Norton vs Air Zone in Bridge

[pstarove]

The Air Zone is great for leads, it's super mid-focused so there isn't a lot of high-end mess when playing fast, but it's terrible for rhythm work and completely lacks the openness of an Air Classic or Custom 5. Is there any pickup that combines the best of both worlds? Would that describe the Norton?

btw, the Air Zone split is gorgeous sounding, more P90-ish than strat-y.

That describes the AirNorton. But still, I would prefer the AirClassic for its more natural eq.

[Eric Dahlberg]

I would prefer the AirClassic for its more natural eq.

I do, too, but I've already got one in another guitar and want something more lead-friendly for this particular guitar. Also, I was so happy with the P90-ish split tone of the Air Zone and am hoping to still be able to get a bit of that (the Air Classic sounds awesome split, too, but more in a traditional single coil way).

Where would the VHPAF sit in this spectrum?

[pstarove]

VHPAF is exactly what you want. It's like the AirNorton in terms of power, but has a more natural eq and is very lead friendly. Splits even better than the AirZone IMHO.

[LesPaulRules]

I think the Air Zone is DiMarzio's best humbucker ever. While I'm more of a Duncan guy, I have several Air Zone's (One in a Epi Les Paul, another in a Gibby). They have lots of power, but a very nice mid range, tight bass with smooth highs. It's also a very articulate pickup. With the right amp, all the notes can be heard when struming a chord.

Tried an Air Norton in the bridge. Didn't care for it, though it does sound decent in the neck.

[Eric Dahlberg]

VHPAF is exactly what you want. It's like the AirNorton in terms of power, but has a more natural eq and is very lead friendly. Splits even better than the AirZone IMHO.

Thanks for the advice! I had a Norton here so I installed it just to hear it, everyone talks about what a balanced pickup it is but I'm finding it to have a very pronounced, narrow, wah-wah-like peak in the upper midrange. Someone once described it as sounding like "Eruption" and I'll totally vouch for that, that's just not what I'm personally after right now. I'm going to take your advice and exchange it for a VHPAF.

[Orange]

The Air Zone may be too Bassy for some guitars, but in the Bridge of a Jackson, poplar body guitar that was TOO bright it was a perfect match........................

Also tried a Duncan Designed (JB style) and a breed, it was HORRORiffic, and without the Air Zone i think the guitar would be on ebay ^^

I love it, and it's definitely more versatile than the ToneZone while keeping that Dimarzio sound and enough balls when needed. One of the Best Dimarzio's to me (Evo 2 and PAF classic as well)