bloughlin16
New member
I know that Washburn has said that the Duncan Solar pickups would be "exclusive" to Ola Englund's guitars, but does anyone know if there will ever be a public release? I'd love to try a set.
Duncan Solar?
- Thread starter bloughlin16
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chris effect
New member
Re: Duncan Solar?
Apparently the bridge is 'basically a Custom 5'-the neck is likely 'basically a 59' model' - I do like the modern look.
https://www.facebook.com/fearedse/videos/929796623745800/
Apparently the bridge is 'basically a Custom 5'-the neck is likely 'basically a 59' model' - I do like the modern look.
https://www.facebook.com/fearedse/videos/929796623745800/
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Duncan Solar?
The ones that say "Duncan Solar" on them are just the Duncan Designed HB-103 set with a darker aesthetic/appearance to match Ola Englund's signature Washburn guitars.
Straight from the man himself:
“Reason I went with the Alnico SH14 {on the high-end USA models} is because it just suits my playing a lot more. It’s more dynamic than the distortion but still has a gnarly midrange which is perfect for rhythm and leads. The Duncan Designed pickups that are on the lower end models are based off the DD {Duncan Distortion} and they sound awesome.”
The ones that say "Duncan Solar" on them are just the Duncan Designed HB-103 set with a darker aesthetic/appearance to match Ola Englund's signature Washburn guitars.
Straight from the man himself:
“Reason I went with the Alnico SH14 {on the high-end USA models} is because it just suits my playing a lot more. It’s more dynamic than the distortion but still has a gnarly midrange which is perfect for rhythm and leads. The Duncan Designed pickups that are on the lower end models are based off the DD {Duncan Distortion} and they sound awesome.”
posite63
New member
Re: Duncan Solar?
I was under the impression that the Duncan Solars were a different pickup altogether, not the HB103. Shoot, they even say HB114 on the back. The quote is informative but doesn't state things perfectly clearly.
I've got a chance to buy a set. If they're the HB103 I'll pass. But if it's based of the Custom 5 I might want to try.
I was under the impression that the Duncan Solars were a different pickup altogether, not the HB103. Shoot, they even say HB114 on the back. The quote is informative but doesn't state things perfectly clearly.
I've got a chance to buy a set. If they're the HB103 I'll pass. But if it's based of the Custom 5 I might want to try.
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darthphineas
New member
Re: Duncan Solar?
Maybe Keith Merrow can do one of his demo videos of the special Ola set
Maybe Keith Merrow can do one of his demo videos of the special Ola set
posite63
New member
Re: Duncan Solar?
The Duncan Solars are based off a 59' and a Custom 5 (not a DD). I have a Solar 16 ETC and after playing it for a few months, the pickups are still there. The bridge pickup works very well with high gain. Coming from a DD myself, the Solar bridge has way more clarity and definition. The DD doesn't really need an OD to push the gain channel of the amp, whereas the Solar bridge does, but once you add that it has way more snap and percusiveness, kind of a dry character.
I haven't tried a real Custom 5 though.
The Duncan Solars are based off a 59' and a Custom 5 (not a DD). I have a Solar 16 ETC and after playing it for a few months, the pickups are still there. The bridge pickup works very well with high gain. Coming from a DD myself, the Solar bridge has way more clarity and definition. The DD doesn't really need an OD to push the gain channel of the amp, whereas the Solar bridge does, but once you add that it has way more snap and percusiveness, kind of a dry character.
I haven't tried a real Custom 5 though.
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Duncan Solar?
The HB103 is a modified DD wind with a single-thickness Ceramic magnet.
Xavier, check the resistance of your Solar bridge pickup and take a look at the magnet. I think you'll find it measures 16-17K and has a gray/black-ish ceramic magnet, not 14K with a polished/shiny AlNiCo magnet like the Custom 5
The HB103 is a modified DD wind with a single-thickness Ceramic magnet.
Xavier, check the resistance of your Solar bridge pickup and take a look at the magnet. I think you'll find it measures 16-17K and has a gray/black-ish ceramic magnet, not 14K with a polished/shiny AlNiCo magnet like the Custom 5
Re: Duncan Solar?
