Duncan Designed HB103 vs Duncan Distortions

[beaubrummels]

My Jackson came with a designed distortion and i recently swapped a Duncan distortion, albeit a really old MJ- wound distortion. There was a slight difference but not enough that I would ‘require’ swapping to a Duncan if a guitar comes with a designed version. The difference in my Jackson (which is poplar and seems to be a bit darker sounding in general) was just slightly more high treble on the Duncan, about the same difference as 50’s wiring vs modern wiring has on Humbuckers in Les Pauls. But I have designed distortions in two other guitars and they sound as bright as the Duncan version did in my Jackson, so the host guitar appears to be notably influential in any differences.

 

[Aceman]

I had a set that I installed into a customers guitar. Now, I wish I had them back. Moreso, I wish they'd produce them again for retail sale. MF used to sell them for $30.

Killer deal.

This thread is making me think that pickup doesn't travel with the guitar when I sell it....

 

[Artie]

This thread is making me think that pickup doesn't travel with the guitar when I sell it....

What guitar? What don't you like about it?

 

[Aceman]

It's my John Deere guitar.

$50 Dean Vendetta. I just don't play any Tractor Pulls or post-harvest ho downs.

 

[Artie]

It's my John Deere guitar.

Love their tractors. And mowers. Not familiar with their guitars.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

Love their tractors. And mowers. Not familiar with their guitars.

I used to work at John Deere packing out the finished mowers on the assembly line. That guitar looks cool.

 

[Adieu]

I had a set that I installed into a customers guitar. Now, I wish I had them back. Moreso, I wish they'd produce them again for retail sale. MF used to sell them for $30.

Killer deal.

Anyone try any of the $15-20 Chinese lookalike sets?

I bought a pair once upon a time, but never got around to trying it. More's the pity, back then I had a Jackson with HB108's to compare it to...

 

[JOLLY]

You should share the recordings that you made. I know that I would appreciate it and like to hear them.

 

[Iron1]

It's my John Deere guitar.

I just don't play any Tractor Pulls or post-harvest ho downs.

Man, COVID takes out another great event... :lol:

 

[75lespaul]

I've never had a Duncan Designed that I didn't like. Have a few of the Jazz necks in guitars, including a 1980 Les Paul, and I can't hear a difference from the USA models. Have used the JB and Distortion models and they also were just as good! Still have a few in the old pickup box. Only one I wasn't crazy about at first was the HB-112. Years ago there were a few threads about how awesome the pickup was, so I got one. Stuck it in something, forget what, and it was okay...just okay. Out it came, back in the box. Two days or so ago I put an A8 in it, put it in a basswood Chibson SG and it ROARS. I would never, ever hesitate to use a Duncan Designed, or buy a guitar with a Duncan Designed. They are fantastic pickups imo.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

In a few days the HB-103 set will be in my RG. I may put some full size 500k pots in, too, while I'm at it. My body is ready.

 

[Iron1]

In a few days the HB-103 set will be in my RG. I may put some full size 500k pots in, too, while I'm at it. My body is ready.

Sweet! I'm sure you'll love them.


Anyone have a list of what DD's correlate to which SDs? Ie. the 103 is the Distortion, etc.?

 

[beaubrummels]

I think Artie had a link to the overseas web site that had a list? I know I’ve seen a listing before.