Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF

***FLICKOFLASH*** · 04-04-2008, 10:01 PM

YouTube - Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF

BCRGreg · 04-04-2008, 11:20 PM

Yeah, that hallowed year 36 is the one to celebrate.

The brass baseplate is so accurate.

richedie · 04-07-2008, 10:05 AM

Alnico V? How much?

***b-squared*** · 04-07-2008, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCRGreg

Yeah, that hallowed year 36 is the one to celebrate.

The brass baseplate is so accurate.

Greg, you get those covers from WB this weekend?

BB

sapi · 04-07-2008, 11:47 AM

I wonder what is 'airbucker technology' according to Larry?

nwobhm · 04-07-2008, 12:46 PM

Looks like nickel baseplates, I guess he knew he'd get flak if they weren't.

04-08-2008, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapi

I wonder what is 'airbucker technology' according to Larry?

The poles and screws never touch the magnet, there is a space between them. Really has a good effect in some cases. BTW the baseplates are nickel silver, unlike most of his other stuff which has the brass...

nwobhm · 04-08-2008, 12:02 PM

What is the effect of screws and polepieces not touching the magnet? Does it have an effect on attack?

***FLICKOFLASH*** · 04-08-2008, 11:33 PM

how kool is this :

Hi,
Thanks for the invite, I checked it out. I like it.
Best regards,
Larry DiMarzio

scissorlock · 04-09-2008, 05:07 PM

I have the original version of the Dimarzio PAF (the one they replaced with this version). What a fantastic pickup. It's not 100% accurate vintage PAF tone, but it sounded great anyways. Definately my favorite in their lineup.

jumpinjackf1ash · 01-09-2009, 03:21 PM

amazing pickups. i have them in my les paul and I much prefer them to the burstbucker pros I've played along with other PAF copies including voodoo. they are the closest sounding to the original 1959 lp i have played.

gmacdonnell · 01-09-2009, 04:33 PM

Yeah, I'd say even if you think you hate Dimarzio's, even if you swear by vintage and boutique stuff, (like me,) you need to hear these pickups before you bash them. I only like one or two other Dimarzio designs, but i respect them as a company. That said,

The 36th's sound simply amazing. Very PAF-ish, in some ways very similar to my 1962 Pat. #'s except a bit more output, slightly more lows and highs, and a touch less honk.

But they're outstanding, and anyone would be proud of the sound they make. They're also very well made and the materials are top notch.

If you can't afford a boutique pickup, or you want to try something different, definitely give them a shot.

jumpinjackf1ash · 01-13-2009, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmacdonnell

yeah, i'd say even if you think you hate dimarzio's, even if you swear by vintage and boutique stuff, (like me,) you need to hear these pickups before you bash them. I only like one or two other dimarzio designs, but i respect them as a company. That said,

the 36th's sound simply amazing. Very paf-ish, in some ways very similar to my 1962 pat. #'s except a bit more output, slightly more lows and highs, and a touch less honk.

But they're outstanding, and anyone would be proud of the sound they make. They're also very well made and the materials are top notch.

If you can't afford a boutique pickup, or you want to try something different, definitely give them a shot.

+1!

Tonequest · 03-07-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumpinjackf1ash

amazing pickups. i have them in my les paul and I much prefer them to the burstbucker pros I've played along with other PAF copies including voodoo. they are the closest sounding to the original 1959 lp i have played.

I agree entirely. I've just installed a pair of them in my Les Paul Studio. I put the DP103 model in both neck and bridge, and they sound amazing. Vastly better than the stock Gibson 490R and 498T. They really sound very PAF. One of the best and most PAF like pickups I've ever tried, along with Sheptone Tribute PAFs.

richedie · 03-08-2009, 11:36 PM

With the right amp, how do they handle a variety of styles - blues to classic rock to hard rock and dare I say modern rock?

I wonder why A5s and not A2s? I thought A2s were supposed to be warmer and more midrangey, more vintage.

gmacdonnell · 03-09-2009, 12:32 AM

A2's are generally more compressed, softer, and less powerful, but aren't any more "vintage" than A5, or A4.

PAF's supposed to have A5's, but Gibson wasn't too particular about which magnets it was using in which pickup back in the day, (anyway, the were using high quality Alnico, regardless of which kind.)

To my ears, and many others, (the guys at the Tonequest Report, for example,) Alnico 5 is a better "all around" magnet than Alnico 2. And it's punchiness and clarity can be downright addicting.

That said, I've become a big fan of Alnico 4 in some guitars. It has a lot of the power, clarity and punch of A5, but with a bit more warmth and compression. Sometimes it's exactly what you need to tighten up a dark or loose tone, or warm or soften a sharp, bright one.

Anyway, anyone who likes Dimarzio pickups should give these a try, and if you're looking for a set of PAF-styles but don't want to, or can't pay boutique prices, these pickups are a great option.

To my ears, they have all the critical sound characteristics and a lovely clarity.
The sort of remind me of early Patent #'s.

