V7 V8 vs. Air Norton Tone Zone

Ibanez V7 V8 vs. Dimarzio Air Norton Tone Zone

[@borasumer]

People hate V7 and V8 because of the name. If they were under the name of SD or Dimarzio. People will be in love. Just freaking human psychology.

[@MrDavide1976]

exactly, Just freaking human psychology.... well!! the point is: these pickups (v7-v8) are made by dimarzio. actually i don't find any significant difference; there is certainly a difference but, in my opinion, it is not noteworthy. maybe people (by the way, me too; i replaced them with evolution pickups and i could have not made any replacement having a real good sound nevertheless) replace them because they are 'stock pickups'. We usually tend to associate 'stock' with 'crap'. in this case the situation is much more different...v7 and v8 are just good pickups. in any case: taste is some different matter. i can dislike a pickup but this doesn't mean it's not a good pickup.

[@fretboy90]

Id be mad if i spend money on dimarzios...keeping my v7 and v8s

[@ahmedhanin5706]

Can't be more agree

[@herman29958]

I agree, I bought a new RG 550 with V7 & V8 and I thought that they were going to be crap as I have read so many times that are shit pickups. I actually really like them. I don't think that I will change them

[@ricerockit]

I think you’re right

[@SergeiVlassov]

Good comparison, thanks! Another proof, that V7 and V8 are great pickups and do not require replacing unless you need something special. Ibanez knows what they are doing. I always loved how RG-s sound with their stock pickups.

[@zoltanczifra]

Great vid. There is no reason to change the V8-V7. The Brian May lead sounded far better with the V7, the sound was similar to May's on the record.

[@andreyvanakoff9412]

Slightly clearer and brighter V7/8. DiMs more balanced and mid focused, what is better for Drop tunings on modern metal. But in blind test there will be no choice to find any difference, both sets are good. Thanks for review.

[@toneseeker87]

V7 & V8 are fantastic and has that singing quality. AN TZ is a must have too!

[@LightningJackFlash]

I wonder what U think of V1 and V2 in comparison to V7 V8.

[@rorysstuff5129]

Dude I just got an rg550 with v7 and v8 in it. I thought it would be nice to change them for some other pups but seeing some comparative vids I find these sound better than most pups to my taste.

[@ΡαφαήλΑντωνόπουλος-μ1υ]

So...6-7 months ago I got in my hands a used Ibanez guitar (GRG121) with like 80 bucks. Everything was perfect with the guitar and the pickups were actually super okay (the stock pickups are Ibanez STD (Standard) but you can also find them as Ibanez PSND (Powersound)). The bridge pickup was slowly dying from the over use (I am playing for like 6 hours daily haha) and needed a change. So, I watched this video and I was actually thinking to buy DiMarzio tone zone in the very beginning (more specific DP155 or DP151) but I ended up buying Ibanez V8 because it was a match made in heaven. I've also tried Ibanez RG550 (~950€) (with V8-S1-V7) and I can tell you that by replacing the STD pickup with V8 it sounded quite similar! So whoever still read the comment and has an Gio or RG(A) without V8-V7 I higly recommend these pickups guys, they're truly awesome P.S: I found the V8 with 65€ and the DiMarzio with 80€. So they're pretty much the same price! *2 weeks later update*: The V pickups are out of production and I can't find anywhere a brand new V7. Also, the prices for the DiMarzio pickups got raised and now cost like 120€

[@KimonFrousios]

Very similar, but the V7V8 sound slightly flatter and fuller, whereas the ANTZ sound like there is an EQ spike in the mids, like scooped lower mids or something.

[@snflip]

Thanks for putting this up. Each have their own character, V's are so underrated. Little or no complaint with the Dimarzio's. Much depends on the amp too.

[@macintune]

Ibanez makes great guitars! Love both pickups and appreciate your demo!

[@Murphy_R9]

FYI, IBANEZ does not make the pu's, they are outsourced to a company to make them for Ibanez..

[@DimKAt21]

@@Murphy_R9 If you could write , to which one it would be great, tnx

[@Murphy_R9]

@@DimKAt21 MAXON is the company that makes the V series pickups for Ibanez guitars and the Edge locking Trem system is made for Ibanez by GOTOH. Both Maxon and Gotoh or top Japanese companies that make excellent parts.

[@xlr8r2010]

I just bought an Ibanez RG550 Genesis...I like the V8/V7 pickups, no complaints.

[@shutupandplayyerguitar4339]

I prefer the S7 on my rg570 to the evo’s on my Jem.Good video,saved me some cash.

