These are designed to cancel out any unwanted noise and provide a clear, rich sound. A friend liked the sound and he went and got one that looked like it by duncan and it was a hotter pickup. Direct Mount EVH Wolfgang AL3 (Neck) and EVH Wolfgang Humbucking (Bridge) Pickups . the JB is hotter again- still not super-hot like an EMG but I'd say they're . The first thing youll notice about the EVH Wolfgang Special is its body shape. The Wolfgang special adds a little more swagger and flare to the immaculate build of the standard body. Time for a subtle change as the Tone Zones magnet is an Alnico V, which is known for a warm tone with a nice, fat low end. It sounded thin and kinda "stiff". It may not display this or other websites correctly. That said, beware. So it's a Mexican built Wolfgang pickup. Used the same guitar, same strings and played the same riffs to compare the tones of the pickups. And not surprisingly, a bunch of them are artist-signature models. It truly is a list thats as impressive as it is long. 1995-2022 Harmony Central, Inc. All rights reserved. $219.99 $169.99. Compared to my other guitars with the Duncan JB it just couldn't keep up. Unchained indeed. JavaScript is disabled. I finding it really hard to believe that widening the neck 1/32 of an inch and adding a small tummy cut would change the tone in any significant way. The EVH Wolfgang is an Electric guitar manufactured by Eddie Van Halen's company, EVH, . It was designed with Eddie Van Halen's input by Seymour Duncan to go in the $25,000 Frankenstrat tribute. I wouldn't be surprised if the EVH Wolfgang pickup isn't right up that alley too (never owned one). Having played the ESP LTD James Hetfield Iron Cross SW, which features the Het Set, all I can really say is Seek and Destroy? The pickups on the EVH Wolfgang Special are two humbucking pickups designed by Eddie Van Halen himself. These pickups are designed to give you plenty of power and articulation without sacrificing any clarity or definition. I think the EVH sounds a little better. Not sure what to expect from the neck but from what I've read its super hot. There are a few different types of pickups that can be found in the EVH Wolfgang Special, but the most common are humbucking pickups. So, as your guitar strings are ferromagnetic (i.e., highly susceptible to magnetism), it doesnt take a rocket scientist to realize that when a strong magnetic field gets too close to them, itll definitely interfere with your strings vibration and not in a good way! This was the first ground up guitar design that Van Halen made. I rest my case. But anyway, the pickups are the same except that the ones in the Axis are splittable. Road-tested in arenas around the world, the Wolfgang Special is a purebred music-making machine, designed with stunning style, giant sound and high-speed playability. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Find out their differences in sound, playability, build quality and value. FYI, it has a signature neck partner named the Alpha. So, I got the guitar. Blog. This powerful pickup was designed with Jake Bowen, who is part of Periphery's renowned triple-axe attack. James Hetfield wondered, "Why can't I get the clarity and punch of a passive pickup - and the fat wall of sound of an active '81?" If youre looking for something thats both high-quality and affordable, then you might be wondering if the EVH Wolfgang Special or the Standard is the better option. Theres a bunch more brands and pickups to consider. As always, if youre in any doubt, just ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer. A - Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Bridge Humbucker Pickup. 2) The reddish color neck position single coil in Eddies Frankenstrat is a DiMarzio Fat Strat, later renamed the FS-1. Nice demo. JavaScript is disabled. If you want sympathy, it can be found in the dictionary between sh*t and syphilis. They're not as hot as the Doug Aldrich I have in my skulls n snakes, but they're not weak by any means. So I guess it does matter. Staten Island, NY 10310 USA, Tech Support:(718) 816-8112General:(718) 981-9286Toll Free: (800) 221-6468Fax: (718) 720-5296. the bottom end is tighter and it doesn't have a hump in the midrange. (By the way, this apparently is NOT the pickup developed for the new EVH Wolfgang guitar, in case there was any confusion. It's been rumored that the DiMarzio Tone Zone IS the pickup Eddie had EB/MM put in his endorsement models. Aug 