Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

[DI_IORIO]

Ok guys.. in a recent thread I was thinking about a Dimarzio Super Distortion on my Gibson explorer, but I've found a good dealer to get some duncans, and I was thinking about the CUSTOM.
I'm a little afraid that the super D's can sound less articulated because the bass, but I still look for a thick sound, and I have to decide in like.. 2 or 3 days.
Which one do you guys prefer? The Custom or Super D's? Thanks a lot!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

Custom for Metal, Custom 5 for heavy rock, and CC for bluesrock.

Super Distortion for picking up paperclips. hehe

 

[THE DUG]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

Ive got CC in my L.P.'s and 59 in the neck and they rock!!great for everything if you know how to use a volume knob.i used to have an 85, explorer and i had tried the super D in it it sounded really good, think classic metal, scorpions,kiss ,etc.. but with gain it was very nice for old school trash and heavy metal stuff.as a matter of fact i used super D's for about 10 years in all my guitars including my L.P.s i think the SD CC is more articulate then the super D.now we are just talking about magnets.IMO anything with a ceramic mag is compressed a bit or alot depending on your ears.but what do i know i likes me A2 mags in my CC!! after 10 years of being compressed!on the up side you can find used super D's for probably under $30 so if you dont like it you could sell it to one of us gear whores and still be ahead.and Seymour Duncan has a deal if you buy pups new and dont like it you can return them to get what you want within 30 days i think.or you can ebay or just check the tradin post here.

 

[jpage]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

'59 or BB2

High output does not necessarily = "Big Rock"

VH1, the whole Led Zeppelin catalog, Appetite for Destruction...all recorded with low output humbuckers. That's some pretty good rock.

 

[DI_IORIO]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

Yeah, I know.. I mean.. I need something that can give me good tones from blues to hard rock/heavy metal, nothing too vintage but nothing extremely hot
That's what I "tried" to explain as "big rock" heheh

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

Custom for Metal, Custom 5 for heavy rock, and CC for bluesrock.

Totally, that should be written in the tone chart.

 

[david kornblatt]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

TRY THE JB AND THE JAZZ TOGETHER IN A LES PAUL ITS CLASSIC OR EVEN GO FOR A JB WITH aLNiCO ll IN IT YOU BIGHT BE PLEASED AND A MARSHALL jtm 45

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

I only said Super Distortion because it is DEFINITIVE - Countless albums can't be wrong

Now if personal tastes are in the picture - I would say an overwound Custom 5 is my pick! Oh and you have to add the Marshall - maybe an EVH (I only say that bc it seems like an overwound APH1 which I love!)

 

[DI_IORIO]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

YEah I will try the Super D on bridge, I have one without using here at home. If it does'n work, I'll go for a Pearly Gates combo, I just have to save a little money, because here in Brazil the Pearly Gates are more expensive than other models like the JB, custom, Distortion, Jazz and etc.. I've been using less gain than I used to, and sometimes, even on high volumes and less gain, a ceramic pup sounds too heavy.
I'm searching more for a Blues, Classic and Southern Rock sound, basically a Marshall and Gibson sound, like Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers, Cream, Foghat and etc.. I have a Charvel strat loaded with EMGs to play shred stuff
Also, I look for a good slide guitar sound
Thanks guys

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

YEah I'm searching more for a Blues, Classic and Southern Rock sound, basically a Marshall and Gibson sound, like Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers, Cream, Foghat and etc.. I have a Charvel strat loaded with EMGs to play shred stuff
Also, I look for a good slide guitar sound
Thanks guys

I don't think many, if any, of those guys used anything other than vintage output Gibson paf style pickups. If the guitarists in the bands you mentioned have the tone you're after, you need to be looking at Duncan Seth Lovers, Pearly Gates or 59's, IMO. Lew

 

[Aceman]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

Totally, that should be written in the tone chart.

+1 C=HM, C5=HR, CC=BR

And regarding Lew's post, That's why I defend the basic 490/498 combo. Not good, not bad, but handy all around. I doubt most of those guys swapped pups. And even Randy Rhoads played stock gibby's on one axe in the 80's...

 

[theodie]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

My vote went for the Custom. I have played the Super D and it just dosent have the versatility of the Custom IMO. The JB and the PG bridge are love it or hate it pickups IMO also.

To be quite honest, if you have a good amp, a lower output may be a good way to go. An Alnico II pro would be a great idea if you have a good amp. If not, go for the custom IMO!

 

[ErikH]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

As much as I love Duncans, I gotta go with the Super D on this one. To me Duncans just don't sound right in an Explorer. :shrug:

 

[theodie]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

Ever tried the Custom in one Erik???? I actually had a custom in a 91 Explorer and LOVED the sound and tone I got! BTW, the PG in the neck was outstanding also!

 

[ErikH]

Re: Definitive Big Rock sound for Gibson

A buddy of mine in CA had one and he had a Custom in his. It just didn't sound right. He also tried a JB and well, that didn't sound good either. His neck was a 59 and was boomy. A friend of his had one with dual 59's. The bridge was better, but the neck still had that boominess to it. Maybe it was the wood of those Explorers but all those Duncans I've heard in one were missing something. To be honest though, my favorite pickups in an Explorer type guitar (Gibson, Hamer, doesn't matter) are Dirty Fingers. Those pickups just kick total @ss in one, the originals too. I've heard good things about the reissues but haven't tried them myself.