Dimarzio Air Zone/Air Norton set. Like it or hate it?

[therhodeo]

I'm interested in what everyone thinks. I need something brighter and clearer for my Peavey HP EXP and dimarzios are the right price and I can get double cream. Any reasons why I should go with something different?

 

[LesPaulMan]

Nice combo, but the Air Zone isn't really a bright/clear pickup. I have had this combo in a Les Paul and it sounded ok. It sounded great in a Strat type guitar though, especially for hard rock.

 

[erikm5150]

Those are good pickups in the right guitar/situation...
But they are not what I would recommend for "brighter and clearer".
Try looking into the Norton or AT-1 for the bridge, and the PAF pro or PAF Joe for the neck.

 

[karma1]

I have that humbucker combo in a mahogany body Tele and I love it. I wouldn't call the Air Norton "bright", however, I have mine installed with a coil split and I use it a lot in single coil mode where it sounds clear and chimey - one of the best split humbuckers I've heard. As far as the bridge pickup - I basically only use it for high gain leads and for that the Tone Zone is awesome. I don't like bright icepick bridge pickups and the Tone Zone is warm and creamy with lots of sustain. I never use that in single coil mode - I like the fatness of it.

 

[marsos52]

i had that combo in a timtone maple top and lacewood body i really liked the setup and when split the single coil tones are very nice

 

[gliew]

I have the exact same combo in my Ibanez RG3120, which is a bolt-on neck, mahogany body with maple cap. For perspective, its my go-to shredder guitar!

The Air Norton is a great pickup with a lot of definition, I have heard it being called very "hi-fi" sounding and "synth"-like, and i think that describes it well. Bear in mind however that it is relatively hot and needs a hot bridge pickup to go with it. The Air Zone, has the strongest bass response in the Dimarzio catalogue, and as such I am not sure it would meet your needs for brighter and clearer. Its more creamy smooth!

Based on your needs for brighter and clearer, i personally would go with a matched par of PAF Pro's for the neck and bridge (ala Paul Gilbert). It is a low-medium hot pickup with great definition for both position. Alternatively, if you want a hotter bridge, a Norton would work great. Good luck!


PS Have you tried emailing Dimarzio customer service with your needs? They are fast and they know their stuff, highly recommended!