Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

[papersoul]

What do you guys think is the best Duncan for modern rock and metal? I am thinking along the lines of bands like Tool, APC, Godsmack, Fuel, even some 90s rock like Alice in Chains and some of the heavier 90s bands.

I was asked to join a local cover band that will be conering these styles.

Thanks!!

 

[italic zero]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

Probably either the JB or the Custom. I know Tool and AiC use/used the JB.

 

[papersoul]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

Probably either the JB or the Custom. I know Tool and AiC use/used the JB.

That's the cool thing about the JB...covers so much ground but not enough thick or deep bass for my amp.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

...not enough thick or deep bass for my amp.

What guitar? What wood is it made out of?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

I really think that lower output pickups will allow you to cover more ground tonally. Once you get into higher output pickups the tone gets so hot and compressed that you loose the clarity you need IMO for some songs. If you want something fairly tight then a 59' set will do you great. Warmer and smoother the APH-1 set is awsome. The Seth neck is awsome, a little more open and airy than the APH-1, but still really smooth.

The C-5 is a great choice for the bridge as well, hot...but still retains clarity and a portion of the PAF vibe. That's about as hot as I would like personally. Different strokes for different folks though.

Just my $.02

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

I can't say enough about the Custom, it cleans up beautifully and is hot enough to smolder in even the harshest conditions! Tight, focussed bass, supple mids, and a rich top-end.

 

[kill your scene]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

If you're going for versatility, Jeff is probably right. You don't want something that's TOO old-school or classic rock sounding.... I would steer away from Antiquities and even a 59 might not work. The JB is the best for a combination between heavy and versatile. The best pickup you can buy, IMO.

If, however, you need more low end thump, get an Invader. Some people complain that Invaders are overly muddy and bass-friendly. I say 1) Don't position the pickup too close to the strings and 2) Know how to EQ.... then you'll be fine. I have a feeling the Invader might meet your needs.

 

[RACER X]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

Just take one listen to guys like George Lynch and Jake E Lee and the answer will be without a doubt, the JB.

 

[Kevin@BlackRose]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

How about trying out the Hotrails. I understand hotrails have a wide range of tones and they sound great.

 

[JALIN]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

JB, twenty something years and still going strong!

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

JB, twenty something years and still going strong!

Thirty

My recommendation goes for either a JB or Duncan Custom

 

[papersoul]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

What guitar? What wood is it made out of?

A 2003 LP Standard with 50s neck and the guitar is a little over 8 lbs. very resonant and lively sounding.

 

[papersoul]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

Thanks so much guys! I was afraid the C-5 would be too vintage but I am starting to really warm up to the C-5 in my LP. I may try the Custom on the many recommendations I receive. I had used the JB and while it sound great through a tube amp, i don't like it through my Vetta II head because it seems to lack a bass and low mid push like my BBQ or C-5. Maybe I really should grab a Custom. I get spooked because I hear others say the C-5 is much warmer and rounder than the Custom, while others say the added mids add warmth.

Honestly, if I could retain the C-5's current tone but add some more aggression, I might like that.

 

[papersoul]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

Thanks so much guys! I was afraid the C-5 would be too vintage but I am starting to really warm up to the C-5 in my LP. I may try the Custom on the many recommendations I receive. I had used the JB and while it sound great through a tube amp, i don't like it through my Vetta II head because it seems to lack a bass and low mid push like my BBQ or C-5. Maybe I really should grab a Custom. I get spooked because I hear others say the C-5 is much warmer and rounder than the Custom, while others say the added mids add warmth.

Honestly, if I could retain the C-5's current tone but add some more aggression, I might like that.

Maybe someone could tell me what the Custom would add or take away compared to the C-5. In my opinion it seems the C-5 is very open sounding and great for clean and lighter tones, maybe even some blues. It seems to fall a little short for the really high gain material.

 

[korinastratkyle]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

The Custom adds more midrange to the sound and takes away maybe a little bass. It also has more treble to it, but can be control, it's not overly shrill. It's definetly a great pickup for modern rock and metal. It can still do Blues well, too. The good part is all you need to do is switch the magnet in your pup with a 1/8" thick Ceramic and you've got one!

 

[papersoul]

Re: Best Duncan for modern hard rock and metal?

What I have heard is that the Custom can sound warmer and thicker and actually less bright than the C-5 due to the higher mid content.