dif between Distortion vs. custom vs. full shred...

[dr. ad]

Re: dif between Distortion vs. custom vs. full shred...

this would require a mod, but from what you've posted i think you'd really like a distortion neck model in the bridge, with an A5 mag.
on paper it's between a demon and a custom5, but to me it sounds like a JB with some of the over-the-top mid spike taken back a notch or 2, and a more focused low end. still a very vocal pickup, but a far better match for an LP than a JB.
FYI i had a JB in an LP for years and have also tried a modded invader, distortion, an A2 JB, every p/up in this thread aside from the custom8 and pearly gates, and a heap of other pickups - the DDn w/A5 is right up there, definitely a favorite of mine. also consider the demon if you want an edgy alnico p/up that can keep up with the DD in your other guitar, it's also very versatile.

the 500T would also do the jagged edge thing you mentioned, but it ain't no alnico pickup. it's not wound quite as hot as a DD/JB/invader/dimebucker and also has an extra 2 ceramic magnets on the sides (these add focus, compression and output IMO)

 

[Kensai]

Re: dif between Distortion vs. custom vs. full shred...

Exactly as you say. Put in an Alnico 8, and it's a Custom 8, Alnico 4, yadda yadda. The Custom series is awesomely customizable!

There are roughly fifteen thousand threads here on how to swap magnets, but it's really easy to do. First, you need to remove any covers that may be present -- use very, very careful desoldering. If the tape around the bobbins connects to the base plate, carefully unstick it. The magnets are held in place between the bobbins and the base plate, so loosen the four screws holding the bobbins, slide out the old mag (possibly with a little gentle persuasion if the wax holds it tight), slide in the new, tighten the screws, and that's it. I usually remove the pickup entirely from the mounting ring, since the mounting screws are in the magnet's sliding path, but you can also unscrew the bobbins entirely.

Use at your own risk, no warranty is offered, for entertainment purposes, yadda yadda.

Wow...it´s a SO COOL idea!! I´m buying some magnets right now! I have a Fender strat, with Maple fingerboard, and since I´m using a SH-5 Custom (ceramic magnet), I have a open, hard and rough sound, so I want to smooth it a bit. Not at all, like using an Alnico II, but something in the middle.
May be 5, or 4.

Oh, I forget...Yadda Yadda!

 

[Raptor]

Re: dif between Distortion vs. custom vs. full shred...

Well, I've got a JB in my (mexi) strat, and I love it. It does everything I want it to do. I've also got a matched set of Full Shred's in a Rhoads V, and the above description is pretty good... They're definitely hot enough, as well as very dynamic, articulate, and sensitive. However they tend very strongly towards highs and can be downright shrill until you get them dialed in and under control. They're kinda like a Porsche... not for everybody, and you need to learn how to drive them to get the most out of 'em.

(I will, however add that the guitar originally sounded unusually dark for a Jackson V (both plugged in and acoustic), but that could have something to do with its age (its an '89), and I don't know what it's made out of (I'm the 3rd owner))

 

[jafo]

Re: dif between Distortion vs. custom vs. full shred...

Wow...it´s a SO COOL idea!! I´m buying some magnets right now! I have a Fender strat, with Maple fingerboard, and since I´m using a SH-5 Custom (ceramic magnet), I have a open, hard and rough sound, so I want to smooth it a bit. Not at all, like using an Alnico II, but something in the middle.
May be 5, or 4.

Oh, I forget...Yadda Yadda!

Muwahahaha.... welcome to the Dark Side! lol Buying new pups is fun, but experimenting with magnets, screws, pots, and the like is even more fun, and a lot cheaper.

 

[uOpt]

Re: dif between Distortion vs. custom vs. full shred...

On the other hand, used prices for pickups allows you to buy and sell with almost no losses, too.