They don't have quite the same responsiveness, dynamics, or "feel" of PAF's or Pat. #'s, but they have a great feel nonetheless, and are very pick-sensitive.
(And anyway, very few boutique builders match PAF's responsive feel either...)

Considering I've seen them selling for $60-70, they're a great buy, and a bargain as far as tone/dollar.

Anyway, that's my 0.02

richedie · 03-09-2009, 07:40 AM

I think the punchiness and clarity is why I always seem to lean toward A5s as well, plus there seems to be a bigger bottom. My band plays some pretty heavy styles and the A5 seems to fit nicely. I also find a nice was to soften or tame an A5 is using 300k pots, especially for the volume pot.

MaidenStrat02 · 03-09-2009, 02:07 PM

I have 1 in the neck position of my Dave Murray tribute Strat I made. Awesome pup, really nails the tone.

lp_junkie · 03-09-2009, 02:21 PM

I've been using Dimarzios since around 1978-79 and was blown away with the 36th Ann. they are really some of the best that he's ever made. I still prefer mid 70s Super Distortions when I can find them, but this is a great pup to go in with the Super D.

MrRhoads · 03-13-2009, 08:54 AM

I´ve added them to my "Pickups i going to buy" list

refin · 03-14-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCRGreg

Yeah, that hallowed year 36 is the one to celebrate.

The brass baseplate is so accurate.

Some guys can chase the "smell" and the "look".
Others chase the tone.........

gmacdonnell · 03-14-2009, 08:36 PM

The 36th's Anni's don't have a brass baseplate anyway. they use nickel/steel.
That said, I don't think Dimarzio ever claimed to be replicating a PAF, but making their interpretation of one. I wish they hadn't trademarked that PAF phrase, but that aside, I think they're pretty clear they're making a more modern pickup. It does have a great tone though, regardless of how it compares to a real PAF.

04-04-2008, 11:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
BCRGreg Grumpy Old Luthier Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lemoyne, PA Posts: 6,968 Thanks: 157 Thanked 731 Times in 95 Posts	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF Yeah, that hallowed year 36 is the one to celebrate. The brass baseplate is so accurate. __________________ Cool guitars, extreme repairs and brutal honesty. www.bcrmusic.com www.grumpyoldmenband.com http://www.youtube.com/user/unkagreg

04-07-2008, 10:05 AM	#3 (permalink)
richedie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 487 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF Alnico V? How much?

04-07-2008, 11:47 AM	#5 (permalink)
sapi Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Malta, somewhere in the mid of the Med Sea. Beyond that, everywhere & nowhere. Posts: 646 Thanks: 5 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF I wonder what is 'airbucker technology' according to Larry? __________________ Shanti, Jo www.tribalimusic.com

04-07-2008, 12:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
nwobhm Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NC Posts: 743 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF Looks like nickel baseplates, I guess he knew he'd get flak if they weren't.

04-08-2008, 12:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
nwobhm Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NC Posts: 743 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF What is the effect of screws and polepieces not touching the magnet? Does it have an effect on attack?

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04-08-2008, 11:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
*FLICKOFLASH* Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hagerstown,MD USA Posts: 14,369 Thanks: 333 Thanked 530 Times in 113 Posts	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF how kool is this : Hi, Thanks for the invite, I checked it out. I like it. Best regards, Larry DiMarzio __________________ http://grou.ps/flickoflash/home

04-09-2008, 05:07 PM	#10 (permalink)
scissorlock Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF I have the original version of the Dimarzio PAF (the one they replaced with this version). What a fantastic pickup. It's not 100% accurate vintage PAF tone, but it sounded great anyways. Definately my favorite in their lineup.

01-09-2009, 03:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
jumpinjackf1ash Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 469 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF amazing pickups. i have them in my les paul and I much prefer them to the burstbucker pros I've played along with other PAF copies including voodoo. they are the closest sounding to the original 1959 lp i have played. __________________ "Dude...you suck at guitar...lol"

01-09-2009, 04:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
gmacdonnell V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Somewhere on the East Coast, far from home... Posts: 1,548 Thanks: 30 Thanked 192 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF Yeah, I'd say even if you think you hate Dimarzio's, even if you swear by vintage and boutique stuff, (like me,) you need to hear these pickups before you bash them. I only like one or two other Dimarzio designs, but i respect them as a company. That said, The 36th's sound simply amazing. Very PAF-ish, in some ways very similar to my 1962 Pat. #'s except a bit more output, slightly more lows and highs, and a touch less honk. But they're outstanding, and anyone would be proud of the sound they make. They're also very well made and the materials are top notch. If you can't afford a boutique pickup, or you want to try something different, definitely give them a shot. __________________ "In our culture we have such respect for musical instruments, they are like part of God." - Ravi Shankar “Sounds like the blues are composed of feeling, finesse, and fear.” -Billy Gibbons

03-08-2009, 11:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
richedie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 487 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF With the right amp, how do they handle a variety of styles - blues to classic rock to hard rock and dare I say modern rock? I wonder why A5s and not A2s? I thought A2s were supposed to be warmer and more midrangey, more vintage.

