Gretchen is not only a kind, unassuming person but a top notch player & a GREAT interview. She knows her stuff from top to bottom. My favorite female rocker of them all. Yes, OF ALL!!!
I was so tired for beeing so nervous...That´s true and ...hahah those adrenaline calculations....You rock , Gretchen...MIss if I could ever have a clinic or some talk with you..You are really an inspiration to me...!
You've been playing for quite some time and have had a lot of exposer to world renouned players i'd love to see you doing original songs indstead of tribute style music. Your acoustic music is jamm''n!
In the 70's when the super-distortion was a novelty, I purchased a pair and with a dullend chisel set about bashing cavities in a Les Paul mini-humbuck large enough to introduce the full size 'supers'. I could not believe the 'fat' dripping off those pickups! Dimanzio pickups have a fidelity, feel, and definition all others lack. Right now - on order - looking forward to introducing my tele and the world to your 'Chopper T'. Thank you Larry for sweetening my world with your amazing pickups
@Razevok Hi, Glad you like it. I have been thinking about doing just that for a while. I have several '59 Gibsons (ES335 and an L5) and it is a magical period for the company. All the best, Larry DiMarzio
I've got a flamed maple topped basswood SSS guitar and I'm looking for a warm, med-high output bridge pickup for some Andy Timmons-esque tones. I was considering a Super Distortion S but would it be too dark for basswood? Should I go with a Pro Track instead (even though it's a lower output pup)?
@MadDOG4780 Hi, The 36ths are available wired for coil taping, DiMarzio calls it 4 conductor. When you order them please make sure you get that version because these PAF's are also available in a vintage style. Hope that helps, Larry DiMarzio
Hi, Both Tom Scholz and Ace used Super Distortions in the bridge position of their Les Pauls, so that's a good start. I think the new 36th A PAF in the neck position combines well with SDs . Hope that helps, Larry DiMarzio
what about an original 58 Les Paul ? i have a reissue but i was wondering if you knew anything about the differances between a 58 and a 59 .and the lady in the feature is vry cool thanks
Larry, of all the 'Bursts' in the BOTB book, all of the Tony Bacon books, the Gallery of Bursts, etc., yours is my favorite. It has the fattest set of ribbons (curl) I have ever seen. I sent Gibson an email a few years ago asking them to approach you to create a Collector's Choice reissue R9 (similar to Goldie, Louis, Beast, etc.) of your Burst. I would definitely be in the front of the line to purchase one. I'm still hoping. Cheers.
Weird choice for the "video" at the end - in front of a cinder block fence... oh well. I'd love to see it in the actual studio where they recorded "Lapdance Armageddon". Now I know where she got her "leg up" with all things guitar. :-)
All of our humbuckers are available in double cream. Pickup choices depend on the specific sound you are looking for, and. "metal" covers a lot of ground. Please email us at tech@dimarzio.com with a description of the sound you have in mind, which will allow us to offer specific recommendations.
There is no Strat-size pickup with 6 magnets that has this sound, but we make several dual-blade models you might like. Have a look at the Pro Track and the Air Norton S. They should get you close to what you're looking for.
Randy used a Super Distortion in the bridge position on some of his guitars, but he used a PAF in the neck position. That should work on you guitar, but you can also try a 36th Anniversary PAF in the neck position and a 36th Anniv. bridge model in the bridge position if the Super is too heavy for your taste.
@DisasterBlaster500 Thanks for your kind words. The Super Distortion/Air Classic combo is still one of my all time favorite combos. All the best, Larry
@KHGuitarFreak1988 I generally think "honkier" means more midrange. The Air Norton, Breed neck model and LiquiFire have more mids than the PAF in the neck position, and the Breed bridge model, Fred and Mo' Joe have more than the PAF bridge model. Hope that helps.
