Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
- Thread starter bldrst
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bldrst
New member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Aceman, I haven't used actives since EMG's in the 80's in my San Dimas... don't know...? Won't rule that out!
Aceman, I haven't used actives since EMG's in the 80's in my San Dimas... don't know...? Won't rule that out!
bldrst
New member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
I'm not looking for the cheap option, btw. Duncan Custom Shop is totally an option. The real mystery for me is which pickup is best for my RR1. What about a Frankenstein or a Lynch Hunter, haven't owned those. I already said I love the RTM and '78 in my other guitars, it's the small mass of the RR1 V that's problematic now.
I'm not looking for the cheap option, btw. Duncan Custom Shop is totally an option. The real mystery for me is which pickup is best for my RR1. What about a Frankenstein or a Lynch Hunter, haven't owned those. I already said I love the RTM and '78 in my other guitars, it's the small mass of the RR1 V that's problematic now.
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Super 3 isn't a bad choice either if venturing out of the Duncan line. It's thick but not huge in the lows.
The chopped highs and high dcr give it a thick feel though.
Sorry, I haven't done direct comparisons between many of these in the same guitars though.
Super 3 isn't a bad choice either if venturing out of the Duncan line. It's thick but not huge in the lows.
The chopped highs and high dcr give it a thick feel though.
Sorry, I haven't done direct comparisons between many of these in the same guitars though.
weepingminotaur
Well-known member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
The thing about the Nazgul's chug is that it (to my ears) exceeds the DCR or the lows contained in the pickup. It is a grinding controllable chug that really stands on its own as far as SD pups go. The Winter is crisper and edgier, but not (to me) as thunderous. I have both pups in different guitars and recommend both, though.
The thing about the Nazgul's chug is that it (to my ears) exceeds the DCR or the lows contained in the pickup. It is a grinding controllable chug that really stands on its own as far as SD pups go. The Winter is crisper and edgier, but not (to me) as thunderous. I have both pups in different guitars and recommend both, though.
bldrst
New member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Are your guitars a maple body or a Jackson neck through, or a RR1? Thanks, the Nazgal is still in the running too. Too many great choices right now!
weepingminotaur
Well-known member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Ah, good question. No, no maple body or Jackson. The Nazgul is in a Schecter Omen Extreme S-II (mahogany body, maple neck, bolt-on), and the Winter is in a Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro (mahogany body and neck, set neck).
Ah, good question. No, no maple body or Jackson. The Nazgul is in a Schecter Omen Extreme S-II (mahogany body, maple neck, bolt-on), and the Winter is in a Epiphone Les Paul Standard PlusTop Pro (mahogany body and neck, set neck).
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
I think what you're looking for is an Invader. I had one in my neck thru Rhoads and it was awesome. It was a great match for the superb playability of the guitar
Actually here is a clip of that exact guitar with the invader ! I recorded all my rhythm tracks on this album with the invader and all the leads that aren't solos (like leads during choruses and stuff)
https://hitmanhalifax.bandcamp.com/track/the-addiction
I know you already have it down to 2 other choices but I'm just telling you what worked for me! I went from a JB to the Invader and was very happy with the invader. It also had an EMG 81 at one point, which was almost there but the invader had the crushing lows I was looking for.
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I think what you're looking for is an Invader. I had one in my neck thru Rhoads and it was awesome. It was a great match for the superb playability of the guitar
Actually here is a clip of that exact guitar with the invader ! I recorded all my rhythm tracks on this album with the invader and all the leads that aren't solos (like leads during choruses and stuff)
https://hitmanhalifax.bandcamp.com/track/the-addiction
I know you already have it down to 2 other choices but I'm just telling you what worked for me! I went from a JB to the Invader and was very happy with the invader. It also had an EMG 81 at one point, which was almost there but the invader had the crushing lows I was looking for.
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Last edited:
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
That's at least a third vote for starting with the Invader!
OP, like you, I'm a huge fan of the '78 and RTM. Both of those are easily in my "Top 5" favorite Duncans. However, neither necessarily offers a bigger low end than the JB (debatable, I know...the voicings are a bit different overall). If you do want a Duncan in that ballpark, I'd suggest taking a look at the PATB-3 (Blues Saraceno model) before you go spending Custom Shop money on one of the others. It has a similar voice and feel to what you already like and was actually designed to warm up thinner sounding guitars.
