Dimarzio equivalent to Duncan Custom TB-5?

[che_guitarra]

I'm looking to switch out the JB in the bridge of my Dinky for something that can throw off harmonics with a bit more flair... not that you can't garner harmonics out of a JB, but they are unforgiving if you don't apply perfect technique. I actually find it easier to drill harmonics out of my Tele than my Dinky... that's gotta change.


Anyway - i'm pretty much sold on the Duncan Custom TB-5, but it'll likely be a two week wait until any Ebay purchase arrive at my doorstep. Alternatively, the local guitar shop has a full range of Dimarzios - if I knew the Dimarzio equivalent to a TB-5 I could install one today. I've never really experimented with Dimarzio pickups - perhaps I could start here.

 

[whatshisname]

Re: Dimarzio equivalent to Duncan Custom TB-5?

Honestly, there really isn't one. If it were me, and I needed a pickup NOW, I'd get a Super Distortion and be done with it. But, if you're sold on the Custom, I think you should wait and just get one. Look in the classifieds, if you haven't already. Someone might have one for sale, and you'll get a better price!

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Dimarzio equivalent to Duncan Custom TB-5?

Let's not play this game again. Pickups aren't meant to be direct replacements like oil filters or windshield wipers.

 

[dominus]

Re: Dimarzio equivalent to Duncan Custom TB-5?

Try a Steve's Special. Not that it's the same as the Custom, but would probably sound good.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Dimarzio equivalent to Duncan Custom TB-5?

I'm looking to switch out the JB in the bridge of my Dinky for something that can throw off harmonics with a bit more flair... not that you can't garner harmonics out of a JB, but they are unforgiving if you don't apply perfect technique. I actually find it easier to drill harmonics out of my Tele than my Dinky... that's gotta change.


Anyway - i'm pretty much sold on the Duncan Custom TB-5, but it'll likely be a two week wait until any Ebay purchase arrive at my doorstep. Alternatively, the local guitar shop has a full range of Dimarzios - if I knew the Dimarzio equivalent to a TB-5 I could install one today. I've never really experimented with Dimarzio pickups - perhaps I could start here.

first off, is your guitar set up ideally? a good set up can really make a difference when it comes to the harmonics. no joke.

after that, I personally think the AT-1 is pretty close to the JB. I've read that others point to the Norton - not the Air Norton, the Norton.

another very good option is the Baker Act model that Dean puts out through the DMT brand. you can find them new on ebay without much hassle.

I've heard the Duncan Custom be compared to the DiMarzio Super 3. but you can always call DiMarzio and talk to them. they'll throw down with the "nothing we have is identical" disclaimer, but they'll still get you in the ballpark.

but I still wonder about the guitar's set up.

 

[che_guitarra]

Re: Dimarzio equivalent to Duncan Custom TB-5?

I've been doing my own setups for 20 years over countless guitars so I like to think silly mistakes or oversights are out of my repertoire by now. I'm too OCD to persist with under-performing setups. Even so, i've been experimenting with incremental adjustments over the last weeks, but I just can't induce harmonics to the degree i'd like with the JB installed... it's time my Jackson faced it's first mod.

I bought this Jackson on the back of trading a Fender HR Strat loaded with a GFS Crunchy PAT (supposedly based on a Duncan Custom) and that thing could strike up a harmonic anywhere you tried. I also sold that guitar knowing it sounded better than the JB equipped Jackson (IMO, of course) - but the Jackson had the sustainiac system which is a killer feature, but a PITA to retrofit into an axe. I guess I could just install another Crunchy Pat and be happy, but i'd prefer to go a SD or Dimarzio option in a guitar I plan to keep forever. But, like I said in my OP, I have immediate access to the Dimarzio product line so i'm just sussing it out.

 

[adrian]

Re: Dimarzio equivalent to Duncan Custom TB-5?

Maybe a Breed? Loud, Alnico V, lots of harmonics...