Custom 8 impressions

[CTN]

So I had to fight a little to find the Jolly Roger's sweet spot. It's an exceptionally bright sounding guitar, with the maple neck, and lightweight alder body.

So bright that the regular Custom and even CC didn't sound good in it. felt like a complete lack of bass. So I tried an A8.

Boom, instant fix.

It really sounds good now. The maple neck/fretboard brings out tons of articulation in the notes, and coupled with that fat, strong low end and growly low mids, it gets a nice rich humbucker sound.

I've read a lot of people's opinions here that say the C8 has only one voice, but I don't think that's true at all. With the volume dialed back a bit and playing clean or with a bit of overdrive, it really sings, and despite having a lot of output, it's more controllable and more musical than a ceramic mag.

High gain stuff sounds amazing. So solid sounding, but with a rich, throaty growl. Harmonics approaching JB/Distortion levels, but not quite there.

Even in parallel, it's still got a very strong sound, but loses some of the musicality.

Overall, I like it quite a bit. Might try a UOA5 next string change for sh!ts n giggles.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

I've been extolling the virtues of the C8 for several years. A great pup. I especially like it in the bridge of an SG.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

C8's work in many kinds of guitars for many genres of music. One of Duncan's most versatile PU's and it's not even in production.

UO C5's, the Blueman Signature Custom, are warmer than C8's; more dynamics, more character, less output, more like an A2 but with more treble. If you're using mega-distortion, it may be too dark and muffled. If you play blues and classic rock, it's warm vintage tones are great. More like a 'PAF on steriods' than a C5.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

The Custom 8 rules. It can do really nice clean tones, and the range on the volume knob when set up properly under gain is really hard to beat in my experience. And the lead tones are as good as one could really ask for. I know people sing the praises of the JB lead tones, but I think the Custom 8 is right there with it, and I think it does rhythm much better. I really don't have a bad word to say about it.

 

[jhale667]

I love the Custom 8. Singing lead tones and heavy rhythms to die for, plus it cleans up (and splits) well too. I tried it in a Northern Ash/Maple necked Super-Strat that's rather bright; the ceramic Custom sounded harsh, but the C8 is perfect in it.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9800 using Tapatalk

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Would you use a rough or polished A8 mag to make the C8? Or would it matter a whole lot?

 

[jrbowen81]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Would you use a rough or polished A8 mag to make the C8? Or would it matter a whole lot?

I'm not sure, but the one I just put in my Custom tonight is roughcast and it sounds pretty good so far. Didn't quite have time to get it dialed in just right yet though.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Would you use a rough or polished A8 mag to make the C8? Or would it matter a whole lot?

Depends on what you want. The difference is slight, you can use either one. Roughcast will give a little smoother, less harsh high end. How much cut do you need?

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Very cool! glad to hear you dig it!! I never thought the C8 has one voice. Ithink they are quite musical..

 

[symptom]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

After a long period of testing, I decided I prefer the Custom Unoriented A5 over the C8 in my sg.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

After a long period of testing, I decided I prefer the Custom Unoriented A5 over the C8 in my sg.

Thank you. I get a commission on each one of those. :14:

 

[DarkMatter]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

In my full shred (almost a custom) I also preferred the UoA5 over the A8 by a long shot for most any sound but metal. And there, I think ceramic is better than A8.

 

[symptom]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Thank you. I get a commission on each one of those. :14:

You bet. Specially because it was you who sent me that UOA5 magnet. =)

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Ive never tried an unoriented a5 mag.. I think that you must be disoriented if you like it better than the c8.. hahaha I kid... I just love the C8s

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Bought a stock covered/potted C8 from Duncan as a shop floor custom - didn't care for it (put it in an SG).

Its in my parts drawer now

 

[rumblebox]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

i'm completely sold on the C8. i've sold 2 of them and bought more, because i miss the tone. the custom is my favorite wind.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Ive never tried an unoriented a5 mag.. I think that you must be disoriented if you like it better than the c8.. hahaha I kid... I just love the C8s

If you have't tried, you ought to. It's like an A2 with a bit more treble and bite. Lots of dynamics and response. What's not to like?

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Ill have to give one a whirl one of these days... I just have had cashflow issues and lack of desire and time to tweak guitars..

Where do you get em??

Im not a big fan of the CC.. too middy

 

[rumblebox]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

A8 or A5U?

 

[formula73]

Re: Custom 8 impressions

Bought a stock covered/potted C8 from Duncan as a shop floor custom - didn't care for it (put it in an SG).

Its in my parts drawer now

I put one in my Czaddy. I didn't like it, either. Too huge across the mids and it came across as mud, to me.