[@4004010]

Excellent video! In general, for my ears, all pickups are great. V7 and v8 sounds a little more bright, and dimarzio’s balance has a little more definition. Anyway. For my opinion If you bought a ibanez with v7 and v8. The difference not justified spend money for AN an TZ. But if tou want. I recommend for whos plays fast links with more heavy distortions.

[@ThePowerman121]

I can see this being one of those cases where your favorite one is the one you’re playing.

[@mastergelo_rg550rfr]

they are very similar. in the distorted demo, thanks for doing this comparison

[@wilssantos2]

Last year I bought an RG550 Genesis with V7/V8 and since the beginning I had the mindset that I was going to change the stock pickups. I ended up getting a Bare Knuckle set (Holy Diver B, 63 Veneer M, Diamond N), but I actually liked the sound of the V7/V8 (and their relationship with the V1 at the middle). The Bare Knuckles are great, but maybe too loud, and mid-focused? I don't know. The thing is: I'm considering switching back, just to have the "normal" sound of the guitar lol...

[@kalmandavid3669]

I feel you man! I just replaced the V8 with a TB4 in my RG550 Genesis - but it has way too much high end - the V8 feels more "natural" :D I will put the V8 back! I put a P-rails in the neck and an Alnico pro in the middle, both are awesome and both are better than the V7, S1, however, the V8 exceeds in my Genesis (also tried TB6, didn't like that one either in this guitar). Considering to try out some Dimarzio in the bridge.

[@joelrocha5311]

Played an RG with V7 V8 for more than 15 years as my main guitar and although these pickups are great to play with a full band they can get very tiring to the ears when your are just practicing or jamming by yourself. They are very bright and that's why most people change them.

[@SergeiVlassov]

guitar tone is a result of a rather long chain of elements. By moving microphone 2 cm you will change brightness more than by replacing V8 with TZ. Amps usually have at least treble (or just tone) but often also presence. So, what is the problem?

[@cortarelva]

@@SergeiVlassov With the pickups I don't think there is any problem as I said. But you can get tired of the way they respond and I found out that actually changing to a different guitar or a different amp for a while to give your ears a rest usually works.

[@nealixd.3011]

I typically like bright guitars, so when I first heard the V7, S1, V8 set on an older RG550 I had, I was really impressed, but I hear ya, variety is good. I sold back in the day, being in the family way on a tight budget, but now I am back to checking out the RG and S models, need one in the mix, ha.

[@croquettelehamster925]

Many thanks for this amazing and very informative comparison !

[@JimmyGeikie]

Definitely digging the V's more than the Nortons, good comparison vid, might have sold me on a used guitar I'm looking at

[@ricrz2100]

Excellent comparisons, not all it's absolutely distortions, I like both but prefer v7-v8

[@VitaTristis]

The DiMarzios sound chunkier and clearer!

[@Murphy_R9]

Chunkier? YES! Clearer? That is debatable? I thought the V7/V8 has more highs making them clearer sounding overall? I am a long time Dimarzio user and this test surprised me a bit!

[@nealixd.3011]

Having had both an Ibanez RG550 and RG470, I've always thought the V7, S1, and V8 pups are some of the best stock pups out there. Being mostly a vintage pups lover, I don't understand why folks change them, but different strokes for different folks I suppose.

[@nealixd.3011]

I surprisingly am hearing a little more clarity, midrange punch and top end in the V7, V8. Surprising I say, because usually DiMarzio pups sound a little brighter to my ear on other model pups, vs. Seymour Duncans. I think in this comparison the V7 and V8 are a better all around pup combo. Of course, I am just listening through a Mac Laptop with good sound, versus earphones, so that might be another listening test I should do (earphones).

[@mousourgos1]

in a tube amp with distortion and playing loud there is no contest, Tone zone is far better pickup with better string and note to note separation. Dont judge by a youtube video.

[@reneotten7376]

I have a new RG550 with V7/8 and RG652 with TZ and I really prefer the V7/8!

[@mousourgos1]

i have the same guitars and by far i prefer the 652! it's a matter of taste

[@DavidCrites07]

Any idea what the output ratings are for the Ibanez V7 and V8 pickups? I can’t find that information anywhere. I tried contacting Ibanez and can’t get ahold of anyone. I have a RG1570 that I replaced the V7 and V8’s with DiMarzio Breeds. I’m not a fan of the sound I get from the Breeds and will be replacing them with Dimarzio Paf Pro and Fred. I’ve heard from people that the stock V7 and V8 pickups might be close in mv output rating to the Paf Pro, but I can’t confirm that. I have a less expensive guitar with the V7 and V8’s and I’m actually pretty happy with the way they sound..I don’t get what all the hate is about surrounding those pickups.

