What can I expect from the Custom

[51501984]

I`m gonna swap out my 59b in my Strat and install a Custom in the bridge. Before I get people calling me crazy for replacing the 59(which is a great pup) I just want to try something different. How will the Custom work in Hard Rock(VH,Rhoads,Jake E Lee ect..) and classic rock(ZZ Top,Zep,Bad Company) and how will it be different than the 59 for that type of music?

[Gearjoneser]

Re: What can I expect from the Custom

The Custom is a good pickup, but if your ears like the sound of the 59, but you want something beefier, the Custom 5 is the step in the better direction. Sometimes I wonder how much more popular the Custom 5 would be if it were called it's original pre-production name...Custom Custom Custom or the 59 Custom??
It has better cleans than the Custom and the sound reminds me more of the influences you listed, which is what I dig, too. Get a tremspaced version.

[Travis]

Re: What can I expect from the Custom

The Custom is a good pickup and should perform the styles of music you want. It has a little more edge and is more aggressive than the 59 but overall I like the 59 better. To me the 59 is an extremely pure pickup tone wise. It can do just about anything if you have the right amp. The Custom falls a little short for me. It is not as aggressive as a Distortion (best metal riffing pickup ever) but not as clean as the 59. It would suit the types of music you listed, but to me, that would be about it. Others will disagree, but I just don't think the Custom is as versatile as some other choices.

[papersoul]

Re: What can I expect from the Custom

As Travis states...the 59 is a pure pickup and that is why the C-5/59 is such a terrific set!

[rhmcfarland]

Re: What can I expect from the Custom

Personally, I think the Custom will limit you a bit. Its good for what it does, but its not going to do the classic rock things quite as well. The lows are very bright and tight, and it has a lot of output so its hard to get the same dynamics as a 59. Like Gearjoneser was saying, the C5 might be the better way to go.

[papersoul]

Re: What can I expect from the Custom

I agree that the lows of the Custom are bright and tight....to steely for me. I prefer the big round lows of the C-5 and the Rio BBQ.