just fine.

Anyway...don't want to ramble too much (might be too late for that). Thanks again for the reply/suggestions. I appreciate it.

Todd

Thanks again...I will definitely check out that AT-1 pickup.

 

[brokenvail]

Andy Timmons uses a stacked single coil in the neck and middle and his AT-1 in the bridge.
I will put it to you this way. I was going to put the AT-1 in my A.S.S. before I sold it and did put one in my SS and I am so loving this pup! But as I think I mentioned before. If you are willing to be patient. Dimarzio will swap a pickup for another one in their line of equal or lesser value as long as it is within 30 days and you have your proof of purchase.

Since you like the JB start with the AT-1 and if you don't like it swap away till you find what you like.

 

[veniculum]

Ok...so I said I was done...so much for that. For some time, I've been looking at Bareknuckle pickups...and while I know they're a bit expensive (to say the least)...the Steve Stevens pickup ("Rebel Yell") is exactly what I'm looking for. That being said, those, too, have the squared off legs...which would mean modification. Although i don't know how much is involved in filing those legs to fit.
Either way, I can ask my tech about that. Before I go ahead and order anything, there were some options on their site, and I'm not sure what I would need to select...hoping you guys can help out (if I ultimately decide to go with these pickups). So here's what they're asking for:

Bridge Spacing - 50 or 53mm. I'm assuming the 53mm are the 'f-spaced', and that's what I need.
Conductor - 4 or Braided 2. I have no idea what this is...anyone?
Leg - Long 1/2" or Short 1/4" - I'm not sure what I need for an Axis. I do like my pickups close to the strings...probably closer than specs...but I don't want to order the wrong thing here

I would appreciate any help you guys can provide here.
Thanks, yet again.

Todd

 

[brokenvail]

Ok...so I said I was done...so much for that. For some time, I've been looking at Bareknuckle pickups...and while I know they're a bit expensive (to say the least)...the Steve Stevens pickup ("Rebel Yell") is exactly what I'm looking for. That being said, those, too, have the squared off legs...which would mean modification. Although i don't know how much is involved in filing those legs to fit.
Either way, I can ask my tech about that. Before I go ahead and order anything, there were some options on their site, and I'm not sure what I would need to select...hoping you guys can help out (if I ultimately decide to go with these pickups). So here's what they're asking for:

Bridge Spacing - 50 or 53mm. I'm assuming the 53mm are the 'f-spaced', and that's what I need.
Conductor - 4 or Braided 2. I have no idea what this is...anyone?
Leg - Long 1/2" or Short 1/4" - I'm not sure what I need for an Axis. I do like my pickups close to the strings...probably closer than specs...but I don't want to order the wrong thing here

I would appreciate any help you guys can provide here.
Thanks, yet again.

Todd

You want the 4 conductor. It will allow you to do coil splitting, series, parallel ect

 

[veniculum]

nice...1 down, 1 to go. Anyone else on the leg length...what are the stock Axis dimarzios. To be honest, I didn't even know this was an option
Thanks