Hello everyone. I am needing to replace the pickups on my Ibanez RG350dx and need some help. I am thinking of getting a Distortion (bridge) / Jazz (neck) set up or two Invaders. My band plays metal. I play out of a Mesa Triple Rec. The other guitar player plays an ESP Eclipse loaded with and EMG 85/81 set up through a 5110. We play a decent amount of harmonies. I want some thing that will compliment our sound. Thanks in advance.
Duncan Distortion or Invader
- Thread starter acidsid75
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theodie
Guest
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
What do you want, #1, darker/huge sounding/with less clarity or #2, more clarity, brighter, more cut, etc.
If your answer is #1 go with the invader.
If your answer is #2 go with the distortion.
What do you want, #1, darker/huge sounding/with less clarity or #2, more clarity, brighter, more cut, etc.
If your answer is #1 go with the invader.
If your answer is #2 go with the distortion.
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
Our sound is stright up metal like Firewind, Testament (the Ritual cd)...I dont know. It's not nu metal. I want some clarity because we do a good amunt of harmonies and the guitar parts some times are doing diffrent things. I just wanted something that would sound good together with his set up. Right now I am useing an Epi Wylde Bullseye loaded with the 81/85 set and It sounds great but I am tricking out my Ibanez with a black pickgaurd and red pickups. I think the middle will be a fast track1.
Our sound is stright up metal like Firewind, Testament (the Ritual cd)...I dont know. It's not nu metal. I want some clarity because we do a good amunt of harmonies and the guitar parts some times are doing diffrent things. I just wanted something that would sound good together with his set up. Right now I am useing an Epi Wylde Bullseye loaded with the 81/85 set and It sounds great but I am tricking out my Ibanez with a black pickgaurd and red pickups. I think the middle will be a fast track1.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
I think you might be happiest with a Custom, based on what you say.
Most metal players who also like EMG's gravitate toward the Custom or C5.
My newest favorite neck pickup is actually a Jazz Bridge model, but a Jazz, 59, or PG neck would sound good. If you need a single sized neck, the Cool Rails is nice.
I think you might be happiest with a Custom, based on what you say.
Most metal players who also like EMG's gravitate toward the Custom or C5.
My newest favorite neck pickup is actually a Jazz Bridge model, but a Jazz, 59, or PG neck would sound good. If you need a single sized neck, the Cool Rails is nice.
Danglin' Fury
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
I have an Invader and a Distortion. Both are very heavy pickups but IMO the Distortion has a punchier bass response on the palm mutes. I like to switch back and forth but if you want more bass and low mids, Invader. A punchier low end and good low mids and slightly more high mids, Distortion. I have a Custom-5 also but haven't played too much w/ it. Sounds pretty thick and punchy though.:laugh2:
I have an Invader and a Distortion. Both are very heavy pickups but IMO the Distortion has a punchier bass response on the palm mutes. I like to switch back and forth but if you want more bass and low mids, Invader. A punchier low end and good low mids and slightly more high mids, Distortion. I have a Custom-5 also but haven't played too much w/ it. Sounds pretty thick and punchy though.:laugh2:
Akrin
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
Haven't played a Distortion, but I had an Invader in my 7-string. It could get a little muddy on the low B, but stuff from about D up was awesome for rhythm. Very thick and 'big' sounding. Wasn't too amazed with the lead tones, but most of my leads are on the neck pickup anyway.
Haven't played a Distortion, but I had an Invader in my 7-string. It could get a little muddy on the low B, but stuff from about D up was awesome for rhythm. Very thick and 'big' sounding. Wasn't too amazed with the lead tones, but most of my leads are on the neck pickup anyway.
Travis
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
Uhhh, Distortion. But I'm sure most people here expected me to say that. It's the best metal riffing pickup ever. I just played one of my Distortion equipped guitars for quite a while today. At one time, the majority of my guitars had Distortions in them. I'm down to one right now. And whenever I pick it up, I'm constantly amazed at how amazing it sounds. For straight up metal, it CANNOT be beat. The Invader will handle you're Nu-metal needs, the JB will handle your 80's metal needs, and the Custom will handle your everyday metal needs. But if you're looking for the ultimate metal pickup that can do so much more than the name implies, for the love of God, get the Distortion.