Dear Larry, I love to shred and play stuff like Jason Becker and Marty Friedman. What would be the best pickups for a nice metal shred tone (Jason) as well as a sweet clean tone (Marty)? I also like to do a lot of tapping like Stanley Jordan (not nearly as good though lol).
Hey Larry. So I have an archtop tele body, rear routed, but with more of a les paul set up with the stop tail and dual humbuckers. 1 Volume control and 1 Tone control. I am wanting something to get me that classic rock/blues sound, clean up to some 80's and 90's rock. I am thinking a PAF 36th in the bridge and Humbucker from Hell in the neck. I am going to have coil splitting on both and am going to setup to phase switch. Am I on the right track?
Thanks for your swift response Larry - I want to keep that traditional 'Strat' look (aka 6 magnet single coil) I was looking at the HS-3 (23.72k) or the YJM (23.50k) from an old chart I have from 1996 for the extra power I need. Would those be the best choice for a high output? I apologize for bothering you but I think you used to have soundbites on your site for each pickup which helped me. BTW - we have a mutual friend P.Pris- - (I don't want to reveal his name on here) guitar teacher Thanks!
Ay Larry - How's things? I'm looking for a single coil double-stack that'll make my Strat sound like my Les Pauls - I just don't like the idea of adding an overdrive to my Marshall JCM 900 when I switch to my Strat. Right now I've got your Virtual Vintage and VV Bues in it but I need more of a hotter pickup to match my 70's T-Tops without putting a humbucker in my Strat - Thanks
Hi, Larry. I have an epiphone Les Paul Standart. i play punk, rock and blues. what kind of picku ups will be the best to combine this differents styles of music? thanks.
Hello Mr. Dimarzio, let me just start off by saying that your pickups are by far my most favorite and i love them very much! I have an ibanez rg5ex1 with a paf pro in the neck position and the springs to lower or raise the pickup are stripped. Is this fixable? Is there anyway of repair? And i have a fender HM 1988 Strat and the humbucker in this guitar sounds great! Is it a super 3? thanks
letissier7 I've never personally seen one in that color blue with the white binding, but I'm sure it'd be somewhere between $2,500 - $4,500. Which is why, since I just play recreationally, I'll never be able to justify spending that kind of money.
how ya doin larry, i'm havin an rg 1570 basswood body hsh pickup config, im wondering what neck pickup will balance well with your Norton bridge pickup, will liquifire sounds well with it, or more to paf pro and air norton? play mostly rock and metal, thx fo your time.
Hey Larry, I've been looking for a good pickup for my Epiphone Les Paul Custom (mahogany body), that's similar to Randy Rhoads' 1974 Les Paul's PAF humbuckers. I've tried the Super Distortions in the same guitar at a local shop, but didn't like the tone in it. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks
In my humble opinion, the PAF DP103 (Now the 36th anniv i guess) is the best neck pickup when you have a Super Dist in the bridge. It worked for Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. The PAF/Super Dist combo was the ONLY pickup combo Dave used in the 80's and early 90's, and he still uses them today, in his signature strat.. That's a good enough reason for me!
Hey Larry, I have a 1959 Gibson Les Paul that was handed down to me by my grandfather. This thing has been in the family for some time, but I wanted to mod it a bit and get different pickups for it. What do you recommend for playing mostly metal music. I've never been into the blues or classic rock. Should I sell it and get me a strat? or will changing the pickups make my guitar sound better? please help. I dont know much about electric guitars.
Amazing guitarist and amazingly articulate and knowledgeable!
Recently got hooked on Gretchen Menn. Check out her solo stuff...very unique! Have a feeling we're going to be seeing more of her in the coming years.
Wow, just very humble, intelligent and talented... and beautiful too.
Miss Gretchen Menn is AWESOME!!!
Gretchen is not only a kind, unassuming person but a top notch player & a GREAT interview. She knows her stuff from top to bottom. My favorite female rocker of them all. Yes, OF ALL!!!
i love gretchen so much - she is such a kind and great person. and i love every note she play. and what a outstanding beauty...
big ♥s
This girl has a really beautiful face, very soft features ,she must be a kind hearted person and she can rock out to boot....coooool . I love her.