I have another guitar with an HB103 and it doesn't sound like it........... really different pickup. I will measure though since I am curious.....but I have no desire to remove this pickup yet so finding out about the magnet might take a while.
The HB103 is not a bad pickup at all, but when you play it besides a real DD, I would say it's like 80% of it. The DD is really good !
I have another guitar with an HB103 and it doesn't sound like it........... really different pickup. I will measure though since I am curious.....but I have no desire to remove this pickup yet so finding out about the magnet might take a while.
The HB103 is not a bad pickup at all, but when you play it besides a real DD, I would say it's like 80% of it. The DD is really good !
posite63
New member
Re: Duncan Solar?
Xavier, I'm very curious about the specs. If you ever happen to pull it out, would you be willing to post the specs here?
I just picked up my first Custom last week, and I'm still trying to decide where it's going and what mods I want to do. I'd really like to hear a side by side between the solar and Custom 5 one day. If I end up liking the Custom, it would be great to experiment with the Korean copy.
Xavier, I'm very curious about the specs. If you ever happen to pull it out, would you be willing to post the specs here?
I just picked up my first Custom last week, and I'm still trying to decide where it's going and what mods I want to do. I'd really like to hear a side by side between the solar and Custom 5 one day. If I end up liking the Custom, it would be great to experiment with the Korean copy.
posite63
New member
Re: Duncan Solar?
I occasionally see these listed on eBay for about $30, I'm very tempted to try one. What kinda stuff are you playing with the Solars?
I occasionally see these listed on eBay for about $30, I'm very tempted to try one. What kinda stuff are you playing with the Solars?
Re: Duncan Solar?
I actually just bought a Custom 5, so hopefully soon I'll be able to compare them. Totally different guitars though............the Custom 5 will be installed in the bridge position of a Yamaha SG2000 I just bought. I am very curious about the outcome as well...
I actually just bought a Custom 5, so hopefully soon I'll be able to compare them. Totally different guitars though............the Custom 5 will be installed in the bridge position of a Yamaha SG2000 I just bought. I am very curious about the outcome as well...
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Duncan Solar?
Just for the record, a reliable source checked and the "Solar" pickups do appear to have Alnico magnets.
Getting the DCR checked, as well. I'd be surprised if the bridge used a different wind than the HB102/HB103 pickups, since Ola said the Solar were "based off the Duncan Distortion" and so is the HB103 wind.
Just for the record, a reliable source checked and the "Solar" pickups do appear to have Alnico magnets.
Getting the DCR checked, as well. I'd be surprised if the bridge used a different wind than the HB102/HB103 pickups, since Ola said the Solar were "based off the Duncan Distortion" and so is the HB103 wind.
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posite63
New member
Re: Duncan Solar?
^Good info, I look forward to hearing more from your source.
As far as sharing coils with other models, you may be right about it being a modified HB103, based off Ola's statement. However, Xavier's experience suggested that the Solar was fairly different than the other Korean models.
Not sure if you were implying this, but the 102 and 103 are most definitely not the same wind. I A/B tested both with several magnets and can definitely say they're not the same coils. That gives me hope that the Solar might have it's own unique coils. Guess we can only speculate until we see what the DCR is.
Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk
^Good info, I look forward to hearing more from your source.
As far as sharing coils with other models, you may be right about it being a modified HB103, based off Ola's statement. However, Xavier's experience suggested that the Solar was fairly different than the other Korean models.
Not sure if you were implying this, but the 102 and 103 are most definitely not the same wind. I A/B tested both with several magnets and can definitely say they're not the same coils. That gives me hope that the Solar might have it's own unique coils. Guess we can only speculate until we see what the DCR is.
Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk
Evan Skopp
SDUGF Founder
Re: Duncan Solar?
This is 100% correct. And if this is the Xavier who I think it is, he would definitely know the inside scoop behind this pickup.
BTW..... the DUncan Solar is called HB114, which would be a clear hint about what pickup it's based off .....
This is 100% correct. And if this is the Xavier who I think it is, he would definitely know the inside scoop behind this pickup.
LtKojak
New member
Re: Duncan Solar?
Yours very truly,
Hey Evan! Nice to see you still participating in the SDUGF, place that sorely misses you.
Yours very truly,
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