Bridge pup for So Cal?

[blackcloud45]

Hello,

I recently purchased my first So Cal and would like to replace the bridge pup (currently a DiMarzio Tone Zone). I play mainly classic rock through an Orange RV50 (6V6 tubes) with a Gibson SG ('57 Classics). My tone is probably a little hotter than the typical cleanish classic rock sound but it works for me. The Tone Zone is hollow and lacking body / sustain to my ears. I'm sure the Floyd / maple board isn't helping from this aspect. While I love Van Halen's tone I'm not trying to cop that mid-heavy, Marshall sound either. I don't play metal and I don't like any fuzzy 'fry' on top of the fundamental tone. I was curious what pup you guys could recommend to thicken this Charvel up with? I play a lot of Cream, Sabbath, Zeppelin, Black Crowes, etc.

Thanks in advance guys!

[Grandturk]

Try a Duncan Custom for some nice tight bass and glassy highs.

I like the Dimarzio Super Distortion in all of my Floyded strats - nice smooth, round sound. Perfect for classic rock.

[toejam]

The Tone Zone is hollow and lacking body / sustain to my ears.

Hollow and lacking body/sustain? Either your pickup is broken or it's not a Tone Zone. :think: Maybe change the eq settings on your amp?

[sully]

Toss a Duncan Custom in there and never look back!

[Rich#6]

The socal I had with the tone zone was one of the best sounding guitars In have ever owned.:think: It's not as hot as I like it but it does have a lot of body.

[Hellbat]

I'll also go with the Duncan Custom as my recommendation, but I do like the Tone Zone so I don't know if my recommendation holds much water...

[SATCH1967]

I agree with sully,
I personally like the old,, old, Duncan customs from th eighties.

I have has the same issues with dimarzios in the past and have tried tons of them, adjusting my EQ-ing and just could not get past some of the tonal issues I have had with them.

Toss a Duncan Custom in there and never look back!

[blackcloud45]

Thanks for the replies guys! The Tone Zone doesn't sound bad, it just isn't what I'm looking for. Which Duncan Custom? They have TB-14, TB-11, TB-5?

[dg]

SH-5/TB-5 is the original Duncan Custom. The others are variations with different magnets (alnico 2 & 5, rather than the ceramic in the original version). Most of the folks here (myself included) prefer the TB-5 to the others.

[blackcloud45]

Ahh, thanks! I emailed the guy @ BKP yesterday and he said the VHII? The Duncan would definitely be cheaper $$

[Hellbat]

SH-5 is what I use, but people seem to like all 3 flavours. The SH-11 is something I would explore if I had a guitar I felt the SH-5 was too bright in. That isn't the case with my Jacksons though.

[The Rossness]

Duncan Custom with an A8 magnet swap

[Grim]

Ahh, thanks! I emailed the guy @ BKP yesterday and he said the VHII? The Duncan would definitely be cheaper $$

The VHII is a great pup. The Black Dog would be good too.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

If you don't like "fuzzy fry" then I honestly don't think a Custom TB5 is your pickup. Ceramic magnets tend to have a gritty high end (which I love) but it might not be your thing.

I have a Custom 5 in my San Dimas Style 1 and it might be what you're after. It's warmer/darker and the high end is smooth - it's like a JB without the tubby bass and high-end spike from being so over-wound I guess.

[blackcloud45]

Yeah, I haven't been a fan of ceramics in the past... I have a Duncan '78 laying around, think I'll try it first. Thanks again guys...