03-09-2009, 12:32 AM	#16 (permalink)
gmacdonnell V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Somewhere on the East Coast, far from home... Posts: 1,548 Thanks: 30 Thanked 192 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF A2's are generally more compressed, softer, and less powerful, but aren't any more "vintage" than A5, or A4. PAF's supposed to have A5's, but Gibson wasn't too particular about which magnets it was using in which pickup back in the day, (anyway, the were using high quality Alnico, regardless of which kind.) To my ears, and many others, (the guys at the Tonequest Report, for example,) Alnico 5 is a better "all around" magnet than Alnico 2. And it's punchiness and clarity can be downright addicting. That said, I've become a big fan of Alnico 4 in some guitars. It has a lot of the power, clarity and punch of A5, but with a bit more warmth and compression. Sometimes it's exactly what you need to tighten up a dark or loose tone, or warm or soften a sharp, bright one. Anyway, anyone who likes Dimarzio pickups should give these a try, and if you're looking for a set of PAF-styles but don't want to, or can't pay boutique prices, these pickups are a great option. To my ears, they have all the critical sound characteristics and a lovely clarity. The sort of remind me of early Patent #'s. They don't have quite the same responsiveness, dynamics, or "feel" of PAF's or Pat. #'s, but they have a great feel nonetheless, and are very pick-sensitive. (And anyway, very few boutique builders match PAF's responsive feel either...) Considering I've seen them selling for $60-70, they're a great buy, and a bargain as far as tone/dollar. Anyway, that's my 0.02 __________________ "In our culture we have such respect for musical instruments, they are like part of God." - Ravi Shankar “Sounds like the blues are composed of feeling, finesse, and fear.” -Billy Gibbons

03-09-2009, 07:40 AM	#17 (permalink)
richedie Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 487 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF I think the punchiness and clarity is why I always seem to lean toward A5s as well, plus there seems to be a bigger bottom. My band plays some pretty heavy styles and the A5 seems to fit nicely. I also find a nice was to soften or tame an A5 is using 300k pots, especially for the volume pot.

03-09-2009, 02:07 PM	#18 (permalink)
MaidenStrat02 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Rue Morgue Posts: 262 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF I have 1 in the neck position of my Dave Murray tribute Strat I made. Awesome pup, really nails the tone. __________________ Gibson '07 SG 2 Fender Customized Strats Modded Jcm2000 DSL50 W\MM choke,PT,OT Carvin Legacy2x12 w\V30's Pitch Black Tuner-EH LPB-1-TS-808. FX Loop-MXR 108EQ-Modded Phase 90-Carbon Copy-George L Cables-Voodoo Power 2 Plus-Pedaltrain Board

03-09-2009, 02:21 PM	#19 (permalink)
lp_junkie Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 5,752 Thanks: 22 Thanked 94 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF I've been using Dimarzios since around 1978-79 and was blown away with the 36th Ann. they are really some of the best that he's ever made. I still prefer mid 70s Super Distortions when I can find them, but this is a great pup to go in with the Super D. __________________ LP_Junkie my personal MySpace _____________________________________________ Disclaimer- The opinions expressed on this site may cause incontinence, wadded panties, indigestion, insecurity and other serious maladies. Use as directed, not intended for the overly sensitive and humor impaired.

03-13-2009, 08:54 AM	#20 (permalink)
MrRhoads Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SWE Posts: 1,241 Thanks: 57 Thanked 26 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF I´ve added them to my "Pickups i going to buy" list __________________ 2006 Gibson Les Paul Standard Faded Tobaco burst 50's neck with RS Guitarworks Gear Strings; Gibson or Ernie Ball 010-046 mostly AMP; Peavey Windsor Studio Pedal; MXR GT-OD www.eurotubes.com - Best customer service ever www.gitarrdelar.se - Best place in Sweden to get RS Guitarworks gear Me + My Gear = Rock´n´Roll

03-14-2009, 08:36 PM	#22 (permalink)
gmacdonnell V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Somewhere on the East Coast, far from home... Posts: 1,548 Thanks: 30 Thanked 192 Times in 19 Posts	Re: Larry DiMarzio's 36th Anniversary PAF The 36th's Anni's don't have a brass baseplate anyway. they use nickel/steel. That said, I don't think Dimarzio ever claimed to be replicating a PAF, but making their interpretation of one. I wish they hadn't trademarked that PAF phrase, but that aside, I think they're pretty clear they're making a more modern pickup. It does have a great tone though, regardless of how it compares to a real PAF. __________________ "In our culture we have such respect for musical instruments, they are like part of God." - Ravi Shankar “Sounds like the blues are composed of feeling, finesse, and fear.” -Billy Gibbons Last edited by gmacdonnell; 03-15-2009 at 09:19 PM.

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