Best pickup combo for everything 80s

[jmh151]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

I may be wrong but I’m pretty certain that Mick Mars was a Duncan guy. I’m not aware of him ever using a SD

Mick Mars used a Dimarzio Superdistortion in his Les Paul Custom for the first 2 Motley Crue albums, from Theatre of Pain and forward it’s all mixed with Duncan JB, 59, Dinarzio Super distortion and a custom pickup these days

 

[DonP]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

I'm more of a J/C guy which usually come loaded with a JB/59 (I'm thinking my soloists), but I have an Ibanez RG550 with the PAF Pro / Super D combo and it sounds awesome into any amp I use. I'd say the PAF Pro / Super D is a safer bet on a good combo.

 

[zizyphus]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

One combo I've been digging A LOT lately is the DMZ Transition A6 bridge and Air Norton A4 neck combo I have in a tele. It's absolutely delicious

 

[Dauminator]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

Now, the bigger issue here, that I see is the guitar itself. HH Jazzmaster for 80's Glam? We need to have an intervention here.

It's funny you used Rock Me Like a Hurricane as an example, because the first 80s hair band I was introduced to were the Scorpions. That's why I associate a white offset guitar with the 80s. I'd go for an explorer but I really do not like the way they feel, but jazzmasters are much more comfortable to me imo. I don't really like the look of Vs or dinkys either, I guess I like more traditional guitars lol (yes I know the V came out in 58). Plus because it's so cheap I could route out for a floyd, swap the neck, and just kinda make it mine without getting fanboys getting mad. I mean it's already an HH jazzmaster, there are no rules

 

[Demanic]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

The rule is, play what sounds good to you and what feels good in your hands.
Unless you are playing in an actual tribute band where you have to look the part.
But even then, how many reboots of old shows have you seen that looked exactly like what they were rebooting?

Sent from my Alcatel_5044C using Tapatalk

 

[Aceman]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

You need colorful Super Distortion bridge and PAF Pro neck, along with colorful knobs and switch tip. But that's just 50 percent of the tone. To complete it: wig, scarf, and spandex.

The guy in the Cowboy hat has a Kramer w/ Pink knobs and switch tip, and wears a leopard scarf for a belt. Also, Tiger/Zebra/Leopard in Neon orange/yellow/pink/white. That's just one pair of pants with all that. Don't make me show you...


(Screamin' Demon in that guitar because...Dokken, obviously)

 

[ErikH]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

(Screamin' Demon in that guitar because...Dokken, obviously)

:haha: Never used on any Dokken album in the 80's. The pickup hit the scene in 1991. With enough drive Dokken can be pulled off with it though. Heck, I've done it.

For the OP, there are a TON of choices. The Super Distortion / PAF (or PAF Pro) is probably one of my personal favorite combos in a HH setup. The JB/Jazz is a classic setup too. Really comes down to which ones work best for you. Heck, Queensryche preferred the '59 Model in the bridge with SSL-1's in the neck and middle. Doesn't always have to be hot pickups either.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

Mick Mars used a Dimarzio Superdistortion in his Les Paul Custom for the first 2 Motley Crue albums, from Theatre of Pain and forward it’s all mixed with Duncan JB, 59, Dinarzio Super distortion and a custom pickup these days

Wait, are you saying Motley Crue recorded more than two albums?!?

All I know is, Shout at the Devil sounded great on my off-brand Walkman!

 

[cragginshred]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

Suhr Aldrich is a JB but smother in the upper mids and bit hotter! It delivers!

 

[jeremy]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

yer jack daniels looks like tea

 

[zizyphus]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

:haha: Never used on any Dokken album in the 80's. The pickup hit the scene in 1991.

Don't let that fool you. It's still as critical to the Dokken sound as hairspray and leather.

 

[Sirion]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

If classic 80's hard rock shred and DeMartini-esque leads is your game, JB in the bridge.
For a more all around 80's hard rock experience, I prefer the Custom.
A DiMarzio SuperDistortion is never a bad choice.

As for the neck...what neck pickup? Do you think people used that or something for that stuff? Fine, if we must...
A Jazz if the guitar is dark, a 59 if not, and a an A2P if the the only thing you'll use it for is Sweet Child O'Mine.
PAF with the SuperD if you go that route. PAF Pro if you think you'll be soloing on it extensively.

Now, the bigger issue here, that I see is the guitar itself. HH Jazzmaster for 80's Glam? We need to have an intervention here. That guy in the picture?
- Dean Cadillacs (Assorted colors)
- Neon Yellow Kramer Superstrat
- Graphic Jackson V's Army Air Force style, or Jenna Jameson
- Dean V's...Schenker, or an Inferno (Blue Hot Rod Flames)

But he is NOT gonna play Nothing But A Good Time on a Fender Jazzmaster, on stage or in his living room!!!

This man speaks the truth.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

yer jack daniels looks like tea

Because it is.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

:haha: Never used on any Dokken album in the 80's. The pickup hit the scene in 1991. With enough drive Dokken can be pulled off with it though. Heck, I've done it.

That's what the Distortion is for. Which is what's in the Hurricane Silverburst, by the way.

 

[David Garner]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

JB/59 for me. I have never tried the Jazz though. Since I love love love the 59, I won’t either.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Best pickup combo for everything 80s

For hard rock sounds of any era, you can't go too wrong with a set of Super Distortions. They are as classic as it gets in the world of aftermarket pickups, and they are some of the most versatile (if not the most versatile) high output pickups out there. Hell, the same pickup even works fine in both positions.