Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

[Yngtchie Blacksteen]

So, having decided against doing radical alterations of my Carvin's sound, I've continued my search for a good rockin' superstrat. On that note, I got a message earlier today, from a guy I've done some guitar deals with earlier, and he's got a Charvel with Little '59's in the neck and middle, and a Dimarzio DP156 in the bridge. Now, I may be way out on a limb here, but isn't this a very bright, stratty pickup? I know I've heard it in the neck position, and it sounds heavenly, but bridge? To me, and just going by what I've read, this doesn't sound like the ideal combination.

What say ye? And what would be a better option? Basswood body, maple neck, something that works well with the two Duncans already in place, classic rock/NWOBHM kinda vibe.

 

[TVFV]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

JB?

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[Yngtchie Blacksteen]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

JB?

I hear it's a lovely pickup, albeit perhaps a tad hotter than my preference.

 

[DonP]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

Super Distortion?

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

JB, Custom, Super D, PATB-1, Duncan Distortion, and Screamin Demon would all work, though all will have different voicings.

 

[Yngtchie Blacksteen]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

This is highly educational. I'm interested in knowing what they sound like. I'm mostly a solo guy, but I do know what I want from a bridge humbucker. Which is a rather classic sound, to be honest. A nice, classic humbucker sound, suitable for NWOBHM or regular classic rock, or even shred sessions.

 

[TVFV]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

This is highly educational. I'm interested in knowing what they sound like. I'm mostly a solo guy, but I do know what I want from a bridge humbucker. Which is a rather classic sound, to be honest. A nice, classic humbucker sound, suitable for NWOBHM or regular classic rock, or even shred sessions.

If the JB is too hot for your taste you can try the Perpetual Burn. But JBs will cheaper and much easier to find.

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[treyhaislip]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

Screaming Demon works wonders in a Charvel! (From past experience with the “Models” from the 80s)

Similar to a JB but not as harsh and not as hot. Great rock tones, can handle cleans and any amount of gain, awesome pinch harmonics...”underrated” pickup in my book. (And quick sidenote, makes a killer neck pickup when paired with a hotter bridge pickup.)

 

[STLMTLHD79]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

Screaming Demon works wonders in a Charvel! (From past experience with the “Models” from the 80s)

Similar to a JB but not as harsh and not as hot. Great rock tones, can handle cleans and any amount of gain, awesome pinch harmonics...”underrated” pickup in my book. (And quick sidenote, makes a killer neck pickup when paired with a hotter bridge pickup.)

I absolutely agree. The Screamin' Demon is a medium output pickup with a ton of attitude, tone and awesome definition. The harmonics just leap out with that pickup. If you want to stay along the Dimarzio lines in terms of output and tone, i would recommend the FRED. It is an awesome pickup as well. Probably the only Dimarzio pickup i have tried that i really liked.

 

[Yngtchie Blacksteen]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

I found a Custom 5 Trembucker online, reasonable price. I'm reading about it on the SD website, where it says: "Match with the 59 neck or Jazz neck model for a perfectly balanced setup," which sounds like it could be right up my alley.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

I found a Custom 5 Trembucker online, reasonable price. I'm reading about it on the SD website, where it says: "Match with the 59 neck or Jazz neck model for a perfectly balanced setup," which sounds like it could be right up my alley.

Generally speaking a Custom 5 sounds pretty good in a Charvel model series; I had one in an '86 Model 4 partscaster for years:

I had no problem getting Metallica or Megadeth tones from it, though it may be a bit hot for classic rock depending on the amp. I also found it somewhat bright on the high end and slightly scooped, which is why I tried other pickups in that guitar. I have a Custom in there now which also sounds good, but the low end is a bit much. I'm going to try a Custom Custom at the next string change and maybe a JB w/A2 magnet after that.

 

[donaldr]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

Screamin Demon with 250k volume pot sounds very good in a Strat, adding a tone control removes the brightness and add versatility. Good rock tone, good blues tone by lowering guitar volume, good clean tone also.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Charvel Model 3, Humbucker From Hell?

Screamin Demon with 250k volume pot sounds very good in a Strat, adding a tone control removes the brightness and add versatility. Good rock tone, good blues tone by lowering guitar volume, good clean tone also.

You'd be surprised, but a Full Shred sounds great in a Strat with a 250K volume and balances really well with singles in the neck and middle.