Duncan C-5 impressions!

[papersoul]

Well, I spent a lot of time with the C-5 in my Dean last night and as always I come back amazed. I am always amazed at how natural it sounds...no annoying frequencies and very smooth and organic. I hear guys say it is kind of bland and lacks an organic quality. I find it very rich and organic. I would say balanced, tight low end, creamy highs that are sharp and warm at the same time (not shrill). The mids are very natural sounding and kind of throaty. I swear they almost sound active at times because of the clarity and balance in a mahogany/maple topped guitar. Notes are clearly defined. Even thought the JB is very thick and juicy I never sensed this natural balance as wit hthe C-5. I think this could compete with the boutique pickups of the world. I always hear how much warmer boutique, hand wound p'ups happen tobe......having beter harmonic overtones, harmonics in general......but I think the C-5 has a lot of this mojo. Heck, for the price....who's complaining?

Now, if I can only get up the nerve to replace the BB Pro in my Les Paul with the C-5!! LOL!!

As a side note: Any recomendations on a neck p'up to match? I am not a big fan of the 59n, but maybe the PGn?

Thanks.

[tone4days]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

sounds cool papersoul .. yeah i dig my C5 too ... what is it that you dont like about the 59n? if you give us a hint, maybe we can recommend a good match ...

the PGn, or AIIPn would both be good if you like the alnico 2 mag tonality

cheers,
t4d

[papersoul]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

sounds cool papersoul .. yeah i dig my C5 too ... what is it that you dont like about the 59n? if you give us a hint, maybe we can recommend a good match ...

the PGn, or AIIPn would both be good if you like the alnico 2 mag tonality

cheers,
t4d

I find the 59n muddy for fast high gain leads. My BB Pro is much more articulate.

[tone4days]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

ah, i know that the JAZZ neck is said to be very articulate .. good luck in your search
cheers,
t4d

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

I have a PGn/C5b combo in my LP & LOVE IT!!!

I wish I had some clips to share with you, but for what my opinion is worth, I love it!

[papersoul]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

I have a PGn/C5b combo in my LP & LOVE IT!!!

I wish I had some clips to share with you, but for what my opinion is worth, I love it!

Thanks, does it have a nice singing lead tone in the neck? Clear?

[sooperunkn]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

Go with the Jazz neck!! I'm amazed at how good it sounds. I didn't think it would be as clear as it is through high gain. And clean is where it really shines! But my favorite is how it sounds blended with the C5!!!

PRIMO COMBO!!

[Farkus]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

I have a FSb and PGn combo. I find that the PGn does what I want it to do, which is full sounding, rock tone for leads. I DO NOT like it for shredding, though. Not articulate enough...but then, I didn't want it for that. I've heard that the Jazz neck is good for clarity, but I'll reserve an endorsement as I've never used it myself. Good luck!!

Farkus.

[Farkus]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

Sorry, just one more thing. I'm using that combo in the guitar in my avatar. I'm THINKING of trying a C-5 in it...what do you think? Are they good pups for strat bridge. I've never used them, that's why I ask !

Thanks-Farkus

[EVH5150]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

For an alder strat.....I think the best bridge humbucker is the TB-11 Custom Custom. I have tried the JB, Screamin Demon, Pearly Gates (these 3 were too thin sounding and not full) and a Rio Grande BBQ (great for overdrive and distortion but not enough high end definition and clarity) in my American Strat. The Custom Custom just seems to be a perfect match for it. I have never tried a TB-14 so I cant really give an opinion on how it would sound in an alder strat. I have a heavy metal strat which is made out of basswood which I am considering putting a TB-14 or TB-5 Custom in because the density of the wood seems to absorb the high end of the pickup. If you try the Custom 5....let me know how it sounds.

[Farkus]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

Actually, the strat is ASH, not alder...

Farkus

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

Thanks, does it have a nice singing lead tone in the neck? Clear?

I think the Pearly Gates gives a nicer cleaner tone than the description would imply. It can get down & dirty if you want it to, but it's a lot cleaner than I thought it would be....and that's a good thing! I think it's a nice match for the C5.

[papersoul]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

Sorry, just one more thing. I'm using that combo in the guitar in my avatar. I'm THINKING of trying a C-5 in it...what do you think? Are they good pups for strat bridge. I've never used them, that's why I ask !

Thanks-Farkus

Try the CC or the Rio BBQ. I like the BBQ quite a bit because of the fact that it is dark. I find most modern amps to be bright so it's nice to come across a pickup that doesn't over emphasize highs.

[BloodRose]

Re: Duncan C-5 impressions!

I love the 59b in the neck position. Have that in combo with a C5 in 2 different guitars. Its alil hotter than the 59n so it gives a great smokey blues tone and warm cleans..