Hey guys I'm gonna swap my zebra jb/59 in my 05 ESP eclipse with a Nickel covered 59n and either a Distortion or custom bridge.I mostly play big 4 thrash and the normal black sabbath etc.I was gonna stick with the jb but I jus want something with a lil more bite. Eclipse is mahogany body/neck with a flamed maple top.My rig is peavy 6505,Marshall 1960 cab and Maxon od808.
Duncan Distortion or Custom
- Thread starter ESPzach
- Start date
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Duncan Distortion or Custom
The Distortion is perfect for that guitar and what you want out of a pickup. The Custom is great but as you said, a bit smoother, IMO.
The Distortion is perfect for that guitar and what you want out of a pickup. The Custom is great but as you said, a bit smoother, IMO.
Ptolemaeus
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Custom
If I were to use vague descriptions to describe these two pickups, I'd say the Custom is "thunkier" and the Distortion is "crispier". I liked the Custom better because, to my ear, the palm mutes were more powerful and it sounds less hissy than the Distortion. I like both pups, but I'd go with the Custom.
If I were to use vague descriptions to describe these two pickups, I'd say the Custom is "thunkier" and the Distortion is "crispier". I liked the Custom better because, to my ear, the palm mutes were more powerful and it sounds less hissy than the Distortion. I like both pups, but I'd go with the Custom.
Lucy Diamond
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Custom
If you are looking for the JB plus some, go with the Distortion. For me...especially if you are using an overdrive.
You'll be able to back the gain off at the Peavey a little bit and the attack will stay tighter than a duck's @ss.
If you are looking for the JB plus some, go with the Distortion. For me...especially if you are using an overdrive.
You'll be able to back the gain off at the Peavey a little bit and the attack will stay tighter than a duck's @ss.
Re: Duncan Distortion or Custom
What really got me noticing that I'd like a lil more bite was my buddy's eclipse with Emg 57/66 set.It sounded like the jb only hotter IMO.Tightened everything up a lil and the palm mutes sounded better.My ESP doesn't have the battery compartment so I don't wanna mess with taking the back cover off all the time to change batteries.
What really got me noticing that I'd like a lil more bite was my buddy's eclipse with Emg 57/66 set.It sounded like the jb only hotter IMO.Tightened everything up a lil and the palm mutes sounded better.My ESP doesn't have the battery compartment so I don't wanna mess with taking the back cover off all the time to change batteries.
misterwhizzy
Well-known member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Custom
The Eclipse is like an LP, isn't it? I thought the Custom was miles ahead of the JB and the Distortion in mine. It could easily nail big 4 thrash tones, and it could do plenty more as well. The Distortion does have some versatility, but I could never get much versatility out of it until I changed the guitar it was in.
The Eclipse is like an LP, isn't it? I thought the Custom was miles ahead of the JB and the Distortion in mine. It could easily nail big 4 thrash tones, and it could do plenty more as well. The Distortion does have some versatility, but I could never get much versatility out of it until I changed the guitar it was in.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Duncan Distortion or Custom
I find that the Custom tend to be really boomy in a LP style guitar. The Distortion is much friendlier and easier to dial in than the Custom in my experience.
I find that the Custom tend to be really boomy in a LP style guitar. The Distortion is much friendlier and easier to dial in than the Custom in my experience.
Lewguitar
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Custom
I have fond memories of the Custom and PGn combo that I used for a long time in a Strat. 500 K pots.
Not so fond memories of the JB I had in the same guitar. Couldn't relax with it.
I liked that the Custom sounded hot and smooth...especially for a ceramic. The PRS Dragons remind me of that tone.
The JB penetrated right into my skull with 500k pots...which is probably why Seymour tames it with 250k pots in his TeleCaster.
The Distortion has more sizzle...more treble I guess. A more typical ceramic magnet tone.
Not for me. But it might be right for the OP.
The OP should also check the pots in his guitar.
If they're 250k, 500k will brighten that JB up.
I have fond memories of the Custom and PGn combo that I used for a long time in a Strat. 500 K pots.
Not so fond memories of the JB I had in the same guitar. Couldn't relax with it.
I liked that the Custom sounded hot and smooth...especially for a ceramic. The PRS Dragons remind me of that tone.
The JB penetrated right into my skull with 500k pots...which is probably why Seymour tames it with 250k pots in his TeleCaster.
The Distortion has more sizzle...more treble I guess. A more typical ceramic magnet tone.
Not for me. But it might be right for the OP.
The OP should also check the pots in his guitar.
If they're 250k, 500k will brighten that JB up.