Imo, the most gorgeous of all the top female guitar players. And my what talent and brains!
Certainly an intelligent thought out musician, always looking forward to finding people like this.
Respect
THX, Larry !! Great Job
Love your story and the way you always push forward...!!
I was so tired for beeing so nervous...That´s true and ...hahah those adrenaline calculations....You rock , Gretchen...MIss if I could ever have a clinic or some talk with you..You are really an inspiration to me...!
you are way too cool! didn't expect a personality to go with awesome sounds, chords, shreds. but its the way u put it together. wish I was your dad!
She's an Awesome Women!!!! Not only Gorgeous but Most If All Talented !!!!
Awesome. Rock and Roll Gretchen!!
You've been playing for quite some time and have had a lot of exposer to world renouned players i'd love to see you doing original songs indstead of tribute style music. Your acoustic music is jamm''n!
In the 70's when the super-distortion was a novelty, I purchased a pair and with a dullend chisel set about bashing cavities in a Les Paul mini-humbuck large enough to introduce the full size 'supers'. I could not believe the 'fat' dripping off those pickups! Dimanzio pickups have a fidelity, feel, and definition all others lack. Right now - on order - looking forward to introducing my tele and the world to your 'Chopper T'. Thank you Larry for sweetening my world with your amazing pickups
She is a Jet Pilot too boys....got in all !!! incredible creation...bottle those GEnes
Thanks for the input, I'll have to try it out!
She is so lovely !!!
That Woman rocks, whatever She decides to do
master of guitar and so beautiful as well!
@Razevok Hi, Glad you like it. I have been thinking about doing just that for a while. I have several '59 Gibsons (ES335 and an L5) and it is a magical period for the company.
All the best,
Larry DiMarzio
I've got a flamed maple topped basswood SSS guitar and I'm looking for a warm, med-high output bridge pickup for some Andy Timmons-esque tones. I was considering a Super Distortion S but would it be too dark for basswood? Should I go with a Pro Track instead (even though it's a lower output pup)?
man... Gretchen and Jude Gold are both such amazing live performers. I wish they'd tour.
@MadDOG4780 Hi, The 36ths are available wired for coil taping, DiMarzio calls it 4 conductor. When you order them please make sure you get that version because these PAF's are also available in a vintage style.
Hope that helps,
Larry DiMarzio
breathtaking! ♥
Stunning and very talented!
Hi, Both Tom Scholz and Ace used Super Distortions in the bridge position of their Les Pauls, so that's a good start. I think the new 36th A PAF in the neck position combines well with SDs .
Hope that helps,
Larry DiMarzio
Amazing!
I love dimarzio pickups they have always been my foundation. Great job dimarzio
love this
I LOVE U GRETCHEN MENN !! VERY VERY LOVE U !!
I wish she would stop being so beautiful! And talented! How dare she!
Wow Gretchen love the way you play!!
Awesome!
Hi, Sorry to say, I don't recall what amp we used.
All the best,
Larry DiMarzio
very interesting story...thanks for being open:)
"Twenty years of woodshed time" ... what a smart cookie.
Stunning Woman* thanks..x
Great interview. Sounds nice and natural, particularly considering her looks and talent
I really enjoyed this interview! Gretchen you are such a beautiful person & not just good looking!
Great guitar player!! Beautiful lady!
Gretchen is BEAUTIFUL!!!
what about an original 58 Les Paul ? i have a reissue but i was wondering if you knew anything about the differances between a 58 and a 59 .and the lady in the feature is vry cool thanks
Larry, of all the 'Bursts' in the BOTB book, all of the Tony Bacon books, the Gallery of Bursts, etc., yours is my favorite. It has the fattest set of ribbons (curl) I have ever seen. I sent Gibson an email a few years ago asking them to approach you to create a Collector's Choice reissue R9 (similar to Goldie, Louis, Beast, etc.) of your Burst. I would definitely be in the front of the line to purchase one. I'm still hoping. Cheers.
