EVH Tone - Pickup Roundup

[azazael]

I don't get how we can make a good comparison when everyone have different setups etc.

Don't forget, some other pickup i would like a review of are...

Sound of Sin EVH PAF
Sound of Sin Wolfgang/Axis PAF
Seymour Duncan IM

[rgorke]

Anybody ever throw an A2 into a Super Distortion?

FWIW, I love my DiMarzio Virtual Hot PAF in the bridge position of my ash-maple Floyd super Strat.

Yeah, it was kind of muddy and lifeless. An A8 was very cool but squealed like, um, something that squeal a lot. I ended up with an A5. But I attempted at potting it and I think it is f$%^*ed up now.

[rgorke]

I don't get how we can make a good comparison when everyone have different setups etc.

Don't forget, some other pickup i would like a review of are...

Sound of Sin EVH PAF
Sound of Sin Wolfgang/Axis PAF
Seymour Duncan IM

This is specifically NOT a comparison. It is a list of pickups that had yielded good results in the EVH tone search. I am hoping it will become a sticky so that folks in the future will not have to search the entire forum when they have a question like," I have pickup _________, will that get me EVH tone?" Or more specifically, "what pickups should I get or try to get EVH tone?" Well here is a list with some considerations to helpl folks out. And to have that information all in one spot.

I think the SD you are refering to is the one I was trying to get the name of...is it IM?

[azazael]

Its called the Seymour Duncan IM1.
It is essentially the EVH Frankenstein pickup but cheaper and different magnets and wire.
Relic'd version from the custom shop for same price as standard EVH Frankenstein pup.

[jimi22812]

Its called the Seymour Duncan IM1.
It is essentially the EVH Frankenstein pickup but cheaper and different magnets and wire.
Relic'd version from the custom shop for same price as standard EVH Frankenstein pup.

The IM1 is a fantastic pick-up. I have one installed in a one-piece Northern Ash body and sounds amazing. The specs are virtually identical to the EVH Frankenstein except that the magnet is a degaussed A5 instead of a degaussed A2.
As far as price:
IM1
-$160 clean
-$180 relic'd

EVH Frankenstein
-$149 clean
-$399 relic'd

[vanhalen5150]

My favorite is my MotorCity Custom Pickup. Its not the 2nd Degree Blackbelt! According to Wade at MotorCity, this pickup is much closer to the EVH tone. He told me the he didn't gear the 2nd Degree Blackbelt for a Van Halen tone. He did something with cut A2 magnets and winding it for the magnets. Don't know what that means... but it smokes! 85.k is the output!

You mean 8.5k right? 85k would be quite hot!

I also have a WCR Darkburst. 8.3K. Very nice.

[rgorke]

Its called the Seymour Duncan IM1.
It is essentially the EVH Frankenstein pickup but cheaper and different magnets and wire.
Relic'd version from the custom shop for same price as standard EVH Frankenstein pup.

The IM1 is a fantastic pick-up. I have one installed in a one-piece Northern Ash body and sounds amazing. The specs are virtually identical to the EVH Frankenstein except that the magnet is a degaussed A5 instead of a degaussed A2.
As far as price:
IM1
-$160 clean
-$180 relic'd

EVH Frankenstein
-$149 clean
-$399 relic'd

Do you have any clips of each of these? I have always leaned more toward an A5 versus A2. So the EVH has the A2, right?

[jimmy_j]

On the topic of A5 versus A2, I've always leaned towards the A2 because it seemed more even across the frequency spectrum and not mid-scooped like the A5 although that could strictly be a function of the pickup said magnets were mounted in. The SD Alnico II Pro is a great sounding pickup but it has fairly low output. I would like a hotter version of one of those.

[jds22]

On the topic of A5 versus A2, I've always leaned towards the A2 because it seemed more even across the frequency spectrum and not mid-scooped like the A5 although that could strictly be a function of the pickup said magnets were mounted in. The SD Alnico II Pro is a great sounding pickup but it has fairly low output. I would like a hotter version of one of those.

I don't think I've ever played an A2. Are A2 pups usually lower output?

[xray]

According to MJ at the Duncan Custom Shop the IM1 has a degaussed Alnico 2

http://www.seymourduncan.com/forum/show ... ?p=2001789" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[vanhalen5150]

I don't get how we can make a good comparison when everyone have different setups etc.

Don't forget, some other pickup i would like a review of are...

Sound of Sin EVH PAF
Sound of Sin Wolfgang/Axis PAF
Seymour Duncan IM

I have the S of S Wolfgang/Axis. Very good pickup for what he was selling for. I think he underpriced himself on ebay and just got overwhelmed by the response. As soon as I got it I ordered 2 more different versions. Never saw them. No email reply.
If I remember correctly they were going for about $45 or so. I didnt understand how he could produce the quality he was for that. Top notch builder, brutal business sense.

[jds22]

The SD Alnico II Pro is a great sounding pickup but it has fairly low output. I would like a hotter version of one of those.

Your wish is Seymour Duncan's command.

http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/e ... i_pro_s_1/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kapo_Polenton]

I also love the Alnico II and out of all the pickups I have tried, I liked it most but always wished it was a tad hotter. I'd love to hear a side by side comparison. Duncan has a lot of pickups I'd love to try. Pearly Gates and Warren Demartini signature would be others. My SH-5 is an awesome pickup for metal but for the classic crunch.. not soo much. Anyway off topic but Duncan rocks!

[azazael]

I don't get how we can make a good comparison when everyone have different setups etc.

Don't forget, some other pickup i would like a review of are...

Sound of Sin EVH PAF
Sound of Sin Wolfgang/Axis PAF
Seymour Duncan IM

I have the S of S Wolfgang/Axis. Very good pickup for what he was selling for. I think he underpriced himself on ebay and just got overwhelmed by the response. As soon as I got it I ordered 2 more different versions. Never saw them. No email reply.
If I remember correctly they were going for about $45 or so. I didnt understand how he could produce the quality he was for that. Top notch builder, brutal business sense.

What would you compare the pickup to?
Does it cop the axis sound at all?
sound more like something else?

[vanhalen5150]

Well I've had 2 wolfgangs(sold one) and a new Axis. I think the Axis smokes the new Wolfgang but thats just my opinion. I took out the bridge Wolfie and put in the Sinbucker. It sounded far closer to the Axis than the Wolfie's original pickup did. Much tighter and broader spectrum. Awesome harmonics and it did not muddy up when you decreased the volume at all.
I wish the guy was still in businees. He was willing to make you whatever you wanted. His components where as good as any of the high end guys. He just wasnt charging for it.

It does the Axis/Wolfie/Frankenstein easily.