Installed An Old 80's Custom ......

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Installed An Old 80's Custom ......

iMO every Member of the Custom Family needs a certain guitar, sometimes a certain amp too. You can't beat riffing on a SG with a C5 thru a full blown Marshall.

No disagreement at all, but the C5 is probably the least important part of that equation.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Installed An Old 80's Custom ......

Doesn't that just make it a CC (I still can't keep these Custom models straight in my head)?. They made the Custom 5 because Duncan Forumites asked for an A5 version, but now the prevailing sentiment seems to be that most don't like it much. Changing tastes?.
Al

I think it’s more changing construction of commonly available guitars, but still trying to get the same sound. Guitars that were too mid heavy and lacking high end have been improved/changed, so now that original pickup is too scoopy and bright for many.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Installed An Old 80's Custom ......

When I first joined this forum in 2001 looking for a better bridge pickup for my Epi LP, all I remember being recommended was the C5. I bought one as my first Duncan pickup and it was ultimately too stiff in the highs for me, and though I didn't know it at the time, lacking in mids. I think it also got me started off on a bad foot with A5 pickups, which I still struggle with today. I've had a Custom early on too that I thought was too harsh, but I did love the CC.

All these years later, I'm in love with a Custom. Who woulda thunk it?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Installed An Old 80's Custom ......

The Custom and JB were top dogs for high output humbuckers for a long time, for good reason.

I think the reason the old ones sound better is that the magnets sounded more organic for some reason. In the case of Alnico, it's because I recall them being roughcast. Not sure if that applies to ceramic as well??

If I ever see MJ or Seymour again, I'd like to ask them about that. Frank Falbo probably knows.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Installed An Old 80's Custom ......

The Custom and JB were top dogs for high output humbuckers for a long time, for good reason.

I think the reason the old ones sound better is that the magnets sounded more organic for some reason. In the case of Alnico, it's because I recall them being roughcast. Not sure if that applies to ceramic as well??

If I ever see MJ or Seymour again, I'd like to ask them about that. Frank Falbo probably knows.

Great to hear from you GJ. You're right about the magnets. The 80's DC JB that I have has a roughcast magnet that in nearly jet black. I don't know if it was that color when new, but it sure is now. I'll have to check the magnet on the Custom the next time I change strings on that guitar. I don't know either if roughcast is something that makes a difference in ceramic magnets. My Custom is also wound a bit cooler at 13.31, so that might be a factor too.