Weird choice for the "video" at the end - in front of a cinder block fence... oh well. I'd love to see it in the actual studio where they recorded "Lapdance Armageddon". Now I know where she got her "leg up" with all things guitar. :-)
Sounds awesome Gretchen!
Whaoooo!! Amaizing woman and Musician.Thank you God.!!
All of our humbuckers are available in double cream. Pickup choices depend on the specific sound you are looking for, and. "metal" covers a lot of ground. Please email us at tech@dimarzio.com with a description of the sound you have in mind, which will allow us to offer specific recommendations.
There is no Strat-size pickup with 6 magnets that has this sound, but we make several dual-blade models you might like. Have a look at the Pro Track and the Air Norton S. They should get you close to what you're looking for.
Wow, so cool to learn more about her, I so much want to do a photo shoot of her.
I Love GRETCHEN !!
love your work. How can I get a poster of the thumbnail!
Randy used a Super Distortion in the bridge position on some of his guitars, but he used a PAF in the neck position. That should work on you guitar, but you can also try a 36th Anniversary PAF in the neck position and a 36th Anniv. bridge model in the bridge position if the Super is too heavy for your taste.
Yes, depending on the specific sound you are looking for.
DiMarzio Pickups Show!!!
i love her voice.
Would a DiMarzio Fast Track 2 play nice with a DiMarzio True Velvet middle ?
@DisasterBlaster500 Thanks for your kind words. The Super Distortion/Air Classic combo is still one of my all time favorite combos.
All the best,
Larry
@KHGuitarFreak1988
I generally think "honkier" means more midrange. The Air Norton, Breed neck model and LiquiFire have more mids than the PAF in the neck position, and the Breed bridge model, Fred and Mo' Joe have more than the PAF bridge model. Hope that helps.
I don' think either pickup would necessarily be too dark. Many players use warm-sounding pickups like these models in basswood guitars.
Dear Larry, I love to shred and play stuff like Jason Becker and Marty Friedman. What would be the best pickups for a nice metal shred tone (Jason) as well as a sweet clean tone (Marty)? I also like to do a lot of tapping like Stanley Jordan (not nearly as good though lol).
I LOVE YOU GRETCHEN :)
G is so awesome. I just adore her.
Love the pickups ---- always use them ---- not so sure about the video though.
che bella...
One of my MOST Bad-Ass Friends ever. You rock Gretchen. Gotta Love her.
Hey Larry. So I have an archtop tele body, rear routed, but with more of a les paul set up with the stop tail and dual humbuckers. 1 Volume control and 1 Tone control. I am wanting something to get me that classic rock/blues sound, clean up to some 80's and 90's rock. I am thinking a PAF 36th in the bridge and Humbucker from Hell in the neck. I am going to have coil splitting on both and am going to setup to phase switch. Am I on the right track?
WOW! Would you look at the fantastic flame on that guitar!
Gretchen you're just amazing. You're beautiful, both as a guitar player and as a woman.
Hello Sir! I think you can tell us if Mick Mars of Motley Crue really used Dimarzio Super Distortion in their old kramers, thanks
Very talented, and has the looks too...Gretchen has it...!
I´m making some changes for my guitar. This video is nice, thanks.
That 59 just slays me every time I see it....
Thanks for the reply!
That song at the end, with 2 acoustic guitars, what was amazing! What is it called?!
Thanks for your swift response Larry - I want to keep that traditional 'Strat' look (aka 6 magnet single coil) I was looking at the HS-3 (23.72k) or the YJM (23.50k) from an old chart I have from 1996 for the extra power I need. Would those be the best choice for a high output? I apologize for bothering you but I think you used to have soundbites on your site for each pickup which helped me. BTW - we have a mutual friend P.Pris- - (I don't want to reveal his name on here) guitar teacher Thanks!
