Alternative for Custom Custom?

Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

i would say you need some vintage pickup in the neck. look into the aph alnico 2 pro. amazing pickup in the neck. also the '59 or jazz are really good neck pickup, but the a2p is so warm and beatifull. if you had use for mini-humbucker, the sm-1 is unbelievable in neck. just amazing.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

I need something thats got a nice heavy rock sound for that rhythm stuff, i must be tight and doesent mud too much under a good load of gain.

Isnt it a 490R in that Custom?
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

I've played the CC for years, and liked it more than the Screamin Deamon. It sounds like you just need to get used to the massive mid scoop that early metallica eq'ed (and many other bands of that era and type of music). The CC is one of the lowest bottom ends (believe it or not) of all of the Seymour pickups... but still has one of the best tones. I don't think you need a new pickup, just more EQ tweaking to accomplish what you want.
The pickups for bridge I compared and would view as alternates, are the Pearly Gates, and the SH5. For the neck, I'm looking at the little screamin deamon, and the 59, though I remember people taking the JB bridge pickup and putting it in the neck position with great results.

I didn't play for 5 years while raising my kids, but now I have 4 guitars again, and am back on the quest for tone! I have an Ibanez RG350DX, an ESP LTD George Lynch Tiger stripe, and a Jackson Rhodes EX for my electrics. Money is an issue right now, so I've got an SH11 (custom custom) on it's way, but now I can't decide which guitar to put it in. Originally it was going to be the Ibanez (like I used to have in my RG550, everyone was surprised at my great tone in that guitar), but since it's a little light on the bottom end (but not too much) and the LTD is heavier on bottom end, I may put those two together, and put a Pearly Gates or Custom in my Ibanez.
The Jackson has a tone I can't seem to match in the other guitars, and I may have to upgrade that to an RR3 Rhodes or USA Soloist.

Amps have come such a long way, and that's the next stop, to find the right amp.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

As i said, i did some EQ'ing, and it sounds amazing now, it comes out and kicks you in the head with amazing tone.

I love playing Seek & Destroy on this thing.

I just need a humbucker in the neck again.

Something with the good old AC/DC'ish sound, but also capable of higher gains.

The PG and Alnico 2 sounds great to my ears, but what would the experts here recommend?
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

That's EMGs, and EMGs will get you that, through a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier (if that's what they're still using).

With the CC in the bridge, either the PGn or A2P will work. The PGn is a little hotter so that might be the better choice for you.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

James uses regular stock pickups, look at his guitar.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

Yes, they sure are, or at least they look to be. There's so much gain though, it really doesn't matter at that point. If you're going to be playing with the same amount of gain, use what you want in the neck. Me personally, I'd lean towards the PGn just because I play with less gain than that so my pickups are more relevant to the tone.

That's probably the only guitar of his, that he uses live anyways, that has stock pickups. Pretty much everything else, his Destroyers and Trucksters, have EMGs in them.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

Yep well, it isnt all about how he sound, its more to me being original on this pickup.

Nice sweet cleans, and a raw unpolished drive sound on the neck pickup is what i need, imagine something in the lines of how Angus youngs guitar sound on the live album from 92.

What about Gibson P-Us?
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

Hmmm, with Gibson pickups, not sure. An LP is much thicker than an SG so to get that kind of tone in an LP can be tough. An A5 pickup may be better there, or maybe the 59 with an A4 magnet? I've heard the A4 takes the boominess out of the 59 in the neck and makes it sweeter.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

Please, no switching magnets, i want a stock pickup with what i want.

I was thinking of a 490R or 496R, or else i think the PGn would be a good compliment to the CC for some good heavy rock/metal, dont you?
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

The PGn is a very very popular neck pickup here. Since it has an A2 magnet too and is wound a tad hotter than a 59, it's a perfect match for the CC.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

Okay, then this is settled that should be great for what i need, it sounds amazing too.

I am planning on playing AC/DC, Metallica, Iron Maiden and such on this thing. I tried Seek & Destroy on the CC last night, it sounded amazing to me, so everything should be just fine, and hopefully it will sound fuller and with more balls than the phat cat.

Thanks alot for all the help.

Now comes the hard part, i can solder but how difficult is it to change the pickup and adjust it properly?
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

It's easy changing the pickup. Just follow the directions that come with the pickup. There's also wiring diagrams that you can follow.

Adjusting is just a matter of turning the screws on other side for the height and the pole pieces to your taste. There is no "correct" adjustment, just recommendations. What you like is what matters there.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

Okay, that shouldnt be too difficult.

I have been jumping out of my mind about the bridge pickup, then i like it, then i dont like it, i have my 17th year birthday in november so a new pickup set is the top thing, i just dont think the CC was right in this guitar or for me, its just too untight in its bass.

If passives, the PGn i in the neck, bridge p-u might probs be custom.

Actives, either 85/81, 60/81 or 81/81.

I am seriously screwed here.

I am sorry if i seem a bit like i dont know what i want, but this time its just getting the right ones.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

No i havent, i havent tried any other than whats in my guitar.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

AH^DK said:
No i havent, i havent tried any other than whats in my guitar.
Click to expand...

Do yourself a favor and check one out. If you don't love it, Duncan will exchange it for another model.
 
Re: Alternative for Custom Custom?

I was actually thinking of buying the duncan distortion mayhem set.

But i want something that in an lp will have all that i want, not too trebly but still good clarity, tight bass and balls.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
WLH/Custom Hybrid?
Replies
2
Views
161
skelt101
S
T
Telecaster custom wiring
Replies
4
Views
150
t3xaco
T
D
59 Custom Hybrid vs Custom Custom
2
Replies
20
Views
1K
uOpt
uOpt
Rex_Rocker
Duncan Custom... blackened?
Replies
4
Views
315
Mincer
Mincer
G
59/Custom
Replies
4
Views
407
Mincer
Mincer
Back
Top