Best passive pickup for this nu/alt metal sound

ghostmaker

New member
So I really like the way the guitar sounds here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hysx9Rpah4#t=1m30s

Which PASSIVE humbucker would best achieve this sound? I had been looking at likely the Duncan Distortion or the Custom.

My guitar is a PRS Custom 22, mahogany body & neck, rosewood fingerboard. My amp is a Dual Rectifier Roadster with EL34 power tubes. Cabinet is Rectifier 2x12 with Vintage 30's.
 
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Re: Best passive pickup for this nu/alt metal sound

Distortion is what I was leaning towards. Anyone else support that, or have other suggestions?
 
Re: Best passive pickup for this nu/alt metal sound

Virus (the guitar player of that band) uses his custom guitars equipped with EMG 81s in the bridge and EMG 85s in the neck.

But you asked for passive pickups, so for that sound, you should try the Dimarzio D activators, since they were designed to mimic the sound of an active pickup but without the compression and the sterile sound. I've tried them before on an ibanez and I didn't like them. They sounded very "Bland".

If you want to go with Duncans (which kickass!) you should try out the Distortion, especially for the raw tone you're going for. I found that the DD sounded brighter and more "livelier" than the D activators. It also has more mids.
 
Re: Best passive pickup for this nu/alt metal sound

I'd say stay as is, or go active (EMG81). Don't bother with the halfway house.
 
Re: Best passive pickup for this nu/alt metal sound

I just wanted to follow up and say I'm LLOOVVIINNGG the Distortion! I'm totally satisfied with the way it sounds guitar->amp, no pedal in between. It's nailing the tone I was looking for, and even pulling off some Ozzy era Zakk Wylde! Thanks guys!
 
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