Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

BloodRose

Professional Scapegoat
I suppose there may be probably only one or maybe 2 people that can answer this, but Ill put it out here...
Im looking for something unique/special for my red Charvel.
Ive read everything I can find about the Dokkenbucker and the RTM and both sound appealing. What I cant find, is a comparison tween the two. The TMRZoO reviews and other things Ive heard, make me think Id love both of them..
Id like to know how they differ and similarities. Basically trying to see how to choose tween the two. The RTM appeals cuz it takes the classic JB and seems to tweak its short comings and has definition.. The Dok Buck appeals as its said it has more grind than the JB, but more tone than the dist.

Love both players' tone, love 80s metal, but dont want to be pidgeon holed there.. Sounds like they are both awesome pups.

Any insight would be great! Thanks!
 
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Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

While the distortion is not such a versatile pickup, mine has an awesome tone for both metal and overdriven rock - I like it better than a JB for either application. Not saying a dokkenbucker wouldn't be better for your needs, but don't go saying the distortion lacks tone
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

I have a dist in a Charvel now. I dont think they lack tone and in my above thread I was quoting a review I read.. He wasnt saying it lacked tone either.. He was just saying he found the pickup to have more than the dist.. I love the distortion in the right application..
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

Maybe you need a DokkenRTM hybrid?

I know imma get attacked for saying this, but a Dokkenbucker RTM hybrid is for all intents and purposes Dokkenbucker. The wind on the Distortion (double ceramic) and JB (A5) is so close that some say it is the same (no one has confirmed nor denied this) and it's the same with the JB and RTM (A2). The Dokkenbucker is a confirmed normal thickness ceramic version of the Distortion.

So as far as winds are concerned, JB=Distortion=Dokkenbucker=RTM

This is off topic, but I have my suspicions that the SD Custom Shop "Eclair" bridge is just an underwound RTM.
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

Don't think it's possible to make a DokkenRTM because the magnets needed are so different. I was just joking around.
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

Don't think it's possible to make a DokkenRTM because the magnets needed are so different. I was just joking around.

I assumed so, but its always fun to share some of the Custom Shop's open secrets. But knowing MJ, she probably could find a way.
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

hmmm now you got me thinking. So a JB ceramic is basically a Dokkenbucker? I have an old Lydia daniels JB that i may experiment with this concept.
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

I know imma get attacked for saying this, but a Dokkenbucker RTM hybrid is for all intents and purposes Dokkenbucker. The wind on the Distortion (double ceramic) and JB (A5) is so close that some say it is the same (no one has confirmed nor denied this) and it's the same with the JB and RTM (A2). The Dokkenbucker is a confirmed normal thickness ceramic version of the Distortion.

So as far as winds are concerned, JB=Distortion=Dokkenbucker=RTM

This is off topic, but I have my suspicions that the SD Custom Shop "Eclair" bridge is just an underwound RTM.



Yep, JB=DD=Invader each has a different magnet structure which makes each a pretty different pickup all together.

Having owned a Dokkenbucker I will say the bass sound MUCH different than a regular DD. The guitar was much "drier" sounding to me overall with significantly less mids.
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

So, what's a JB with an RCUOA5 considered?

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

It is wound ~1k hotter, but my ears don't hear too drastic a difference between an RTM and a JB.

I have a lot of experience with both and I can pretty much guarantee the RTM is not just a JB "wound ~1K hotter" and fitted with an A2 mag.

To be fair, the RTM was intentionally voiced to recreate the tone of the particular JB in DeMartini's original Crossed Swords guitar, so it should sound a lot "like" a JB, but the JB and RTM are still noticeably different, especially in their dynamics, openness and response characteristics.

Also, as you touched on, the spec difference is a whopping 1.2K on the standard spaced version compared to the factory JB (17.6K RTM vs 16.4K JB). In case you didn't know, a 1.2K change in almost any wind is a hefty change.

For example, the Holdsworth model, which is actually the closest thing out there to an "overwound JB" (because it is), doesn't have nearly the DCR rating of the RTM and still uses the stock JB's A5 mag, yet no one who's tried one would say they can't tell it apart from a regular JB.

So, how does MJ make a pickup with an A2 mag and 10% more resistance sound a lot like a JB?

Hint: wire gauge.

Think "Super V" and "Prototype JB", not "stock" JB, and I'm fairly certain you'd be getting closer to the magic inside an RTM.
 
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Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

I would like to correct my earlier comments, I was confusing the RTM with the Holdsworth. I have an earlier Holdsworth that's a double screw 59n meant for the bridge and that has forever thrown me off.

To clarify: a Holdsworth (as sold in the Custom Shop) is an overwound dual screw JB and an RTM is a different thing entirely. I had the Holdsworth holy trinity confused.

Edit: to take this back to the OP's question, if you prefer the Distortion over the JB, you are probably going to prefer the Dokkenbucker. If you like a JB, but without the midspike, you might like the RTM. Tonally speaking, the RTM is like the JB's dad.
 
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Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

Thanks for the info!! May have to try an RTM... I love the JB (in the right application), but when its not right..... I love Warrens tone, (but dont have his hands..) So, may be worth a try.. Ill always wonder if I dont, Im sure..
 
Re: Dokkenbucker vs RTM??

I have a lot of experience with both and I can pretty much guarantee the RTM is not just a JB "wound ~1K hotter" and fitted with an A2 mag.

To be fair, the RTM was intentionally voiced to recreate the tone of the particular JB in DeMartini's original Crossed Swords guitar, so it should sound a lot "like" a JB, but the JB and RTM are still noticeably different, especially in their dynamics, openness and response characteristics.

Also, as you touched on, the spec difference is a whopping 1.2K on the standard spaced version compared to the factory JB (17.6K RTM vs 16.4K JB). In case you didn't know, a 1.2K change in almost any wind is a hefty change.

For example, the Holdsworth model, which is actually the closest thing out there to an "overwound JB" (because it is), doesn't have nearly the DCR rating of the RTM and still uses the stock JB's A5 mag, yet no one who's tried one would say they can't tell it apart from a regular JB.

So, how does MJ make a pickup with an A2 mag and 10% more resistance sound a lot like a JB?

Hint: wire gauge.

Think "Super V" and "Prototype JB", not "stock" JB, and I'm fairly certain you'd be getting closer to the magic inside an RTM.

I have a very nice mid 80s AH1-BJ (thanks to Metalchurch79) and it is very hot-something like 16.3k. And i can it apart from a JB-it doesnt have that wierd upper mid quack/mechanical tone that JB's have. The double screw bobbins do make a difference. This thing kicks some major ass!
 
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