Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

[brandobean]

I bought a set of Duncan Jazz for my Jackson DKMGT (alder body, tune-o-matic, maple neck, rosewood fretboard). I installed 2 neck pickups in both positions because the store only had neck versions. I really liked how the bridge pickup sounded. It was very clean and clear for a bridge humbucker. It would not push my POD into Hi Gain like the JB, EMG (h4, 81, 85), or Distiortion, but I can get by without that. I really like cleans.

So.

I took the Jazz set back and put in a stock Jackson 8k humbucker in the bridge and a Vintage Flat SSL-2 in the neck. I LOVE the single in the neck and the low output PAF is the direction I am looking to go in.

Looking around for that strat tone I like so much I noticed that Dimarzio has an Eric Johnson custom set (similar EQ curves, both close to 7k and both having AlNiCo magnets). I looked at my local store and almost bought a set based only on curiosity, but I told myself, "Do some homework first."

I got home and speced them out and it looks like the EJ custom set is a version of the Duncan Jazz. If you have tried both could you tell the difference? Which did you prefer and why? I totally held off buying after I saw that they were probably the same because I really like single coils, but REALLY hate the hum.

I think I am just going to live with the hum in the neck (buy a humbucker to single coil hole adaptor), but I might go back and get that Jazz for the bridge again.

 

[prophetofthor]

Re: Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

not the expert on this one, but i have also been tempted by the EJ customs. however, i wouldnt compare the EJ's to the jazz. the EJ's are modeled from the fabled filtertron humbuckers for gretsh.

so the jazz will be "clean and clear" and the EJ's would also be clean with character, attempting to sound like a filtertron (whatever that is). from what i've read from this forum, the EJ's are really good and "indescribable". frustrating, i know. dimarzio doesnt have sound clips of that one (and if they did it would about 20 layers of processing).

 

[veryhungrycaterpilla]

Re: Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

I own both. Warning, like Elvis Costello says, "Talking about music is like dancing about architecture".

The EJ is a DMZ pup that SD lovers would love.

Both are bright pups. The EJ has a better bottom end. Both can handle gain, but the EJ is better for moderate or higher gain. The EJ is kinda Filertron-ish. The Jazz reminds me of a Jazz bass pup for guitar-do some bass string slaps and plucks and see what I mean.

If I had to choose between the two it would be the EJ. YMMV. Both have their place.

 

[brandobean]

Re: Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

"dimarzio doesnt have sound clips of that one (and if they did it would about 20 layers of processing)."

Agreed. Their site is better than SD for navigation, but their clips leave too much open to speculation. I suppose they like it that way. SD has the best and most comprehensive collection of clips on the net and I really appreciate that.

 

[eggman]

Re: Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

Howdy,

My only HBers are a '59 set in my old ES-335. They are sure a big improvement over the stock "Dirty Fingers"!
I'm intrigued by DiMarzio's EJs. They would appear to be a good candidate for a 335 as a slight change from a stock P/U.
I'd love to hear more about the EJ or the SD Jazz.

Eggman

 

[brandobean]

Re: Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

I was going to pick up a set of these today, but they sold. There was a set of TV Jones Filtertrons I thought about buying, but they were $100.00 each used. Ebay is cheaper than that.

Does Seymour make a Filtertron copy for humbucker size? ...or is the Jazz it?

 

[brandobean]

Re: Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

ping

 

[Ningirsu]

Re: Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

"dimarzio doesnt have sound clips of that one (and if they did it would about 20 layers of processing)."

Agreed. Their site is better than SD for navigation, but their clips leave too much open to speculation. I suppose they like it that way. SD has the best and most comprehensive collection of clips on the net and I really appreciate that.

Actually the reason why DiMarzio sound clips sound like they have been through "20 layers of processing" is that they actually are.DiMarzio prefer to put clips from the songs recorded with those pickups by the artists who use them like Petrucci,Gilbert,Satriani etc. From what I've heard so far,they're trying to pick partitions without vocals and as clean-sounding as possible. Then again,this remark as a whole doesn't make your critic less rightful.On the other hand I'd like to see a bit of chops like DiMarzio's in addition to the standard strums of Seymour Duncan clips..

 

[Ningirsu]

Re: Duncan Jazz vs. DiMarzio EJ Custom

Actually, since you've mentioned that you like the single-coil sound in the neck (and would even change the setup of your guitar by installing a humbucker to single coil transformer) and don't mind the hum for getting the sound you like why don't you check out and try one of the P-Rails SHPR-1 or Stag-Mag SH-3 models? They are both humbuckers designed to replicate the vintage Strat tones when split..