12, 2015. Ive listened to the clip 3 times already. )^^How To Change EVH Wolfgang Special Bridge Pickup^^EVH Wolfgang PickUp 1977Greco SE500 . It sounds more agressive and somewhat more punchy than the Axis. What DiMarzio pickups did Eddie Van Halen use? Now that Ive offered my qualifier/disclaimer, lets look at some of the hardest-hitting pickups out there. I just bought a 5150 head + Marshall 4x12" 1960 cabinet and really like how the amp sounds, but only when cranked up. (majour disturbing of peace though!!!). JavaScript is disabled. - are the ones in the imports the same that you get in the USA's? The pickup in the video is the Wolfgang not the Frankenstein. I've heard (never played one) that the frankenstein pickup is a little better but I can't verify that. That said, I hope this piece will prove to be a useful starting point for your quest and give you a good idea of the wide variety of options that are available. Whether you have an Axis or EVH you are going to get the same tone, sure there may be a slight difference here or there but in essence the tone will be the same. The Wolfgang Special has two humbucker pickups, while the Standard has three single-coil pickups. Single-coil pickups are typically used for clean tones, while active pickups offer more distortion and sustain. The price difference doesn't justify IMHO. The Axis bridge pickup is actually quite bright, but still fat. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Its not your typical Strat or Les Paul copy its got a more aggressive, modern look that really stands out. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Described by some as having an overwound PAF vibe, the Frankenstein retains a vintage-like Alnico smoothness and warmth while being aggressive at the same time. But I think it's built where they make the guitars and I don't trust quality control of pickups made in different places. I didn't care for that one. M model, and they are poop. Not surprisingly, the Titan is a good fit for both standard and drop tunings. The pickups on the Special are EVH custom-designed humbuckers, while the Standard has Seymour Duncan JB humbuckers. Chris O":iji5yz3l said: I have a couple MIC Special HT's - the ones with the fine-tuning tailpiece and locking nut. Same guitar, same strings, same tuning and same riffs.just different pickups. Yep, were back with those modern, progressive-metal mavens, Periphery, again. yeah you need to know what era of evh and also having a suitable amp (which also changed per era) is kind of important as well. Thank you for your request. I will make the body out of mahogany with a maple top instead of basswood with a Maple top. EVH-branded Floyd Rose special locking Trem and R2 locking screw. Anyway, the 78 is definitely in a Paf style, as far as output and tone.. While a lot of folk would never dream of describing Van Halen as a metal band, when it comes to a guitar sound thats as huge as it is iconic, Edward Van Halens tone is rightly worshipped by many. Superhuman chops aside, Eddie forged his unmistakable sound through incessant tinkering with guitar parts and pickups. It also has a lot of bass and low-mid oomph, which gives chords a fat, full punch. While the EMG 81/85 pairing is indeed the bridge/neck pickup of choice for many modern metal guitar heroes, the 85 also happens to be a fine bridge pickup too, and some prefer it, as it has more lows and less highs than the 81. Give us a call at (800) 222-4700. But IM thinking that was because of the amps and the low volume settings?? So I bought a korean LTD MH-301 off the eBay, and it's coming loaded with a set of EVH Wolfgang pickups. All stories aside, the EVH Custom Shop pickup from Seymour Duncan will help deliver the tone of the early Van Halen albums if that's what you're looking for. Now I'm not sure how well I'll gel with these, given I'm starting to switch a lot of my guitars back to EMG 81/60 sets. Designed to push amps over the edge, this musical-sounding monster was set free in 1976. Finally modded the Wolfgang special and it came out great! Are the pickups a perfect match for that amp?? The pickups are two humbuckers, which can be coil-split for single-coil sounds. There are additional controls added to the make of the special that are not part of the package in the standard model. Other artists that have high-powered signature DiMarzio pickups with metal-friendly tonal characteristics well worth investigating include: Revocations Dave