Custom 5 Vs. Custom

[jerryjg]

What can you tell me about these two pickups in relation to each other?
Ive decided on the CUSTOM5 in my Jackson Solist maple neck thru, polar wings).
How would the CUSTOM be different(brighter, more mids etc.?) and which in you opinion would be better all around and for waht reason?
Thanks!

 

[VHTJay]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

I've played both quite a bit. Both are very similar in out put and overall tonality. However, the custom seems to have a far more aggressive top end and low end in comparison to the c-5; can sound "boomy" and/or "screechy" in certain guitars. I'll give the edge to the c-5; one of my fave all-round p-ups out there!

 

[bloodswords]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

the CUSTOM is quite the epitome of a modern high o/p pickup (also- lots of low end). if you enjoy some vintage vibe in crunch mode, the C5 sounds great when you roll off the volume of your guitar.

 

[Rydock]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

Sorry to thread-jack, but I have a few questions on this very topic. How is the Custom 5 for lower drop tunings? The description for the Custom says it's good for drop tunings. How are the mids of both pickups in relation to each other? Which has a more favourable solo tone?

 

[Diocletian]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

I've not had the two pickups for long (Custom 5 in Epi SG, Custom in Jackson RR3) but my overall impression so far is that, like bloodswords says, the Custom 5 gives more of a vintage tone than the Custom. Of course the pups are in very different guitars so it's hard to say - I actually prefer the Custom 5 though. It also seems to work better with the Jazz in the SG than it does in the RR3.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

Comparing A5 and a small Ceramic magnet in my Custom I find that they are very similar (as in even hard to tell from each other) when playing lightly. When hitting things harder the Custom compresses into that growly tone usually used for heavy work.

I prefer the C5 in my Les Paul copy but it sounds ill in my Explorer.

Interestingly enough, in the neck the Explorer likes A5 (Jazz) better than Ceramic (496R).

 

[Sleeping Martyr]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

I've had all three customs in my Les Paul and as far as the C5 and the Custom go: The Custom was more compressed and cut more, whereas the C5 was more open, fat yet a little scooped which makes it tighter for palm mutes. I found the bottom end much fuller on the C5 which is why I like it in my Les Paul, sounds REALLY good tuned down to C. I keep on coming back to the C5

 

[Diocletian]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

The Custom was more compressed and cut more, whereas the C5 was more open, fat yet a little scooped which makes it tighter for palm mutes.

Yes. I have heard the same, and since I'm new to changing and evaluating pups, I'm glad to know I'm not imagining things!
Custom would be better for more modern metal, C5 perfect for classic heavy rock like Zep and AC/DC.

 

[rivera213]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

The Custom 5 is ideal for mids-heavy body woods. Very tight & articulate.

The Custom i'd say is better in balanced woods like Alder Again, it's very tight but has more mids than the C5. A Custom in a mahogany bodied guitar might sound overbearing to some people whereas i think the C5 is made for a mahogany guitar.

I have the Custom 5 in my Ibby RG (basswood) which is warmer than Alder & i like the sound of it.

 

[jerryjg]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

Im'a throw a C5 in my Soloist. 'Fi dont like it I'll try a A8 magnet swap.

 

[MattPete]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

I found the C5 boomy yet thin.

In contrast, the Custom is nearly perfect. The only downside is that it is a bit high output and compressed, so rolling down the volume doesn't really give you a cleaner tone or much touch sensativity. Occasionally there can be some harshness, but the tone knob can dial it out. Actually, this is the only bride pickup where I've found that the tone knob does something.

 

[pzaxtl]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

I found the C5 boomy yet thin.

In contrast, the Custom is nearly perfect. The only downside is that it is a bit high output and compressed, so rolling down the volume doesn't really give you a cleaner tone or much touch sensativity. Occasionally there can be some harshness, but the tone knob can dial it out. Actually, this is the only bride pickup where I've found that the tone knob does something.

Huh? Boomy yet thin? I don't know how that could be possible. When I first installed the C5 to replace the JB I liked it and didn't like it. That was because I had a brain fart and put it in backwards with the screw coil facing the bridge -- turned it around and man, gotta love it. I do wish it had a touch more mids but that bottom end is so tight -- like a sledgehammer pounding a rock!

 

[Rydock]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

Now we all know that their both good for rhythm tones. One being open and classic sounding, and the other a little compressed and modern (correct me if I'm wrong). But how are the solo tones of these two.

I'm also in a position where I have to choose between these two to replace my JB.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

Now we all know that their both good for rhythm tones. One being open and classic sounding, and the other a little compressed and modern (correct me if I'm wrong). But how are the solo tones of these two.

I'm also in a position where I have to choose between these two to replace my JB.

What change do you want to make compared to the JB? What don't you like about it?

 

[Diocletian]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

Now we all know that their both good for rhythm tones. One being open and classic sounding, and the other a little compressed and modern (correct me if I'm wrong). But how are the solo tones of these two.

I'm also in a position where I have to choose between these two to replace my JB.

The solo tones are like the rythm tones I'd say. I like 'em both. I probably prefer the JB though, it's a great pup IMO.

 

[KeeperOS]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

Huh? Boomy yet thin? I don't know how that could be possible. When I first installed the C5 to replace the JB I liked it and didn't like it. That was because I had a brain fart and put it in backwards with the screw coil facing the bridge -- turned it around and man, gotta love it. I do wish it had a touch more mids but that bottom end is so tight -- like a sledgehammer pounding a rock!

I've never tried it but I've heard from forum bros who did that if you put an AlNiCo 8 magnet in the custom coil (custom/custom custom/custom 5) then you have something between the custom and custom 5, specifically the custom 5 but with more mids and more compressed. Maybe you'd like that...

 

[MikeS]

Re: Custom 5 Vs. Custom

Custom has better EQ balance and cuts a little better in a mix. It's also a bit hotter and more compressed. The C5 has a great vintage vibe and works fantastically in mid-heavy guitars. I think the C5 and the SG are a match made in tonal heaven. It did well in my LP, too, but I think I preferred the Custom in it.

Maple neck-thru can be a tough beat to work with... I didn't have any luck with it. I will say that the best pickup I tried in my maple neck-thru (which admittedly wasn't like a soloist, but was maple neck-thru with a neutral sounding wood for wings) was the 498T. The 498T has more mids than the C5, and I think that helped out a lot, so I might be more inclined to go with the Custom in this instance because it has stronger mids, but I know I'd have to take my chances with the highs... it's easier to roll those off than it is to add mids, you know?