Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

[Ricey]

For classic rock, hard rock, and 80's Hair Metal in a Fender Classic Player HH Jaguar. The Jag has spin-a-split knobs, so i need good single coil tones too. I know this is the Duncan forum, but I have to ask.

 

[Van Noord]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

Super D for a less modern voicing, which it seems you're after. Double cream too!

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

Why not have both and get a Duncan Distortion bridge and Super 2 neck? In my experience the Super 2 in the right guitar can be set to sound almost like an SD in the bridge.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

I think the SuperD will be a better overall fit for what you want. Personally, a big fan of both! But the Distortion really is more of a go-for-the-throat metal pickup, although I have successfully played a lot of things with it.

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

The Super D probably gives better single-coil sounds, from what I've heard. I wouldn't describe the SH-6 as an ideal classic rock pickup, so the Super D takes the edge there too.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

I have a Super D in the bridge of my LP and it’s fantastic. Classic metal tones all day long and yes, it can approach modern tones too....it’s not going to be Meshuggah (sp?) tight but it can cover a pretty wide variety of rock/metal.

 

[dave74]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

superD


Custom would be a better comparison although not quite the same either.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

I am not sure either is very good for classic rock at all. At least how I am defining it (Bad Co, Led Zep, Stones, etc)

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

I am not sure either is very good for classic rock at all. At least how I am defining it (Bad Co, Led Zep, Stones, etc)

Yeah, that are both pretty hot pickups.

 

[CaptainWhizz]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

I am not sure either is very good for classic rock at all. At least how I am defining it (Bad Co, Led Zep, Stones, etc)

But given a choice of one or the other, which would you go for?

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

But given a choice of one or the other, which would you go for?

Super D would be my choice.

 

[audiocheck]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

Can someone, who has had experience with both pups, explain the tonal differences?

I have a Duncan Distortion and find it to have a slightly scooped tone. To me, a more tight and powerful '59. Am I off base here? My impression of the Super Distortion is a tight thick mid heavy pickup. I owned one as a kid and can not remember what it was like.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

I am not sure either is very good for classic rock at all. At least how I am defining it (Bad Co, Led Zep, Stones, etc)

I'm defining it REO Speedwagon, KISS, Boston....

80's Hair is pretty well defined I think.

 

[Ben1962]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

Both, gotta try both some day

 

[Cynical]

Re: Duncan Distortion or DiMarzio Super Distortion?

Can someone, who has had experience with both pups, explain the tonal differences?

I have a Duncan Distortion and find it to have a slightly scooped tone. To me, a more tight and powerful '59. Am I off base here? My impression of the Super Distortion is a tight thick mid heavy pickup. I owned one as a kid and can not remember what it was like.

I've used both pickups; they're entirely different.

Your recollection of the SuperD is pretty accurate. Huge mids, smooth compressed attack, slightly rolled back treble. The combination of compression and lots of high mids/not a lot of treble can make it sound a bit nasal/twangy at times.

The Duncan Distortion has a very pronounced attack with less compression, mids that are concentrated on the upper mids almost entirely, and a buzz-saw cutting treble. It can come across as a bit scratchy/harsh at times because of this top end.