Guitar Ninja Review of the Dean DMT Michael Angelo Batio HW Pickup

DMT Michael Angelo Batio (Hands Without Shadows)
Neck Humbucker Pickup.
A Guitar Ninja Review

After looking at the fantastic Pat Baker pickup in my last review
I thought I might give another DMT Artist Pickup a go.

Being the Guitar Ninja, I have had the good fortune to work and play with the mighty Michael Angelo Batio on a number of occasions so I am just a little bit keen to drop his MAB – Hands With Out Shadows DMT Signature Pickup into my Dean V and start the shredding…

As always the fitting was a easy as it can be for anyone familiar with what end of a soldering iron to hold. 10 minutes of work, a tune up and I'm sleeves up ready to rock.

The thing that most people associate with MAB is his chops!! No doubt about it, he picks at speeds that most of us didn't think even possible. This kind of technique needs a sound that is thick and well defined. A mushy tone means your licks, that you have spent hours practicing at home instead of watching “Grand Designs”, can end up getting lost in a sea of distortion and sounding like a swarm of angry bees.

Part of the secret of Michael’s great tone is in his use of the middle frequencies. The sure way to a killer tone that jumps right out of your speakers in any busy band mix, lies in kicking the Amp’s mid control on full and using a mid focused pickup like the MAB.

MAB himself at last years DOA UK
Photo by Metal Rock Photos

MAB playing a Dean MAB 2
with the HWS fitted.

Plugging into a cranked up Marshall on a moderate gain setting, the neck pickup has a rich flute like very, very expressive tone. Cutting loose and risking a few MAB picking type runs, put a smile on this Ninja’s face, as the pickup responded by sounding out each note crystal clear, thick, dripping Mids, and very percussive.

I asked MAB about his part in the design process, he told me that it was based on an old pickup in a favorite guitar from way back in the day. When DMT approached him to design a signature series pickup for them, that’s where he started. The pickup is now fitted as standard to his Dean MAB2 Aviator Guitar partnered with the “DMT Baker Act” in the bridge and is the perfect way to start to get that MAB tone.

One thing that may not be apparent is the shear quality of the tone when used with a clean or “just breaking up” setting on your amp. The cut of the mids gives the pup a character that works great with chords and funky rhythm playing. Quite a welcome surprise which only adds to an already overflowing tonally rich dish…….

If you are looking for a clear, articulate, toneful pickup that’s full of character and versatility for your trusty ole’ axe, then this baby deserves to be right at the top of your list…..

Did someone say I had to give this back????????.........

If you would like to load up on any
of the DMT Range click here:
www.deanguitars.uk.com/pickups.htm To find out more and find your
local dealer.

A NEW ERA IN
GUITAR PICKUPS HAS BEGUN
COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED IN THE U.S.A.

Visit us on the Web:
www.deanguitars.uk.com
www.bill-lewington.com
www.deanguitars.com
www.dimeamps.co.uk