Which DiMarzio pickups are the best for getting Jimmy Pae's tone out of a Les Paul?
Ay Larry - How's things? I'm looking for a single coil double-stack that'll make my Strat sound like my Les Pauls - I just don't like the idea of adding an overdrive to my Marshall JCM 900 when I switch to my Strat. Right now I've got your Virtual Vintage and VV Bues in it but I need more of a hotter pickup to match my 70's T-Tops without putting a humbucker in my Strat - Thanks
Hi, Larry. I have an epiphone Les Paul Standart. i play punk, rock and blues. what kind of picku ups will be the best to combine this differents styles of music? thanks.
She is stunning, plays guitar, and loves Zeppelin...you are perfect!
Woooooooowwww.....
Refreshing.
Hello Mr. Dimarzio, let me just start off by saying that your pickups are by far my most favorite and i love them very much! I have an ibanez rg5ex1 with a paf pro in the neck position and the springs to lower or raise the pickup are stripped. Is this fixable? Is there anyway of repair? And i have a fender HM 1988 Strat and the humbucker in this guitar sounds great! Is it a super 3? thanks
Any idea what gauge strings you were using here? On the Les Pauls. ✌️❤️
Heeey I have a wallpaper with Gretchen. Great skills, awesome guitar, and pretty looks. God I love Les Pauls :X :X :X
I want that blue Les Paul so very much.
how much is it???
letissier7 I've never personally seen one in that color blue with the white binding, but I'm sure it'd be somewhere between $2,500 - $4,500. Which is why, since I just play recreationally, I'll never be able to justify spending that kind of money.
wow
@Sauron767 And an amazing person.
All the best,
Larry DiMarzio
Cool, cool lady.
Badass!
You couldn’t have hired a better spokesperson. Knows her stuff and you can’t take your eyes off her.
how ya doin larry, i'm havin an rg 1570 basswood body hsh pickup config, im wondering what neck pickup will balance well with your Norton bridge pickup, will liquifire sounds well with it, or more to paf pro and air norton? play mostly rock and metal, thx fo your time.
Is the DiMarzio owner also a photographer?
+Marcus Vinnas Hi Marcus, Yes, I do almost all the photos for DiMarzio.
All the Best,
Larry DiMarzio
hi Larry! Congrats for the great pics and great pickups of course! Im an user for 15 yrs. cheers from Brasil!
hi Larry! Congrats for the great pics and great pickups of course! Im an user for 15 yrs. cheers from Brasil!
Hey Larry, I've been looking for a good pickup for my Epiphone Les Paul Custom (mahogany body), that's similar to Randy Rhoads' 1974 Les Paul's PAF humbuckers. I've tried the Super Distortions in the same guitar at a local shop, but didn't like the tone in it. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks
I have a VOS '59 Les Paul. I've not had the chance to play an original.
How does the VOS series compare to the originals?
In my humble opinion, the PAF DP103 (Now the 36th anniv i guess) is the best neck pickup when you have a Super Dist in the bridge. It worked for Dave Murray and Adrian Smith. The PAF/Super Dist combo was the ONLY pickup combo Dave used in the 80's and early 90's, and he still uses them today, in his signature strat..
That's a good enough reason for me!
@PrsFenderJackson1980
1) The bridge model will balance a little better with a Super
2) Yes. The video just scratched the surface.
Hey Larry, I have a 1959 Gibson Les Paul that was handed down to me by my grandfather. This thing has been in the family for some time, but I wanted to mod it a bit and get different pickups for it. What do you recommend for playing mostly metal music. I've never been into the blues or classic rock. Should I sell it and get me a strat? or will changing the pickups make my guitar sound better? please help. I dont know much about electric guitars.
Gretchen menn... is a beast female guitar....😎🎸