Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

[The JEM Ghost]

I currently have the Dimebucker in the bridge spot of my Ibanez RG620QM. The Dimebucker surely has it's qualities, but to my taste it's not full enough sounding (I guess I'm finally growing up lol), and decided to look for something else.
The RG620QM has a nato body with a maple top and an Edge (Floyd Rose) bridge. Control is a 3-way switch that splits both humbuckers in the middle position. At the neck is (currently) a PAF Pro.
I am looking for a sound that is defined, has enough bass impact but is focussed and tight, and has good harmonics.
I play lots of instumental stuff, it has to be good for both rhythm and lead playing, I play mainly distorted/overdriven, but it would be nice if the cleans were still acceptible too.

Personally I was thinking about getting the Duncan Custom TB-5 to fulfill these needs, what would you guys recommend??
I also concidered the Duncan Black Winter, but that may be a bit extreme and maybe not giving acceptable cleans?? I also fear a bit for the sustain with this model since the description said it had 3 large ceramic magnets. Output seems higher then the Custom too, Custom is loud enough for my needs.
Any advice tone brothers??

Thanks in advance for any replies!!

 

[Derpottsie]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

I went with the Alt 8 in one of my SG's and I looooooove it. I needed the same sound you're looking for. I also made a custom 8 from a custom 5 and its pretty much the same thing. Go with alt 8 for sure

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk

 

[JCM]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

What I did was get the cheapest pickup I could find in the Custom line(which was a CC for a little under 60) and just change magnets until I found what worked. I would say if you already have the magnets on hand go in that direction. From the videos I've seen the Custom sound pretty similar to the Black Winter. I've found that the Custom with a UOA5 magnet makes for a great all around pickup, but you may want something a little more aggressive if your going to be doing mostly metal.

I've been married to the Duncan Distortion as my main metal pickup for over a decade. It handles 80's thrash and modern down tuned stuff with ease. It's tight and has good clarity. I really don't use it for acoustic stuff, but I don't think it's terrible at it(just not nearly as sweet as the Sentient I have it paired with).

 

[MkIII Renegade]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

What I did was get the cheapest pickup I could find in the Custom line(which was a CC for a little under 60) and just change magnets until I found what worked. I would say if you already have the magnets on hand go in that direction. From the videos I've seen the Custom sound pretty similar to the Black Winter. I've found that the Custom with a UOA5 magnet makes for a great all around pickup, but you may want something a little more aggressive if your going to be doing mostly metal.

I've been married to the Duncan Distortion as my main metal pickup for over a decade. It handles 80's thrash and modern down tuned stuff with ease. It's tight and has good clarity. I really don't use it for acoustic stuff, but I don't think it's terrible at it(just not nearly as sweet as the Sentient I have it paired with).

I too, am married to the Duncan Distortion---my fave passive metal pickup. I much prefer it to the JB. The Distortion can actually do cleans very nicely in the middle position/coil tapped with a '59 N.

 

[daenius]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

I have a Custom, and it is fantastic. You won't be disappointed with it. Very clear and articulate with good punch, has great depth to the tone, and plenty of output.
You can't really go wrong with a JB or Distortion either. The JB does have less bass response than the other 2.

There's also the Dimarzio Tone Zone that should suit your needs.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

You might also consider the PATB-1 bridge.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

My guess would be the Custom, too, or one of its variations (Custom Custom, Custom 5, etc), which is the same wind with different magnets. I am leaning towards a Custom Custom, which can restore some mids back in there that are lost with a locking trem.

 

[EmiAba]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

TB-4 is the code for the trembucker version of JB, but I guess it's only a typing error and you want a duncan custom (just to avoid misunderstandings and try to give you the right ideas). The custom is a wonderfull pick-up, one of my preferred bridge pick-up of all time. It's quite difficult to explain, but simply I like it and I will never deceive it. You will be happy with it. But to put it all over, I don't like to mix different brands. I always prefer duncans over others but if you already have a paf pro installed in the neck slot I'd recommend to check these two DiMarzios: Transition bridge and Tone Zone.

You are right, the black winter is hotter than the custom and it has a more modern sound but it is not negligible and could be a great solution too.

 

[hamerfan]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

With the background of all my pup swap, i recommend for your purpose with a Floyd guitar a PATB 1. Basically being a special constructed Custom 5 it yields a clearer bass with more mids than the C5. While the PATB-2 being a bit more extrem in the mids (more than the Distortion), PATB-1 is a step between the regular C5 and the Custom, imo.

 

[The JEM Ghost]

Re: Do I get the Duncan Custom??Or do you recommend something else?

TB-4 is the code for the trembucker version of JB, but I guess it's only a typing error and you want a duncan custom

Indeed, I meant the Duncan Custom TB-5, that was a typo that I have corrected now, thanks for pointing it out though!

Thanks for all the input guys! Much appreciated!
I have played RG's with a Tone Zone in the bridge, and although not a bad pickup, I wish for a more biting upper midrange then the TZ puts out, the Duncan Custom seemed to have that bite.
I concidered the PATB-1 many times over the years, but it's not often on stock over here, and when it is, it's priced noticeably higher then the more "common" SD humbuckers.
So I guess I'll be going with the Duncan Custom TB-5, unless any of you brings me on other thoughts!