I hate to ask...

[Jigsisme]

Since my last thread, which was helpful!...However, I was all set on another invader set but now I'm curious if I'm missing the boat on something else? I've been listening to all clips, especially the Duncan comparison of high gain pickups...They all sound great!!
Since I am trying to retain the bass and mids of the invader but have a little bit more highs, just not piercing. I kinda see why there is so much "muddy" hate towards the invader. A few recommended JB, distortion, and/or custom which again, sounds great in the video but they don't have the invaders crushing chugachug.
Looked at what has been used on albums I listen to and as usual I find the JB, distortion, invader, DiMarzio SD, etc.
I've looked up every pickup I can find and feel like I am back to square 1!
If you listen to the following what is your top pick up choice:
COC, Down, Kyng, Metallica, Megadeth, Kyuss, Clutch, Godsmack, VH, Foghat, Boston...List goes on as I just like music and just trying to find my own sound since my playing has come a long way.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: I hate to ask...

have you considered the Gibson 500T?

 

[Riley]

Re: I hate to ask...

To my ears the Black Winter has that thickness like the Invader but with a little more top-end.

 

[Silence Kid]

Re: I hate to ask...

I've never tried it, but the Nazgul sounds pretty amazing in demos.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: I hate to ask...

To my ears the Black Winter has that thickness like the Invader but with a little more top-end.

not so much, I think.


the Black Winter is far tighter in the lows than the Invader, which had a bigger low end. even the tone chart reflects that. while interesting that the Black Winter set is another limited release that was made into a regular production set, the first impression I had of the BW set is that it's VERY similar to the BKP Aftermath (with the allen/hex pole option).

 

[akio]

Re: I hate to ask...

Maybe a Dimarzio X2N? EQ-wise it has highs about equal with the mids, where the Invader has about half as much high end. Bass is similar, the pickup is punchy and hot all over.

 

[Riley]

Re: I hate to ask...

The Black Winter is far tighter in the lows than the Invader, which had a bigger low end. even the tone chart reflects that.

Exactly, it sounded like the OP was looking for something with a similar low and mid-range punch with less mud, which to my ears the Black Winter achieves, since it still has a lot of (very focused) low end, and a punchy and present mid-range.

Also important to keep in mind that the tone chart is meant to be a guide, the best judge of how a pickup sounds is always your ears.

In this case, having listened to both extensively I think the Black Winter will be a good fit. (And of course, if you do try them out and they don't work for you, you can always send them back through our 21-Day Exchange Program).

 

[darthphineas]

Re: I hate to ask...

Exactly, it sounded like the OP was looking for something with a similar low and mid-range punch with less mud.

You're saying the Invader is muddy?

The tone chart can be a much more valuable tool for many users. It's a shame it's easiest found via Google.

Keith's comparison video can be helpful, but there have been some new models...when will he be doing an updated version. Also, is there any info about the amp modeling and mastering involved with how those comparison videos were done?

 

[Riley]

Re: I hate to ask...

I'm simply using the OPs descriptors to help distinguish the differences. One person's "mud" is often another person's "massive." To put it in audio terms, the "Q" on the Invader is wider in the low end than the BW. Depending on your rig, guitar, playing style, etc. a wider Q could occur as "muddy" or "boomy" (pick your adjective). No pickup is perfect for every rig or every player, hence why we make so many different options (and again, give you the option to send it back if it doesn't work out).

 

[darthphineas]

Re: I hate to ask...

I'm simply using the OPs descriptors to help distinguish the differences. One person's "mud" is often another person's "massive." To put it in audio terms, the "Q" on the Invader is wider in the low end than the BW. Depending on your rig, guitar, playing style, etc. a wider Q could occur as "muddy" or "boomy" (pick your adjective).

Ah, I gotcha.

No pickup is perfect for every rig or every player, hence why we make so many different options (and again, give you the option to send it back if it doesn't work out).

With about 300 pickup brands out there, there definitely is a LOT to choose from.

 

[Mincer]

Re: I hate to ask...

You could always do the Invader with a 1 meg volume pot, and no tone controls. It will be a little brighter, and you will still get the tone you like.

 

[Jigsisme]

Re: I hate to ask...

You could always do the Invader with a 1 meg volume pot, and no tone controls. It will be a little brighter, and you will still get the tone you like.

I just started reading about different pots...So in your equation it sounds like what I'm after but can I still keep my tone control the way it is? What about doing the same with a JB and a 250/300 volume pot? Would it make the JB a little less bright and still give me a nice fat low end/mid crunch?

 

[InbredJunk]

Re: I hate to ask...

You can replace those huge caps on the invader with regular Allen screws. Still keeps the huge lows, and brightens the pickup a bit. I've got a ton of them that will fit if you want to experiment.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[Driverfrown]

Re: I hate to ask...

if you haven't checked the eq rating given under item specs on duncan main should help for comparison purposes.
I would invest in a custom 59 hybrid in the bridge with coil selector switch mod along with either a full shred or screamin demon neck... but that's just me.
I also think by the sounds of it a alt 8 might be what you need.

 

[Jigsisme]

Re: I hate to ask...

Appreciate the suggestions, both from this thread and my other!! I went with a JB and a 59 neck. I decided this as to not limit myself and get a tried and true set so I can have a "work horse" that can be a jack of all trades.
Maybe this guitar's twin will be the metal monster base for the invaders...Who knows!?!

Maybe next time I can help you out.

 

[Securb]

Re: I hate to ask...

I would suggest a Fralin High Output. They give you all the thick bass and mids you want but still retain a very vocal tone to your leads/high. Here is a Fralin High Output direct into a Marshall JCM 2000 with no processing. It is the thickest pickup I own.

 

[Mincer]

Re: I hate to ask...

Appreciate the suggestions, both from this thread and my other!! I went with a JB and a 59 neck. I decided this as to not limit myself and get a tried and true set so I can have a "work horse" that can be a jack of all trades.
Maybe this guitar's twin will be the metal monster base for the invaders...Who knows!?!

Maybe next time I can help you out.

Cool. Let us know how this combo works out!