How versitile is a Custom?

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Aight, I have a choice between a Custom and a '59 for the bridge of a new strat. I love metal, but am wondering if this pickup can handle Phish and older stuff. I don't want it to be super high output only, it doesn't seem TOO hot. I'll be matching it with a couple of Antiquity Texas Hots in the other two spots. And also, will a RP/RW work in the middle with a humbucker in the bridge?

 

[vinterland]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

I wouldn't think it would be a problem. The custom isn't just a hight output bucker it has a vintage tone to it as well if you just back it off a little. So yeah classic rock, hard rock whatever it should do just fine.

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

I wouldn't think it would be a problem. The custom isn't just a hight output bucker it has a vintage tone to it as well if you just back it off a little. So yeah classic rock, hard rock whatever it should do just fine.

Good, sounds perfect. It's always been my favorite pickup according to the tone chart, and I really want to try it. I think the '59 may have brightness issues too.

 

[vinterland]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

The tone charts pretty much right on with the description. I can't compare to the 59 as I havn't tried one in the bridge. Its a very EQ'ible pickup so you should be able to get a lot of different sounds from it.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

IMO a Custom is too much to put with 2 Texas Hots...I would go with a 59, the 59 and the Custom sounds a lot alike, but a 59 is going to be a closer match to the 2 Texas Hots output wise...

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

IMO a Custom is too much to put with 2 Texas Hots...I would go with a 59, the 59 and the Custom sounds a lot alike, but a 59 is going to be a closer match to the 2 Texas Hots output wise...

What about a Custom V or CC? Would either of those do better?

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

What about a Custom V or CC? Would either of those do better?

You can do whatever you want, but it is my opinion that a hot humbucker just doesn't match well with 2 single coils...

 

[Stringmachine]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

I got a Custom in one of my LP's and it does just about anything. Good for driven tones and cleans up very well when turnig down the volume. It wont do metal that good, so I have ordered a set of EMG 81/85 for that.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

I can do everything from The Eagles to Boston to Deicide with mine.

 

[JeffB]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

IMO a Custom is too much to put with 2 Texas Hots...I would go with a 59, the 59 and the Custom sounds a lot alike, but a 59 is going to be a closer match to the 2 Texas Hots output wise...

Agreed.

I've used more Custom's than any other duncan in the bridge pos. As much as I love the SH5, I find it's not terribly versatile. I don't like the cleans...a little brittle (though I think all ceramics are brittle to a certain extent). In a LP I've always rolled back the volume on the bridge quite aways, the neck pup a tad low (usually a 59 or other PAF) then switched into the middle toggle position and thats pretty nice for cleans.

However for gain sounds it's excellent and will do moderate crunch to extreme gain no probs. It's def a rock/80's metal type pup. If you want a great example of a Duncan Custom in a strat style bolt on, check out the Last in Line album by Dio. Viv Campbell used one in his charvel for that album.."We Rock" is a perfect example.

The 59 in the bridge will be more versatile...it will split better with the single coils...match the output better, and a 59 still rocks hard.

I don't like the JB in set/neck through guitars usually, but in a Strat style bolt on I think I prefer it over the Custom for the most part. Again tho, output will not be a good match with the SC's you are using. I had one in my 94 Deluxe Strat plus with a lace sensor gold in the middle and lace sensor blue in the neck (a PAF-ish type sound/output), and it was overpowering.

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

Well which humbuckers would be my options then with two single coils?

 

[JeffB]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

Any of the lower output PAF styles will work better..59's, PG, AII P, Seth, etc.

May look into a demon too, tho I have no personal experience with one.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

I'd put a TB-14 Custom 5 in there. It sits right in between the 59 and Custom, meaning it packs all the punch of the Custom, but still retains the sweetness of the 59.
When I had a CC in my strat, it sounded good, but was way thicker than the singles, and the highs were a little choked off. I like the CC better in neck-thru type guitars.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

Funny you say that...My Yamaha is a neck through and the CC is amazing in that guitar

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

You can wire the Custom so you can switch it to single coil (or Spin-A-Split) when you want to use it together with one of your Texas Hots.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

I think the Custom will overpower the Texas Hots and be to hot for them. IMO, the 59B would be a better choice in terms of a match with single coil neck and middle pickups.

In terms of versatility it's all in the player...not the pickup.

The Custom or 59B are both very, very versatile although the Custom is hotter and fuller sounding than the 59B.

Lew

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

I think the Custom will overpower the Texas Hots and be to hot for them. IMO, the 59B would be a better choice in terms of a match with single coil neck and middle pickups.

In terms of versatility it's all in the player...not the pickup.

The Custom or 59B are both very, very versatile although the Custom is hotter and fuller sounding than the 59B.

Lew

Is the Custom V too hot also?

 

[nepalnt21]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

what about the pearly gates? or blues saraceno? or even the screamin demon?

 

[Boleslaw Gers 666]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

what about the pearly gates? or blues saraceno? or even the screamin demon?

I'm down to basically the Pearly Gates and the '59. I'm afraid the '59 will be too bright, and the PG has more output. Not sure if a Demon would work.

 

[nepalnt21]

Re: How versitile is a Custom?

well what kind of guitar is it? like wood and all