On that note, the Frankenstein pickup (made for EVH by Duncan) is also a really nice option. I hesitated to recommend that (or its cousin, the Custom Custom) earlier because it seemed like you wanted to keep the power of the higher output pickups. Knowing you like the '78 and RTM, however, you might really enjoy the Frankie.
The GL Hunter is designed to be a less compressed take on the regular Distortion. I doubt that's what you want given your previous experiences.
If you go full Custom Shop, I'd still steer you toward the El Diablo. That's what I think about when I think "crushing" tone. It's very articulate, warm where it needs to be and the compression is highly controllable with pick attack. The sound is really balanced, the bottom end is firm but full and it sounds really good split, which I recommend taking advantage of. Tony Iommi, Dan Donegan (Disturbed), Kevin Bond (Superjoint Ritual) and Scott Ian have all used it as their "signature" pickup. Those guys are all heavy hitters. If you don't mind "high output" pickups, it really works to cure a thin sounding Rhoads and is built for hard rock/metal!
But I'd still try the Invader first
That's at least a third vote for starting with the Invader!
OP, like you, I'm a huge fan of the '78 and RTM. Both of those are easily in my "Top 5" favorite Duncans. However, neither necessarily offers a bigger low end than the JB (debatable, I know...the voicings are a bit different overall). If you do want a Duncan in that ballpark, I'd suggest taking a look at the PATB-3 (Blues Saraceno model) before you go spending Custom Shop money on one of the others. It has a similar voice and feel to what you already like and was actually designed to warm up thinner sounding guitars.
On that note, the Frankenstein pickup (made for EVH by Duncan) is also a really nice option. I hesitated to recommend that (or its cousin, the Custom Custom) earlier because it seemed like you wanted to keep the power of the higher output pickups. Knowing you like the '78 and RTM, however, you might really enjoy the Frankie.
The GL Hunter is designed to be a less compressed take on the regular Distortion. I doubt that's what you want given your previous experiences.
If you go full Custom Shop, I'd still steer you toward the El Diablo. That's what I think about when I think "crushing" tone. It's very articulate, warm where it needs to be and the compression is highly controllable with pick attack. The sound is really balanced, the bottom end is firm but full and it sounds really good split, which I recommend taking advantage of. Tony Iommi, Dan Donegan (Disturbed), Kevin Bond (Superjoint Ritual) and Scott Ian have all used it as their "signature" pickup. Those guys are all heavy hitters. If you don't mind "high output" pickups, it really works to cure a thin sounding Rhoads and is built for hard rock/metal!
But I'd still try the Invader first
dpaterson
New member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Well you can add another vote for an Invader!!! LOL!!!
As some will know: I put one in one of my Jacksons the other day (Poplar body though). It’s changed my life let alone this guitar. It’s awesome. It replaced a DM SD which I bought to test for this guitar and which sounded cr*p compared to the Invader. And I can tell you that the Invader’s Tone Profile is exactly as presented on SD’s website i.e. full mids. with “balls”, lovely CONTROLLABLE bottom, and dialed back tops (shrillness a thing of the past for me). It’s got “growl”!!! And it is (surprisingly????) articulate and crisp (given its output).
Well you can add another vote for an Invader!!! LOL!!!
As some will know: I put one in one of my Jacksons the other day (Poplar body though). It’s changed my life let alone this guitar. It’s awesome. It replaced a DM SD which I bought to test for this guitar and which sounded cr*p compared to the Invader. And I can tell you that the Invader’s Tone Profile is exactly as presented on SD’s website i.e. full mids. with “balls”, lovely CONTROLLABLE bottom, and dialed back tops (shrillness a thing of the past for me). It’s got “growl”!!! And it is (surprisingly????) articulate and crisp (given its output).
BlueSnMettle
Michaelewski
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Yep, years ago, had an Invader in a RR1.
Was a great match for the guitar. Brutal !!!
Yep, years ago, had an Invader in a RR1.
Was a great match for the guitar. Brutal !!!
dpaterson
New member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Hello.
Cannot comment on the Invader neck because I didn't put one in (not for any other reason than that I never use a neck pickup EVER) (BUT as I don't like doing a half job of things I'm going to put one in anyway if only for aesthetics and to say "job well done and complete").