[@fretboy90]

Google ...ibanez v pick ups .. neck ceramic 9.54k and bridge alnico 5 15.45k

[@Murphy_R9]

I am a long time Dimarzio player and even i think this proves the V7 and V8 are basically the same as the AN/TZ The Dimarzio's are possibly a little warmer sounding? but i am not sure if that is a good thing all the time? To be honest if you were to tweak the amp settings i am sure you could get them to sound exact to each other. The only real difference i hear is the V7/V8 has a touch more presence overall.

[@betray32]

V7 - V8 ftw !!

[@DeathbyLibra]

We’ve come to far to give up who we are ladies and gentlemen

[@fretboy90]

I like the v7 and v8 better...ill keep mine

[@franz82able]

I prefer v7 and v8, brighter and clearer sound.

[@ibanezjjung]

Good comparison 🤘🏻

[@dariuszcislo6233]

Super porównanie, gratuluję:) Teraz ważne pytanie, co zrobiłeś że V7 u Ciebie nie zamula? Kwestia ustawień w multiefekcie, połączeń przetworników, ich wysokości? Zdradzisz swój sekret?:) Najbardziej interesują mnie czyste barwy, u mnie V7 jest bardzo ciemny i za bardzo nie wiem co z tym zrobić.

[@tomaszk09]

Myślę, że to kwestia korekcji EQ w multiefekcie (zaraz po symulacji wzmacniacza z kolumną) oraz tego, że najczęściej cleany grałem na rozłączony cewkach. Zacząłbym od eksperymentów z EQ w dolnym zakresie. Spokojnie można ciąć do 100-120 Hz, szczególnie na cleanie

[@gustanoid]

Which one did you like yourself?

[@paulogustavoespinolaficher8624]

your guitar its prestige, i think change my emg 81 iron label for thits pickups... its more clean

[@ZZBSMJ]

To those of hypes, Ibanez doesn’t have a factory. These Vs are possibly made by Fujigen.

[@Jinnuksuk]

F*** I want DiMarzio set! so juicy for Metal \m/_

[@aideedsodikromo4413]

Nice comparison

[@robson6491]

Roznica jest bardzo mała. Czy lepiej ,czy gorzej? Mysle ,ze na zywo trzeba to wyczuc,tych szczegółw wideo nie przekaze. Czy w ogóle jest tutaj sens.?

[@kenwayaiden4535]

I have antz set, but i want v7v8

[@Murphy_R9]

WHY? they are basically the same sound. The V8/V7 are just a ittle brighter and all you have to do is tweak the EQ of your amp if you want the TZ/AN to sound just like the V8/V7

[@ericlarsenhbeleatherworks4992]

Very little difference to my ears between these 2 sets. Wow

[@Destructivegr]

Can someone please give me a diagram of this pickup wiring?

[@tomaszk09]

www.dimarzio.com/support/wiring-diagrams

[@Westw00do]

What song is played at 0:43 and whats the device by the input jack? Thanks in advance

[@tomaszk09]

It was La Bamba. Audio was completely recorded by Line 6 Helix as audio interface

[@keithrowe1007]

Sure hope you got those Tone Zones for free... Even with headphones I'm having a hard time telling the diff. The big takeaway is: spend money elsewhere!

[@045spdgt]

Keith Rowe I heard absolutely no difference.

[@fretboy90]

Been there ....i like stock..and the quantums are also pretty great

[@racerdeth]

I'm quite a big DiMarzio fan and I've never got on with the TZ. I was considering digging the V8/V7 I've had in my parts box for 20 years out and this his pushed me over the edge. The Air Norton is an all time great pickup, but the TZ has always sounded like it has a blanket over it for me.

[@wonpyokim]

1:05 , 2:29

[@Синергетикс]

It's almost impossible to tell the difference

[@NonOmnes]

posiadam rg1570 z air nortonami...v7 i v8 byly ciut jasniejsze nie znaczna róznica,rzecz gustu,zostane z air norton

[@hiteshchand]

I will be honest, I heard no dame difference… am I hallucinating or is it the real ?

[@patrykkrylowicz7833]

Jaki to model gitary?

[@tomaszk09]

Ibanez RG520QS

[@patrykkrylowicz7833]

Dziękuję.

[@karlnazarene833]

It's seem your guitar need a set up.....

[@wootton900]

The tone zone is shit , I am very surprised how similar these sets sound

[@jayz6008]

Those riffs are so generic and boring...

[@joshuafernandes4935]

do you have any videos of yourself playing better riffs ?

[@jayz6008]

@@joshuafernandes4935 I dont know check my videos and you decide .

[@kenbawden3590]

They may be but they are known by everyone and with that makes it easier to try and tell the difference between the pickups !!!