[Whistler]

After dragging my heals, I think I may have decided on the following pickups on my Levinson Blade R4.

Area 61 dp416 middle

Virtual vintage 54 pro dp408 neck

Virtual solo dp420. BRIDGE

Tried YouTube clips but I can’t really tell the difference between any of them.

My real question, is there any big tonal difference in the Area 61/67 etc and the Virtual Vintage range or is it just splitting hairs. I’ve read all the specs on the Dimarzio web page.

Anyone else been down this path?

And I thought Ir’s were a rabbit hole .

[buddroyce]

Oh I know that path all too well.

The Area 67 is brighter and thinner while the Area 61 is fuller sounding and has a bit more output. Although tbh, either one is fine. It's not like they're drastically different but with the setup that you're going for, I'd go with the Area 67 and I believe it'll balance better with the VV54 and VS.

[greenlion]

The 61 and 54pro do have different tones, but that is not a bad thing. The 61 reminds me of SRV, and the 54pro has more of a rounded bell-like 50's strat tone. The 54pro has a hair more output. The 67 has less output and is more treble focused. If you want versatility you can mix and match those in a half dozen ways. If you use the area 67 or 58 with the others, they will do best in the middle since there will be a slight drop in output.

[Whistler]

Thanks guys for your advice. Appreciate it.

[darkbluemurder]

If your guitar is bright acoustically, the set up listed in the OP should work well.

Cheers Stephan

[Whistler]

Ok, after much head spinning I’ve finally grown a pair and ordered the set in the OP. Thanks again for all replies.