DiMarzio Forum

DimarzioForum.Com => The Pickup Place => Topic started by: Luca79 on November 29, 2016, 06:08:36 AM

Title: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: Luca79 on November 29, 2016, 06:08:36 AM

Hello,
i'm new here, from Italy.

I want to replace the Virtual PAF in my new EBMM Silhouette Special. I was thinking to go with The Tone Zone, but i not really need a lot of output, so i wonder if the Air Zone is a better choice.

Right now i like the stock pickup, have a nice punch and tone, but is a bit weak.
The guitar is on the bright zone (maple neck and fingerboard, new wood, oiled...) so i could keep the 250K pot.

Any suggestions are welcomed.

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: Timius on November 29, 2016, 03:59:21 PM

I had a virtual PAF in my JP6 - factory installed.  IF you like the tone of the Virtual PAF the Tone Zone is not the way to go.  I replaced mine with a tone zone and it's getting replaced. 

I would say look at the Norton or the Breed neck as the Tone zone will sound nothing like your current pickups. 

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: darkbluemurder on November 30, 2016, 03:56:46 AM

Seems like you are looking for a PAF-like tone (i.e. what you currently have) but with a bit more beef. In the DiMarzio line that would be the Norton, which I have not personally played, however. If it does not have to be a DiMarzio, Duncan Custom 5 would be a good choice for that.

Cheers Stephan

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: Luca79 on November 30, 2016, 04:33:07 AM

Thanks for the answers.

I have one TB11 around, but i wish to stay with DiMarzio.

So the Norton DP160 is more PAF sounding, i'll check it.

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: jazzfromhell on November 30, 2016, 05:31:34 AM

You should definitely try the Breed. Either the bridge or neck version, both will be great for a big PAF sound. If you want to go even bigger, bolder and bassier, yes, the Air Zone should work. I dont know about keeping the 250k pot though, you may need a 500k.

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: Luca79 on November 30, 2016, 07:27:34 AM

My friend have a Jem with the Breed set... i'll give it a try.

Was watching some vids, and look like the Norton is a very nice pickup. Not have that particular eq of the Zone series. More classic hot-rod sound.

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: jazzfromhell on November 30, 2016, 04:55:00 PM

Yup, the Norton is really great.

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: tonejam on November 30, 2016, 09:44:53 PM

The Airzone is a great pickup. Incidentally, it sounds better split (authentic GOOD single coil sound) than just about any other pickup.
It's got a lot of bottom end. I would recommend 500K pot with it.

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: Luca79 on December 01, 2016, 10:27:54 AM

I tried the Breed yesterday, and not liked so much. Maybe is the guitar too (Jam) to be different...

I wish to stay with the stock tone, but with a bit more output and punch. I think the Virtual PAF is 230mV; very low.

I tried to boost the signal, but not like the result with the lead. Is fine do it with a crunch.

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: darkbluemurder on December 02, 2016, 08:16:29 AM

The Breed bridge sounds nothing like a PAF - much more output and midrange. Maybe with the coils in parallel, with a 250k load but with the coils in series - no.

Cheers Stephan

Title: Re: The Tone Zone vs Air Zone (bridge)
Post by: RayBarbeeMusic on December 04, 2016, 06:29:23 PM

Order of DiMarzio output (sort of) and brightness levels and "PAF"-ness from what you're looking for:

36th Anniv bridge
PAF Pro
Fred
Mo'Jo
Breed Neck
Norton

Somewhere along that continuum should be what you seek.