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JP-6... Alternate pickup suggestions?

visualrocker69

visualrocker69

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Mar 25, 2007
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Hi... so I just realized that if I carry on with my plan and get a JP-6 and a Mark IIC+ with a 2x12" rectifier cab, people will think I'm a Petrucci fanboy LOL

I was thinking of swapping the pickups for something less... specialized. More universal, I guess. I can't think of what else to do, as I'm 100% fixated on the JP and the IIC+ :D

Swooooo... can you guys recommend some great ALL-PURPOSE pickup configurations?

Actually, I already have a few in mind. I'm thinking something along the lines of Seymour Duncan JB/'59... EMG 81/85. You know, the famous configs. Probably not EMG... too metal for an all-purpose instrument...arguably.

I guess my real question is...
If I'm going Dimarzio, and I put a Super Distortion in the neck, what's a good neck pickup? Like, what's the Dimarzio equivalent of the Duncan '59, if you will?

Thanks again
 
the24thfret

the24thfret

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What's wrong with being a fanboy?

Don't know much about pickup swaps, but there's nothing wrong IMO with using a setup that is proven to sound good. Plus there's too many other factors (ability, effects, strings, style, the list goes on) which will make you sound unique anyway.

Seeing as how you don't have the equipment yet, why worry! You'll probably end up loving it just the way it is. If not, then change it. :)
 
visualrocker69

visualrocker69

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the24thfret said:
What's wrong with being a fanboy?

Don't know much about pickup swaps, but there's nothing wrong IMO with using a setup that is proven to sound good. Plus there's too many other factors (ability, effects, strings, style, the list goes on) which will make you sound unique anyway.

Seeing as how you don't have the equipment yet, why worry! You'll probably end up loving it just the way it is. If not, then change it. :)
Click to expand...

Hahah... there's nothing wrong with it persay, it's just not the image I want to project. And I'm not really a Petrucci fanboy. Actually, I only started listening to DT about a year and a half ago. I have an enormous amount of respect for Petrucci as a guitarst, but I don't *idolize* him above all others. It's important to have many influences, after all, and I don't want to end up fixating on one musician like some tend to do.

About the pickups, I'm sure I'll love the D-sonic/Air Norton configuration, but I just want to take a step in a different direction. The idea just occured to me when I randomly saw a JP-6 on eBay (while researching the resale value) loaded with Seymour Duncan JB/'59's. It struck me that I (probably) want to do something along the same lines.

Still no suggestions on the Dimarzio front?
 
beej

beej

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Seems to me that the amp is probably going to be the biggest factor here ... if you like the Mesa sound I'd stick with the stock p'ups (they're great). If not, what sounds are you going for?
 
Sub1 Zero

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Tell us what styles of music you prefer to play. If you are a metalhead, I'd suggest the JB/Jazz set that Dave Mustaine has used for ages. In fact, Seymour Duncan even makes an active JB/Jazz set for him now, and he says they are just like the regular with more headroom.
 
visualrocker69

visualrocker69

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beej said:
Seems to me that the amp is probably going to be the biggest factor here ... if you like the Mesa sound I'd stick with the stock p'ups (they're great). If not, what sounds are you going for?
Click to expand...

Nothing specific, actually. I'd say NOT something overly metal-ish (EMG) or overly trebley/scooped/dimarzio evolution-ish. Just something that can get smooth lead tones, varied rhythms (both crunch and heavier distortion) and sparkly cleans. I'm actually trying to stay away from pickups that go for a "specific" sound.

That said, I realize the D-sonic/modified air norton pair will make for a diverse array for sounds... but just the fact that it's EXACTLY what Petrucci uses kinda makes me want something more general. Maybe its psychological, but I was even toying with the notion of getting a different guitar (ie, Axis supersport) rather than the Petrucci model so that I wouldn't end up emulating one guitarist (or seem to do so, anyway).

Sub1 Zero said:
Tell us what styles of music you prefer to play. If you are a metalhead, I'd suggest the JB/Jazz set that Dave Mustaine has used for ages. In fact, Seymour Duncan even makes an active JB/Jazz set for him now, and he says they are just like the regular with more headroom.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't call myself a "metalhead", but there is part of me rooted in 80's-ish melodic metal. Having said that, I don't want a pickup thats specifically designed for one style: I'm also deeply rooted in progressive rock, alternative rock, and various other things.

There's a reason that pickups like the Duncan JB appear everywhere, in multiple styles - they're SO versatile. Same with the Dimarzio Super Distortion... it's been used everywhere from Al Di Meola to Paul Gilbert.

I guess I phrased my question incorrectly... I really just want to know what a good neck pickup would be in conjuction with the Super Distortion.

If I end up being an exclusive JP-6 player, I'll eventually acquire 3 of them and have diff pickup configs. Seymour Duncan JB/59 (jazz) in one, EMG 81/85 in the second, and Dimarzio Super Distortion and ....WHAT in the 3rd?

That's the only missing piece in my mind.

(I think I'll take this specific question to Dimarzio forums as well.)

As always thanks for the feedback :) You guys are great.
 
roburado

roburado

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How about this?
Neck: Virtual PAF
Bridge: Virtual Hot PAF

Seems to work nicely in Silos and the 20th Ann. Silo.
 
visualrocker69

visualrocker69

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roburado said:
How about this?
Neck: Virtual PAF
Bridge: Virtual Hot PAF

Seems to work nicely in Silos and the 20th Ann. Silo.
Click to expand...

Thanks =)
PAF or V-PAF seems to be the general consensus for the neck pickup in other forums too.

I really have my mind made up with Super Distortion in the bridge position though... that seems to be like THE quintessential Dimarzio pickup. Seems like the Virtual PAF will work well in conjunction with it, though :)
 
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