Norton or Super Distortion in my Axis??

[Lord Toneking]

Im sticking with Dimarzios. I already have a stock Axis, I tried a DSonic in my other Axis and didnt gel with that. I put a Fred in the neck and that seems to be a keeper

I was told the Norton is a very versitile pickup. I play in a classic rock band, a christian rock band and a thurs nite metal band. The Super Distortion and the Steve's Special both seem to be calling me

My amps are a Splawn Quickrod and a sig Peavey 5150

 

[Greazygeo]

I use the Norton. It was in an Ibanez Prestige first and now sits in a Kramer. It's a great rock sound.

 

[fluff191]

I have always been a huge fan of the Super Distortion. Such a versatile classic pickup.

Hell, for the price just get both pickups. You will still be under $200.

 

[Lord Toneking]

I use the Norton. It was in an Ibanez Prestige first and now sits in a Kramer. It's a great rock sound.

You think it will be too similar to the stock axis pickups? Im kinda wanting to give them each their own 'flavor'

thanks George

 

[SFW]

If you're wanting to get rid of those Axis pickups, let me know.

 

[Lord Toneking]

If you're wanting to get rid of those Axis pickups, let me know.

haha...nah. I love these things, plus if I ever sell the guitar I want to make it factory specs again

 

[Greazygeo]

I use the Norton. It was in an Ibanez Prestige first and now sits in a Kramer. It's a great rock sound.

You think it will be too similar to the stock axis pickups? Im kinda wanting to give them each their own 'flavor'

thanks George

Not really sure on that Tom. Never really spent any time with those guitars.

The Super Distortion is looser than the Norton. The Norton is about the same output as a Duncan Custom, pretty open, bottom end is full but tight and the top end is not shrill. The Super Distortion has more of a saturated kind of sound.

 

[Lord Toneking]

I use the Norton. It was in an Ibanez Prestige first and now sits in a Kramer. It's a great rock sound.

You think it will be too similar to the stock axis pickups? Im kinda wanting to give them each their own 'flavor'

thanks George

Not really sure on that Tom. Never really spent any time with those guitars.

The Super Distortion is looser than the Norton. The Norton is about the same output as a Duncan Custom, pretty open, bottom end is full but tight and the top end is not shrill. The Super Distortion has more of a saturated kind of sound.

Well, I just bought a SS off a member here. Guess I'll try that first and if it doest "wow" me I'll be looking for a Norton

What a pain in the ass swapping pickups though. Easy to do but just a pain

Oh well...the quest for 'that' tone

 

[Shawn Lutz]

Super Distortion is my favorite DiMarzio pickuo and I have guitars with EVO's, ToneZone, Breed, PAF Pro, Air Norton, Super 3 and Al Di Meola . I'd go Super Distortion and pair it with a PAF in the neck position.

 

[RockNRun]

I loved my Super Distortion through the Quick Rod FWIW (and +1 for pairing it with the PAF Pro), it was the best match up of what I personally had (and you know I have samples, lol). I'm actually in the process of doing a little mini bridge shootout right now with my new amp (Super Dist, Tone Zone, EMG, JB, Fred, etc). Crazy as it sounds, the Super Distortion is in the lead again.

I doubt you can go wrong with either however, it'll just be a matter of personal preference because really, these two are at least amongst DiMarzio's best ever (IMO).

shawnlutz....I just visited your site, holy crap what a collection of killer Charvels!!!!!! Great taste!

 

[racerevlon]

I think you might be slightly disappointed with the SS and the QR--the mids on the SS are scooped out to get the effect of the pickup. Norton is an AWESOME pickup with the QR--great grind. Personally, I use the Super 3 and Crunch Lab and both are a killer match with the QR. In my copious spare time I'll see if I can get you some clips. What speakers are you using?

 

[Lord Toneking]

I think you might be slightly disappointed with the SS and the QR--the mids on the SS are scooped out to get the effect of the pickup. Norton is an AWESOME pickup with the QR--great grind. Personally, I use the Super 3 and Crunch Lab and both are a killer match with the QR. In my copious spare time I'll see if I can get you some clips. What speakers are you using?

Im using small blocks in my 4x12 and an eminence gov/mow in my 2x12

 

[Shawn Lutz]

shawnlutz....I just visited your site, holy crap what a collection of killer Charvels!!!!!! Great taste!

thanks man. Those are really just replicas I built using various bodies and custom ordered necks to my specs Musikraft . I like beefier neck profiles than the typical Charvel/Jackson necks.

 

[threadkiller]

If you like the FRED I think you'll like the Norton. I have both in different guitars and I am very happy with the the Norton. Depends a little on guitar construction. I think you'll find the outpt on the Super Distortion to be quite high relative to the Norton or the FRED. The Dimarzio website has a pickup selector program where you put in details about the guitar and what you are trying to accomplish with the pickup change and it makes suggestions.

 

[AndyK]

Also, the Super Distortion was too tall for my Wolfie Special, I am guessing the same will be true for the Axis, unless they are routed deeper?

 

[Lord Toneking]

Also, the Super Distortion was too tall for my Wolfie Special, I am guessing the same will be true for the Axis, unless they are routed deeper?

I routed mine out to fit the Dsonic I had in it. I wouldve bought yours but my axis is black and I want black pups and a black knob. Looks really cool like that imo. I have a stock amber axis that is my main guitar

 

[rjohns1]

I tried the norton in my axis, it sounds too much like the neck pickup IMO. It felt like the mids were lacking in this guitar. I say try the SuperD. If you do, post a clip, I am interested in hearing how it sounds in the Axis.

 

[Meathead]

I bet the SD will sound good in the Axis. Like George said, it's a saturated sounding pickup. I guess I really dig that. Keep it about 1/4 inch away from the strings, I think it sounds best around there as it keeps it open sounding, it can get kind of congested sounding if it's too close to the strings. Sounds great with gain.

 

[AndyK]

Also, the Super Distortion was too tall for my Wolfie Special, I am guessing the same will be true for the Axis, unless they are routed deeper?

I routed mine out to fit the Dsonic I had in it. I wouldve bought yours but my axis is black and I want black pups and a black knob. Looks really cool like that imo. I have a stock amber axis that is my main guitar

I returned my SD to Music Zoo! I may try my zebra Duncan Custom if the wires reach. Has anyone liked the Custom compared to the stock bridge pickup?

 

[AndyK]

[

What a pain in the ass swapping pickups though. Easy to do but just a pain

Oh well...the quest for 'that' tone

I hear ya! I always wish for a day when pickups and guitars all come with some kind of modular wiring that would let you buy a new pickup and just plug it right in!