BTW, Firewind's "Between Heaven and Hell" is an absolutely awesome metal album. I've been playing it for the past few weeks since I got it. "Forged by Fire" just shipped today. Gus G. is the sh!t.
Uhhh, Distortion. But I'm sure most people here expected me to say that. It's the best metal riffing pickup ever. I just played one of my Distortion equipped guitars for quite a while today. At one time, the majority of my guitars had Distortions in them. I'm down to one right now. And whenever I pick it up, I'm constantly amazed at how amazing it sounds. For straight up metal, it CANNOT be beat. The Invader will handle you're Nu-metal needs, the JB will handle your 80's metal needs, and the Custom will handle your everyday metal needs. But if you're looking for the ultimate metal pickup that can do so much more than the name implies, for the love of God, get the Distortion.
BTW, Firewind's "Between Heaven and Hell" is an absolutely awesome metal album. I've been playing it for the past few weeks since I got it. "Forged by Fire" just shipped today. Gus G. is the sh!t.
ex-250
Riffologist Extraordinaire
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
while the distortion & invader are both great, i actually prefer the JB. it just seems overall best to me. the distortion is close, but the mids can be obnoxious and grainy/scratchy at times, whereas theyre smoother on the JB. theyre damn near identical in output, so that wont be a problem. i prefer the lead tone of it too
while the distortion & invader are both great, i actually prefer the JB. it just seems overall best to me. the distortion is close, but the mids can be obnoxious and grainy/scratchy at times, whereas theyre smoother on the JB. theyre damn near identical in output, so that wont be a problem. i prefer the lead tone of it too
T
theodie
Guest
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
The JB has a super loose bottom end though and the output of the JB is lower than the DD.
The JB has a super loose bottom end though and the output of the JB is lower than the DD.
bloodswords
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
hi there. i have various duncans in majority of my ibanez guitars.
if you are looking forward to keep things passive & keep up with definition (especially having a partner who sports EMGs in his guitar), the Distortion is a better option. however, if you are still keen in the Duncan brand name & would wanna tread the active path, Livewires would do you good.
you have a good high gain amp there to propel even medium output Duncans to maximum effect, so keep your options open.
hi there. i have various duncans in majority of my ibanez guitars.
if you are looking forward to keep things passive & keep up with definition (especially having a partner who sports EMGs in his guitar), the Distortion is a better option. however, if you are still keen in the Duncan brand name & would wanna tread the active path, Livewires would do you good.
you have a good high gain amp there to propel even medium output Duncans to maximum effect, so keep your options open.
T
theodie
Guest
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
Maybe you just have one of those (rare IMO) setups that work well with the JB???? I swear everytime I have tried one it is looser than a $2 dollar hooker on the bottom end!ex-250 said:
Nightburst
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
The Ibanez RG is a very thin sounding guitar by itself, in your case the Invader should fatten it up enough where the Distortion might enhance the 'tinnyness' that is inherent to floyed axes.
The Ibanez RG is a very thin sounding guitar by itself, in your case the Invader should fatten it up enough where the Distortion might enhance the 'tinnyness' that is inherent to floyed axes.
Dying Flesh
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
The JB doesn't deliver Heavy Tones.
I never liked JB for the type of music I play.
It's just too bright for my guitars.
I recommend the DD or the Custom, if that doesn't work for you...
try the Invader.
The JB doesn't deliver Heavy Tones.
I never liked JB for the type of music I play.
It's just too bright for my guitars.
I recommend the DD or the Custom, if that doesn't work for you...
try the Invader.
bloodswords
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
maybe you should review your setup (most likely your drive source). the JB does black metal for me with ease.
Dying Flesh said:
maybe you should review your setup (most likely your drive source). the JB does black metal for me with ease.
Dying Flesh
New member
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
The JB didn't produce the heavy tone I want.
I have no problems with my setup (or my drive)bloodswords said:
The JB didn't produce the heavy tone I want.
JB_From_Hell
Jomo's Nimions
Re: Duncan Distortion or Invader
The Invader is badass in Ibanez RGs. I really have yet to find a guitar I don't like the Invader in.
The Invader is badass in Ibanez RGs. I really have yet to find a guitar I don't like the Invader in.
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