Dimebucker vs JB vs Distortion vs Custom? For Thrash Metal?

[DeathMetalWill]

I play a lot of thrash metal, but I also need a versatile pickup.

The guitar is a basswood, bolt-on ESP LTD M-Series
My choices came down to the SH-4 JB, the SH-13 Dimebucker, the SH-6 Distortion, and the SH-5 Custom.

And another question; would a pickup that people would normally say are "too bright" be fixed by simply rolling back the tone knob?

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Also side note; would a D-Activator (Neck) be a good neck pickup with Dimarzio Super Distortion in the bridge?
And would a super distortion look good with a black cover? (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ULVXZXW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2O1A8NNN5Y1TU)

Thanks!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Dimebucker vs JB vs Distortion vs Custom? For Thrash Metal?

Any of those would be great for thrash, and have been used for it. However, for versatility, I'd narrow it down to the JB and the Custom, as they can do other things well. The Custom is probably more versatile, as it is essentially a much more powerful PAF-type pickup, so it could be used for other things. I also think that turning down a tone knob isn't quite the same as having a 'less bright pickup'...different frequencies for the rolloff.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Dimebucker vs JB vs Distortion vs Custom? For Thrash Metal?

If you'd consider Anthrax to be thrash, the JB.

What looks good is up to you and your own preference.

The D-Activator would naturally work better with a D-Activator. Put it with a Dominion and you'd pretty much have what Mark Holcomb was using with DiMarzio. It's pretty tight/focused, so if that's what you're looking for. A sorta similar vibe that's a little more versatile is the PAF Pro.

 

[mjsmanahan35]

Re: Dimebucker vs JB vs Distortion vs Custom? For Thrash Metal?

Ibanez Prestige RG1527 7 strings
Seymour Duncan Blackouts AHB-1 bridge Active pickups

https://youtu.be/2vCFKwrcq8E
https://youtu.be/DcgEbAOacm4

Jackson DK2 Pro Series 6 strings
Seymour Duncan JB Bridge Passive pickups

https://youtu.be/1ve4t_PxWrA
https://youtu.be/Oruf42vYWrM

www.facebook.com/maschalismos



Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[EDX]

Re: Dimebucker vs JB vs Distortion vs Custom? For Thrash Metal?

i'd just go with a dimebucker (i actually did on my v) as it's easier to subtract from a pickup sound than to add something that ain't there

also the dimebucker is waaaay far from being a one trick pony, seriously only pickup at that output level that will do classic rock, blues and country with better tone than just ballpark

 

[Aceman]

Re: Dimebucker vs JB vs Distortion vs Custom? For Thrash Metal?

Well, all of those have been used for that successfully at some point.

Really depends on the tone you want, and how you set the amp. But, for general versatility;

#1 = Custom
#2 = JB
#3 = Distortion

And can't really speak to Dimebucker.

 

[mantis]

Re: Dimebucker vs JB vs Distortion vs Custom? For Thrash Metal?

I honestly think the best all around pickup made for the Bridge position is the JB. It's as versitle as it gets and I play heavy Metal and it is mean and nasty when I want it to be and If I want to write something soft or rock style, it shines for that 2. I can play anything I want with the JB. It's not a one trick pony.

The Distortion is a pickup that does very well for Metal more 80's style IMO and I like it but I don't find it as versitle as the JB nor can it Chug like the the JB can. The JB is scary badass while the Distortion is missing some Mid Range or some Low end grunt. It just doesn't hang with the JB IMO. I own both and many JB equipped guitars.

Here's the deal with Basswood though, I don't find any pickups or guitars that talk to me that are made out of Basswood. My ESP is all Maple body and neck and I have a Screamin Demon in it or better put it came with one. It's a George Lynch guitar. Dimarizo seems to mate better with Basswood guitars IMO , I'd keep your options open for some Dimarzio tips from guys who also have Ibanez models that sound really good with those pickups. Worth checking out at least. Finding your tone can be frustrating.

I don't put all my eggs into pickups, I tend to lean more on my amp for my tone then anything else and my playing style. But everything helps and I can't see anyone going wrong playing anything with a JB. I'd pick one up , wire it up and test drive it to see if it works for yeah. chances are it will.

 

[EDX]

Re: Dimebucker vs JB vs Distortion vs Custom? For Thrash Metal?

i'd say the only real requirement for a guitar to bond well with a dimebucker is a natural strong low end, if the low end is lacking the guitar might sound shrill, out of that if you put big gain into it it will grind, if you put high gain it will give you back the meanest chainsaw you might hear without losing definition, if you put it through breakup amp it will give you dirty blues to texas blues, put it through a fender tweed and you will twang like a tele (or very near to a tele at least)