For the sake of interest there is an F-spaced Invader known as a "Synster Gates Invader" (link below). Well APPARENTLY there is anyway i.e. I got the proverbial runaround from both SD and my local dealer so didn't bother after that. Tonally I doubt there's a difference. Aesthetically MAYBE (but then again: an Invader is an Invader is an Invader). Anyways. Just thought you'd like to know as you (also) have a trem. in that guitar. This being said: my Invader sits "perfect" in the middle of the strings (unlike that DM SD which also looked ridiculous and it was indeed F-spaced).
https://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/product-news/synyster-gates-invader
Dunno about your Jackson model but just check the pickup rings. If they're those raised Jackson pickup rings with a recessed trem. you may run into a problem with pickup height i.e. the Invader's pole pieces are BIG and it's very easy to run out of thread on the pickup height adjustment screws when taking it down with the higher pickups rings. For the Invader to work (and not fall off the pickup height adjustment screws or fall below the top of the pickup ring) you need the lower, normal, pickup rings.
Tell ya this much and at the risk of my music sounding even more one dimensional than it already is: I'll never own another guitar WITHOUT an Invader. Perfect combo. for me now and going forward: Jackson (anything), Basswood or Alder body, Maple fretboard, INVADERS!!! Done!!!
Hello.
Try it. I think you're gonna like it. Matter of fact I'm sure you are.
Cannot comment on the Invader neck because I didn't put one in (not for any other reason than that I never use a neck pickup EVER) (BUT as I don't like doing a half job of things I'm going to put one in anyway if only for aesthetics and to say "job well done and complete").
For the sake of interest there is an F-spaced Invader known as a "Synster Gates Invader" (link below). Well APPARENTLY there is anyway i.e. I got the proverbial runaround from both SD and my local dealer so didn't bother after that. Tonally I doubt there's a difference. Aesthetically MAYBE (but then again: an Invader is an Invader is an Invader). Anyways. Just thought you'd like to know as you (also) have a trem. in that guitar. This being said: my Invader sits "perfect" in the middle of the strings (unlike that DM SD which also looked ridiculous and it was indeed F-spaced).
https://www.seymourduncan.com/blog/product-news/synyster-gates-invader
Dunno about your Jackson model but just check the pickup rings. If they're those raised Jackson pickup rings with a recessed trem. you may run into a problem with pickup height i.e. the Invader's pole pieces are BIG and it's very easy to run out of thread on the pickup height adjustment screws when taking it down with the higher pickups rings. For the Invader to work (and not fall off the pickup height adjustment screws or fall below the top of the pickup ring) you need the lower, normal, pickup rings.
Tell ya this much and at the risk of my music sounding even more one dimensional than it already is: I'll never own another guitar WITHOUT an Invader. Perfect combo. for me now and going forward: Jackson (anything), Basswood or Alder body, Maple fretboard, INVADERS!!! Done!!!
bldrst
New member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Ok you guys, I'm gonna swap my Invader from my heavy maple strat and try it out in my RR1. (Have to wait a week or so, but, long story...). So, what would I replace it with in that maple strat?! Ha! the irony,,, maybe a Black Winter, or a Nazgul. Aight. I could put my Custom Custom back in there and replace that in my '86 San Dimas (scalloped Brazilian fingaboard, never do that again) with what? How's DD with an A2? No worries now, you guys helped out for sure, I would not have even considered putting an Invader in my V, maybe it's a keeper? Then buy the Invader neck for it. I will definitely post about the experience. Thanks everybody!
Ok you guys, I'm gonna swap my Invader from my heavy maple strat and try it out in my RR1. (Have to wait a week or so, but, long story...). So, what would I replace it with in that maple strat?! Ha! the irony,,, maybe a Black Winter, or a Nazgul. Aight. I could put my Custom Custom back in there and replace that in my '86 San Dimas (scalloped Brazilian fingaboard, never do that again) with what? How's DD with an A2? No worries now, you guys helped out for sure, I would not have even considered putting an Invader in my V, maybe it's a keeper? Then buy the Invader neck for it. I will definitely post about the experience. Thanks everybody!
dpaterson
New member
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
Simple. Another Invader!!! LOL!!!
With before and after audio recordings and videos of course???
Re: Black Winter or Nazgal in a RR1?
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My suggestion for your maple Strat : a Custom. I think the ceramic paf growl of a custom would sound sick in a maple Strat.
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