Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

[defender81]

I am replacing an EMG 85 (which I don't like) in a single hum only alder/maple Strat. I like metal such as Kreator, Morbid Angel, Coroner, Sodom, Death, Slayer, Celtic Frost/Hellhammer, Sadus, Bolt Thrower, Destruction, Autopsy etc. Which of these pickups will give me a good rhythm tone for music like this. I definitely don't scoop mids btw. I'm playing through a Tech 21 Trademark 1x12 combo and I string up with DR Tite-Fit 10-52.

 

[dominus]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

Maple neck, or maple fretboard? If you've got a rosewood fretboard, go for the Duncan Distortion, should work well. Mille Petrozza of Kreator uses EMGs in the studio, but Duncans live in his Jackson. Not sure what model, probably JB or Distortion though.

 

[Mark Le Comte]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

I cant say that I know any of those bands terribly well, but the Super D is more 'old school' than the duncan distortion. I think you would prefer the duncan distortion, or maybe invader or dimarzio super 3.

 

[defender81]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

It's a maple fretboard. Didn't know that Mille used Duncans. Seems like it would be the other way around...EMGs for live and Duncans in the studio. I know he used an X2N on Endless Pain and Pleasure to Kill in his Ibanez Destroyer II.

 

[Diocletian]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

For that kind of music, which I'ma big fan of, I'd go for Duncan Distortion every time.

The DiMarzio is one of my favourite pickups, but it's not as hot or as tight as the Duncan pickup which is what you're looking for.

 

[dave67]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

I will bet 90% of the bands listed are using active PU.
I am with Diocletian, The Distortion will do more modern metal, the Super D is better for 80's metal.

 

[Usurper666]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

Those are the kinds of bands and tones I'm into and I use a Duncan Distortion, works great for older thrash and death metal.

Cheers,

CJ

 

[Marshall_Abuser]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

Duncan Distortion!

 

[alashredder]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

Have you tried a EMG 81? Everyone suggested an 85 for me and I went for it. Turns out the 81 sounds much tighter than the 85, and I like it more for drop tuning.

 

[Grandturk]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

Off the bat, my go-to pickup is the Dimarzio Super Distortion so I'm biased in my personal opinion. I have four strats with a Super-D in the bridge.

Now, my opinion:

The Super Distortion has a very smooth, high power sound. Its not bright, or harsh. I'd even describe the treble as rolled off. Lots of bass, but not woofy, lots of mids, but not wah-y.

The Duncan Distortion is in your face, bright and sharp edged. Great sound in a dark or nuetral basswood guitar. Loved it in my Charvel Model 1. Loved it in a Poplar Kramer. Tight bass for riffing, not boomy. Maybe a little scooped in the mids.

Why I pick the Dim Super-D? Its got that big, open old-school sound. Warm. Also, it cleans up really nice (Dimarzio's, in my experience, clean up better than Duncans) and has a spanky country sound to it.

 

[ACH91332]

Re: Can't choose between Duncan Distortion and DiMarzio Super Distortion

I've never liked how Duncans sound and react under large amounts of gain and feel that Dimarzios do it better. Having said that I haven't used a DD so I can't say it isnt great under lots of gain but I also can't say its good.

I also haven't used the Super D but I have used other high output Dimarzios like the Steve's Special and Drop D. The Steve's Special is a really good pickup and has a scooped character that keeps its so clear sonding but I wouldn't say its "tight". The Drop D however wow that thing is tight. It was so tight I almost didn't like it. It's an awesome pickup but it just wasn't loose enough to do classic rock and stuff like that which is a type of music it wasnt designed for. It was sort of like the Steve's Special but a lot tighter and rounder on top.

I've just always thought Duncans get too fizzy and saturated with a lot of gain where as Dimarzios are a lot clearer and like someone else just said they are twangier pickups. Not like a tele twang or anything but it's just a more clarity type of twang if that makes any sense.

If the Super D isn't your thing maybe look into other Dimarzios. They seem to me to be better for high gain applications where as Duncan has more of a classic vibe to them. I use Dimarzios for their clarity and tightness for higher gain situations and Duncans for guitars I try and keep a vintage vibe with. Dimarzio to me seems to be more innovative while Duncan is more centered around being PAF-esque. These are just my observations though.