"Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

[daan]

So I recently bought a guitar that came with DD pups. I fully expected to want to switch 'em out, as you do. Is there a chart somewhere that says what mine are, and what SD pups they would equal? These should have a sticker or stamp underneath, right? So far I like how it sounds, but I don't want to replace these with the equivalent "real" SD's. Unless those really are better...

 

[Masta' C]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

What guitar?

Yes, there should be decals on the bottom of the pickups that say which models they are.

Are you saying you DO want to swap them out or not? Your question/concern isn't very clear...

However, Duncan Designed aren't bad at all...like 90% of the "real" thing. Some even like them better, depending on what they look for in a pickup.

 

[daan]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?323335-NGD-Alvarez-AAT-33-(335-copy)
Yeah, I really could have been more clear. I WANT to get a set of SNS'es, but after playing my new axe thru all my amps, there's really nothing my guitar isn't doing, that I want it to. The stock pups really sound good. (But I got a SEVERE case of Mod-Itis, so the pup swap is in the back of my mind)
I just wanted to see what I do have in there. I haven't gotten around to re-stringing the guitar yet, but when I do, I'll look under the pups to see what I got.

 

[blueman335]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

You don't need to restring. Us magnet swappers just loosen the strings enough to lift the PU's and turn them over. BTW, I always replace strings on any guitar I get, new or used. Even with new guitars in music stores, you don't know who's been playing them and what was on their hands.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

Most likely HB-101s, based on the '59 set

 

[Mincer]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

This is actually a really good page about the whole Duncan Designed line...worth checking out.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

I've had a couple DD pups that actually sound very good, and at a very reasonable price.

 

[BriGuy1968]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

I like the HB-102s that came in my BC Rich Perfect 10 Bich... based on the JB/Jazz. The guitar sounds brighter than my Westone Spectrum LX (which has a JB/Jazz set), but I figure that has more to do with the fact that it's like a 12-string without the drones on the low E and A.

 

[big kurka]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the hb-102's were based on the jazz and the hb-104 was based on the jb

 

[BriGuy1968]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the hb-102's were based on the jazz and the hb-104 was based on the jb

This is actually a really good page about the whole Duncan Designed line...worth checking out.

Check out the link that Mincer provided, it really is very good and an interesting read.

But to clarify, the HB-102 bridge is based on the JB and the HB-102 neck is based on the Jazz. The HB-104 is actually a full-sized rail-style humbucker.

 

[big kurka]

Re: "Duncan Designed" pups-how to tell what they compare to

I stand corrected. That was an interesting read also.