Pickup Suggestion - Charvel SO CAL

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Detroit ABA

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I just picked up a snow white Charvel So Cal new old stock at a local music store and I was hoping to get suggestions for changing out the pickups. I am not sure I like to the Dimarzio Tone Zone & Evolution combination. I am considering the EVH Frankenstein pickup, Seymour Duncan Custom 5 SH-14, or the SUHR Aldrich for the bridge and not sure what neck pickups would be a good choice for this guitar.
 
I have this guitar and didn't like the Tone Zone in the bridge. Replaced it with a Dimarzio Steve Morse Bridge model and now it screams.
 
Hey Brother,
got a Seymour Duncan Custom Custom @ bridge and Seymour Duncan Cool Rail @ neck. (cool sorta 80's H/S set up) in my USA So Cal.. Love the Custom Custom, actually i love the whole set up. Cool rail is an awesome neck pickup. Got FU brass block and D-Tuna on her.........CC is a good choice.
 
First thing I did to my SoCal was to yank the TZ and drop in a JB. Love it now.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions from a long time lurker, and first time poster (LOL). I think I have eliminated the custom custom because from what I have read it is very similiar to the EVH Frankenstein? What about the custom 5 SH-14?
 
fek":2xj79nda said:
First thing I did to my SoCal was to yank the TZ and drop in a JB. Love it now.
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still have the tone zone Steve?
 
I put in a set of MCPs (A2 Angel Dust bridge/Black Iron neck). Sounds great!!! No TZ/EVO for me!!!
 
what is it you don't like about the combo? One thing with the Tone Zone it is by far the pickiest pickup I have ever used as far as height adjustments go. Before you get rid of it try lowering it down quite a bit and raising the screws up some. I had one in my G and L Legacy and it took a couple days to get it set right but once I did I LOVED it. No experience with the EVO.

_Shane
 
It sounds good and based the specs and reviews I should like it but it is just to bassy and flubby. Do you think adjusting the pickup would help? I apologize if that is a dumb/obvious question.
 
I couldn't stand the Tone Zone in my So-Cal. I sold it and the evolution. Put an Alternative 8 in the bridge and a Screamin' Demon in the neck. I don't think I could be happier. I also put a Custom Custom and Alnico II Pro in my San Dimas. That combo is good too.
 
Detroit ABA":14r46nm0 said:
It sounds good and based the specs and reviews I should like it but it is just to bassy and flubby. Do you think adjusting the pickup would help? I apologize if that is a dumb/obvious question.
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Yes it makes a HUGE difference in tone. If you have it set like a normal pickup it is mud city. Give it a whirl, still might not be what you want but it's worth a shot.
 
Isn't the Tone Zone Jon Levin's choice of pick up now in Dokken ? He sounds awesome with it IMO.
 
paulyc":1dg4r1hq said:
Isn't the Tone Zone Jon Levin's choice of pick up now in Dokken ? He sounds awesome with it IMO.
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Yes, it is and yes he sounds amazing, but his tone is more than the pickup. Petrucci used the TZ on Images and Words and he also sounded amazing. I am not a huge fan of the TZ myself, but that is just me.
 
Try the EVH Wolfgang Humbucker. I had the '78 - sold it. I have the frankenstein in my other guitar and it's coming out as soon as I get another WG. The Frankenstein is way too crunchy/bassey for me. it would probably be a good metal-type pickup but the WG is so much more sweeter and pinch harmonics can be summoned at will. The wolfgang is like a '78 or a PAF with more output and no fizz. Love it :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I checked the string height last night vs. the pickup and the guitar is set up correctly. I lowered the pickup down away from the springs and and back up even closer to the strings and I just don't think I dig dimarzios. I think I have decided to go with the SUHR Aldrich, neck and bridge pickups. I should have clarified that my other guitar is an EVH Wolfgang and I love it but I was trying to get something with similiar feel and playability but offered some different tones, which is why I bought the SOCAL, fully antcipating wanting to swap out pickups but I thought I would give the dimarzios a chance.
 
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