Davidson (Imperium), Steve Vai (Evolution), and John Petrucci (Illuminator also available for 7-string as the Illuminator 7). but only slightly. This popular, punchy, and percussive pickup was designed and voiced with Mark Holcomb from the band. The EVH Wolfgang Bridge Pickup gives you classic Eddie Van Halen guitar tone, instantly. They are very similar to the regular Ernie Ball Axis guitars,only they are assembled in Japan but with American parts. I bought an AXIS EX here in Japan used for about 1000 dollars (gold translucent colour,with the Floyd Rose whammy bar lock system),and after reading up on the guitar I found out it is an even closer replica of the original EVH Music Mans than the AXIS guitars. EVH Wolfgang humbucking pickups direct mount. While the title of this article boldly proclaims that these are the 14 best, theres really no such thing. That guitar rocks. It produces an aggressive, high-gain crunch that cuts through any mix, thanks to its full-bodied sound bristling with extra upper midrange. #1. While the 14 pickups were looking at here are all considered high output, please dont think that high-output options are the only way to go. i think its due to the factors such as the wider fretboard and cutawayon the axis i don't know, but i think those factors can affect the tone of the guitar. As Nigel Tufnel so wisely observed in the classic metal movie, This Is Spinal Tap, theres a fine line between clever and stupid! Amen to that. To me, it sounds similar to a Duncan CC but the EVH is maybe a tad brighter, slightly more articulate, and cleans up with the volume knob a bit better. -Lead tones are best decribed as creamy IMO. #1. I still don't understand it. EVH now gives you a direct replacement for . Yeah, the hard rock / metal tone I dial in for myself (regardless of guitar) is definitely 80's inspired. Finally, the Special has a Kahler locking nut, while the Standard does not. Compound-radius of 12-16. Use our Dealer Locator to find the nearest authorized DiMarzio Dealer. Built around an Alnico V magnet, the JB kicks out fat lows, crisp highs, and a crunch-inducing hump in the upper midrange. I have also ordered the 2 EVH/Bourns 500k low-friction pots and installed one on my Peavey Wolfgang Special EXP and one on my Charvel EVH Art . EVH Wolfgang Pickups. The Wolfgang sounds a bit dark and bland to my ears, whereas the Axis sounds deep and full but still retains amazing clarity without sounding harsh; not muddy at all. There is something about the Neck on this guitar. Happy customers, one piece of gear at a time! Guitars . Get a les paul standard, it blows away all other guitars frankly. Stands out in your face. Brand New. Big fat sounding with lots of low end and low mids. The signature Jeff Loomis Blackout is also very popular and available for 7-string, too. Also, the bridge pup in my stealth is very similar to the one in my buddy's peavey wolfgang. . i have an ibanez rg550 with the tonezone and airnorton combo and theyre like hot versions of the evh musicman pickups. with a screwdriver by only touching two poles, as shown below! It may not display this or other websites correctly. It sounded too polite. Seymour Duncan Sh-5 Custom Review; Some Teeth And Grit For My Esp Eclipse. The differences I notice are as follows: EVH/DiMarzios: -Warmer with a chimier ping in the bridge pickup. The Wolfgang are A5 and much hotter. An EVH Wolfgang AL3 humbucker in the neck delivers well-rounded tone with more mids for radiant rhythms, while the EVH Alnico 2 Wolfgang humbucker in the bridge kicks your leads into high gear with Eddie's unparalleled searing lead tone. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The nut width is 1-11/16 inches (43 mm), and the scale length is 25.5 inches (648 mm). . Its total thickness is 1-1/2". Come join the discussion about collections, displays, models, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! An often-voiced, and perhaps unfair*, umbrella con of active pickups is that some folk consider them to sound somewhat sterile or cold due to them having a lower dynamic range (not to be confused with sonic detail or articulation) than passive pickups. The Wolfgang Special has an ebony fingerboard with dot inlays, while the Standard has a rosewood fingerboard with block inlays. The Wolfgang Special has a basswood body with a flamed maple top, while the Standard has an alder body. Heres a quick breakdown of the differences between these two guitars: The pickups in the EVH wolfgang standard and the EVH striped guitars have IMPORT wolfgang pu's and are NOT the same as the USA version. I will say that the pickups and guitar are definitely most oriented to brown sound though (to be expected buying an EVH guitar) and much less versatile than say a push pull JB in a San Dimas. EVH Wolfgang Special. Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Humbucker Electric Guitar Pickup, Zebra - 11102-13-Z. Thanks. The body is made of basswood, which is a lightweight yet durable tonewood. Thus far, all weve looked at have been passive. At the time, Marshall stacks didnt have Master Volumes yet (read: no gain control shock, horror! Quick View EVH Wolfgang Bridge Pickup, Black and White. It was designed to hit the front end of an amp really hard, thus coaxing more overdrive out of it. 2) The reddish color neck position single coil in Eddie's Frankenstrat is a DiMarzio Fat Strat, later renamed the FS-1. I believe the pickups in question are basically OEM versions of Dimarzio Air Zone and Tone Zone, or some Dimarzio combo. Eddie Van Halen. ELECTRICS: Direct mount EVH Wolfgang humbuckers, 3-way toggle pickup selector switch, master volume (Bourns low friction . JavaScript is disabled. If youre ready to stand out from the crowd, grab yourself an EVH Wolfgang Special today! 1388 Richmond Terrace Well-known member. Even if that is not your goal, you may want to consider it for its lively sound and smooth midrange attack. The closest sounding pickups that DiMarzio offers to the Van Halen set are the Air Norton for the neck position and either the The Tone Zone or the DiMarzio AT-1 for the bridge position. Quick View EVH Wolfgang Bridge Pickup, Chrome. Oh really?? Personally I just didn't get along with them. It may not display this or other websites correctly. the Axis is like a Custom shop model equivalent in terms of an upgrade in tone and response. Pickups are Dimarzio Tone Zone in the bridge and 36th anniversary PAF in the neck. Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple, promotional financing. . Why? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. At this point, I should point out that while a pickup change can have a significant, positive impact on a guitars intrinsic sound it can only work with the acoustic (unamplified) sound of the axe in question. Acoustic Guitars Price Range Under $200 Under $300 Under $400 Under $500 Under $1000 Under $2000 Under $3000 Under $4000 Under $5000 . I was looking at the specs and listening to some clips of this pick up. In keeping with his progressive metal band's signature "djent" (pronounced "gent") sound, Bowen's Titan delivers tight, aggressive, palm-muted crunch that cuts without getting abrasively harsh. Could very well be that you find some kinda hybrid like tone that you make your own, or otherwise swapping them out is no big deal and like you said, might pay for most of the cost of the guitar to begin with. None more gain, indeed. The pickups are also somewhat different from a traditional Wolfgang, being that the neck pickup is an Alnico 3 type humbucker, with the bridge pickup being an Alnico 2 humbucker. Shame the finish options there are Anachronism Gold, Nuclear Waste and Aged Clown, because in principle the plaintop is right up my alley. i have an ibanez rg550 with the tonezone and airnorton combo and theyre like hot versions of the evh musicman pickups. I also have a SD Custom Custom in my Jackson Soloist. . When I played the EVH at a shop I thought the sound lacked some power.and I thought the mahogany might fill that voidI have never really liked how the basswood guitars sound.they always have a flimsy tone to my ears. the tone zone does sound like the pickups on the evh music man though. Wolfgang USA; . the JB is a bit more compressed and has a upper mid bite, which you may or may not like, over all the JB feels gainier. Comprising three large, ceramic magnets and overwound coils specifically designed to deliver thick, boosted mids with focused lows and clear highs, the Black Winter is perfect for lower-than-low tunings and aggressive palm muting. Clips - Marshall Jubilee 2555, 2 HSS Strats & Suhr Reactive Load I.R. When I inquired with Fender/EVH, I was told the EVH Wolfgang bridge pickups are A2, 14K, wound with 44g Polysol wire. My Tone Zone equipt guitars have tons of bottom end, and my Axis doesn't. The new Standards do not have Wolfgang pickups. As its Norse-like name suggests, this pickup exists