Need a clear sounding and articulate neck pickup

[rupe]

I wouldn't discount the Jazz...I have never had the "muddy" issue that was mentioned and I've used this pickup quite a bit.
If you are already using a lot of gain, throwing a JB in the neck sounds like a recipe for shit tone. The '59 bridge model will probably work out ok, but it's almost certain to be darker sounding and less articulate than the Jazz. With all of the pickups out there voiced for the neck position, why not try a few of those before going "unorthodox"?

 

[chunktone]

Dimarzio Fred bridge pu is GREAT in the neck position!

 

[scredly]

I put DiMarzio Humbucker From Hell in the neck position of my stage guitars. I find them to have a nice top-end and be very articulate.

http://www.dimarzio.com/site/pickups/humbuckers/humbucker-from-hell/

 

[MARK1970]

The DiMArzio Air Norton is clear and not muddy at all. It sounds great distorted or clean. I have used it with a basswood and mahogany body. It sounds great with both. I have been using the AN for over 5 years.

 

[gbsmusic]

WCR Darkburst is the best I've heard, but the Motor City Pickups Afwayu is a close 2nd!

How would you descrive the darkburst? is it a ceramic pickup ? highoutput ?

I would say its warm and round if that makes sense, its very smooth, and I believe its under 10k.

 

[Jordon]

I wouldn't discount the Jazz...I have never had the "muddy" issue that was mentioned and I've used this pickup quite a bit.
If you are already using a lot of gain, throwing a JB in the neck sounds like a recipe for shit tone. The '59 bridge model will probably work out ok, but it's almost certain to be darker sounding and less articulate than the Jazz. With all of the pickups out there voiced for the neck position, why not try a few of those before going "unorthodox"?

Let it be known that I play in B and A#, so I'm a bit more susceptible to mud.

 

[Jay Strange]

I find generally the more output the more mud.
The WCR Crossroads is nice and clear and tasty.
The American Steele set is F'n AWESOME with the CCV

 

[bravedude2]

Di Marzio P A F Pro
very warm and clear.
i even have a hs3 in my other strat neck pos. and that is a little weak but nice and vintage sounding.

 

[eternal_idol]

I wouldn't discount the Jazz...I have never had the "muddy" issue that was mentioned and I've used this pickup quite a bit.
If you are already using a lot of gain, throwing a JB in the neck sounds like a recipe for shit tone. The '59 bridge model will probably work out ok, but it's almost certain to be darker sounding and less articulate than the Jazz. With all of the pickups out there voiced for the neck position, why not try a few of those before going "unorthodox"?

To my ears, i don't find i like alot of neck pickups in the neck.

Yes i tend to like darker tones.

my suggestions anr't a set and forget type suggestion, they are diffrent tones, yeilding diffrent feels and diffrent ways of playing.

And keep in mind i can't stand the JB in the bridge position for my playing.
its got a clean midrangey tone. great for definition and dynamics in the neck. its a med high out put pick up so it compresses a little bit less spanking or farting if nyou flub up..

its an option. not ideal for everyone.

i dont like limits, amps get usedin way they weren't ment to..(modded) while limit it to amps? also look into low pass filters.. thats what volume pots are with out a tone circuit.

brae