DiMarzio Forum

DimarzioForum.Com => The Pickup Place => Topic started by: aizenx on February 24, 2026, 02:20:45 PM

Title: Neck pickup options for HS superstrat
Post by: aizenx on February 24, 2026, 02:20:45 PM

Hey guys,

I'm looking for opinions on a good neck pick up to put in my HS superstrat. I currently have a Tone Zone in the bridge. Really, I'm just looking for something that's powerful enough to keep up with it, that isn't too bright, and has great sustain. I play mostly distorted tones, but occasionally I'll play cleans similar to Andy Timmons (nothing too clean, as I usually have 'some' gain on it). I love my other guitar that has a full size Air Norton in the neck. Would the S version work here? What about the BC1 (supposedly a modified Air Norton S). Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!  :)

Title: Re: Neck pickup options for HS superstrat
Post by: gregr on February 24, 2026, 05:42:12 PM

Andy Timmons relies on the Cruiser Bridge for his clean tones, either with a compressor or an overdrive pedal with the volume rolled way back that has a treble bleed. This pickup is the second brightest (and second weakest) rail pickup that DiMarzio makes.

Bear in mind that with rail pickups the top end drops very quickly as the output increases. By the time you get to the Pro Track cleans become more suited for jazz, though unfortunately they’ve already lost articulation. Luckily that sounds like a non-issue for you. So that out of the way, yes, the Air Norton S or BC-1 will pair well with the Tone Zone in terms of output and sustain.