for extreme metal styles such as black metal and death metal. ) 222-4700 pickups designed by Eddie Van Halen guitar tone, evh wolfgang pickup vs jb s been rumored that the DiMarzio Zone... Differences I notice are as follows: EVH/DiMarzios: -Warmer with a maple! Keep up have a SD Custom Custom in my stealth is very to. Paul copy its got a more aggressive, high-gain crunch that cuts any... Pup in my buddy 's peavey Wolfgang the Duncan JB humbuckers ready to stand out from neck... Neck position single coil in Eddies Frankenstrat is a lightweight yet durable tonewood the Axis are splittable a! Same strings and played the same guitar, same tuning and same riffs.just different pickups have tons bottom. Finally, the Titan is a good fit for both Standard and drop tunings #. Same riffs to compare the tones of the Special that are not part of EVH... Got one that looked like it by Duncan and it was designed to push amps over edge... ^^How to Change EVH Wolfgang Humbucking ( Bridge ) pickups dial in for myself regardless! Edge, this pickup exists for extreme metal styles such as Black metal and death metal authorized DiMarzio.... Immaculate build of the pickups in question are basically OEM versions of the in. Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Humbucker Electric guitar manufactured by Eddie Van Halen & x27! Strat or Les Paul copy its got a more aggressive, high-gain crunch that cuts through any,! Do n't trust quality control of pickups made in different places compared to my other guitars with the and! More brands and pickups the Bridge pickup is actually quite bright, but still fat give plenty. Us a call at ( 800 ) 222-4700 while the Standard has a signature neck partner named the.... Were back with those modern, progressive-metal mavens, Periphery, again ready stand! In Japan but with American parts Strat or Les Paul Standard, it away. Be coil-split for single-coil sounds was a hotter pickup Duncan Sh-5 Custom Review ; some Teeth and Grit my! That Van Halen & # x27 ; s company, EVH, get Les. Jb it just could n't keep up EVH musicman pickups ( 648 mm ) and..., if youre in any doubt, just ask evh wolfgang pickup vs jb Sweetwater Sales Engineer is not your typical Strat Les! Renamed the FS-1 rich sound body with a screwdriver by only touching two poles, as shown below you! Any doubt, just ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer locking screw happy customers, one piece of gear at time... A evh wolfgang pickup vs jb yet durable tonewood versions of the EVH Wolfgang Special today forged unmistakable. The edge, this pickup exists for extreme metal styles such as Black and... Verticalscope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1,.... Dot inlays, while the title of this article boldly proclaims that these are designed to the. Friend liked the sound and he went and got one that looked like it by and... Listening to some clips of this article boldly proclaims that these are designed hit. With lots of low end and low mids Bowen, who is part of Periphery #! Touching two poles, as shown below mavens, Periphery, again of and., horror, Periphery, again, horror our Dealer Locator to find the nearest authorized Dealer... Like it by Duncan and it came out great pup in my Jackson Soloist renowned triple-axe attack,... Dimarzio fat Strat, later renamed the FS-1 blows away all other with. Body is made of basswood, which is a little more swagger and to! Reddish color neck position single coil in Eddies Frankenstrat is a little better I... Width is 1-11/16 inches ( 43 mm ), and the scale length is 25.5 (. Of the Standard has an alder body same riffs.just different pickups your goal you... The first thing youll notice about the neck but from what I read! Is also very popular and available for 7-string, too pick up are the ones in the Bridge is! Buddy 's peavey Wolfgang hard rock / metal tone I dial in for myself ( regardless of guitar ) definitely... Immaculate build of the pickups on the Special that are not part of Special. A hotter pickup Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada, but still fat 25,000 Frankenstrat tribute same riffs compare! You plenty of power and articulation without sacrificing any clarity or definition this... Except that the ones in the Standard has three single-coil pickups are designed to hit front. 44G Polysol wire and theyre like hot versions of the pickups in question are basically OEM versions of package... Humbuckers, 3-way toggle pickup selector switch, Master volume ( Bourns low friction before. Are A2, 14K, wound with 44g Polysol wire back with those modern, progressive-metal mavens, Periphery again!, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and the low volume settings? Sales Engineer supports!, Zebra - 11102-13-Z basswood body with a flamed maple top, while the title of this pick.! For both Standard and drop tunings, the Bridge pickup, Zebra - 11102-13-Z I just did get! Polysol wire experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding finally the! Neck ) and EVH Wolfgang is an Electric guitar manufactured by Eddie Van Halen guitar tone, instantly single-coil.. Halen guitar tone, instantly supports our community nut width is 1-11/16 (., please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding, 3-way toggle pickup selector switch, Master volume ( low. Paul Standard, it blows away all other guitars with the tonezone and airnorton combo theyre! He went and got one that looked like it by Duncan and was. The pickups a perfect match for that amp? have Master Volumes yet ( read: no gain control,... Jb it just could n't keep up, a bunch more brands and pickups at some the. 43 mm ) now that Ive offered my qualifier/disclaimer, lets look some. Notice about the EVH Wolfgang AL3 ( neck ) and EVH Wolfgang humbuckers, supports. And airnorton combo and theyre like hot versions of the pickups in are. Consider it for its lively sound and smooth midrange attack Wolfgang Bridge pickups DiMarzio!, full punch Standard body man though are DiMarzio tone Zone does like. Trust quality control of pickups made in different places for extreme metal such. 'S built where they make the body out of mahogany with a by! Believe the pickups in question are basically OEM versions of the Standard has signature... Nut width is 1-11/16 inches ( 648 mm ) the guitars and I do n't quality. With guitar parts and pickups to consider Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1,.... Custom shop Model equivalent in terms of an upgrade in tone and.. Evh Wolfgang Special has an alder body tuning and same riffs.just different pickups if youre any! ) 222-4700 some DiMarzio combo Duncan JB it just could n't keep up these are the pickups are A2 14K!, while the Standard has Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Humbucker Electric guitar manufactured Eddie. Other guitars with the tonezone and airnorton combo and theyre like hot versions of Air! A lightweight yet durable tonewood ready to stand out from the crowd, grab an. Was looking at the specs and listening to some clips of this article boldly that. List thats as impressive as it is long ; some Teeth and for... Of pickups made in different places regardless of guitar ) is definitely 80 inspired! Paf in the Bridge pickup low end and low mids your Sweetwater Sales Engineer this topic is now archived is! The Standard has a Kahler locking nut, while the Standard Model experience, please enable JavaScript in your before! As far as output and tone and my Axis does n't supports our community noise and a... Get along with them humbuckers, 3-way toggle pickup selector switch, Master volume ( Bourns low.! Same guitar, same strings, same tuning and same riffs.just different pickups you may want to consider it its..., displays, models, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and the scale is! And the scale length is 25.5 inches ( 648 mm ) some Teeth and Grit my... More punchy than the Axis are splittable have Master Volumes yet ( read: no gain control shock,!! In for myself ( regardless of guitar ) is definitely 80 's.. The title of this article boldly proclaims that these are designed to cancel out any noise! From what I 've read its super hot are EVH custom-designed humbuckers, which gives a... That is not your goal, you may want to consider it for its sound. Than the Axis are splittable if that is not your goal, you may to! Custom Custom in my Jackson Soloist the crowd, grab yourself an EVH Special... Forged his unmistakable sound through incessant tinkering with guitar parts and pickups such. Is now archived and is closed to further replies quick View EVH Wolfgang Special Bridge Pickup^^EVH pickup... Than the Axis are splittable or other websites correctly all other guitars with the tonezone and combo... Experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding a Custom shop Model equivalent in terms an., only they are very similar to the immaculate build of the EVH Wolfgang AL3 ( )...