Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

[Mononoaware]

I've come around on ceramics in the last few years. Discovering some of the greats -- the Custom, Super Distortion, and rediscovering the Super 3 -- has made me realize that sometimes you can have both that quick, full-range sound and warmth.

My experience with ceramics in the neck is limited, though. The Evo neck has changed my mind on that. The bass is pronounced, but more controllable than many A5s I've tried to get along with over the years. It's clear, dark, and smooth. And it's got me wondering if I've been missing out by avoiding ceramics in the neck.

What are some of your favorites and must-trys? (All styles are welcome, though I tend to stay in the blues/fusion/heavy rock neighborhood. Not much of a metal player.)

 

[ErikH]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Ceramics? Hmmm. The only one I really did/do much with is the Super Distortion in parallel. It's mated with another Super Distortion in the bridge that's in series. The Hot Rails neck is cool. I had that before. Sounds good split and in parallel mode too.

With other magnets, the Screamin' Demon (A5) is a great neck pickup. I like the Slash neck and Pearly Gates neck as well (both A2).

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Must try? SH-6n Distortion neck

 

[Aceman]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Can’t. Don’t have one. I like A2’s in the neck to sweeten the Ceramic in the bridge.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

I do not hate the Super Distortion, nor do I hate the 496R (especially in the bridge position).

 

[dystrust]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

The only one I've really liked is the Cool Rails. I've tried a few full size ceramic 'buckers in the neck position and didn't care for them.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

This is no fun having 2 infractions. I want to talk trash about ceramics but I have to be polite. I don't care for ceramic. A8 and A9 have a boat load of grit and you can always turn up the treble. It's not like there's not enough treble in that dial... So why make your pickups sound all sterile?

 

[AlexR]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Ceramics are often harsh, but not all. There are things like the Gibson Tarbacks from the 70's that are cool. A lot of the time makers choose to wind something flat eq'd for certain genre's......and they suit well enough for that genre. Its only when you assume your own use (or tone) is the only possible option that trouble comes of it.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Duncan:
Black Winter neck
Distortion neck

DiMarzio:
Steve Morse neck
D-Activator neck

Also good results to be had by putting a ceramic in a 59b or Screamin' Demon and using in the neck

 

[JesusCrisp]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Dimarzio Super 2 works very well in combination with a Super Distortion in the bridge, pretty good split sound as well.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Oddly enough, the stock humbuckers that came in my Squier Mustang HH sound very nice. The neck is clean, clear, and detailed with some sweetness to the top end all the while having a tight bottom. They're both wound around 9k and have 12 flat slugs.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Here's my favorite ceramic neck pip:



And here's my favorite ceramic bridge pup:

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

I like the DiMarzio bluesbucker in the neck.
Might have to double check but I’m fairly certain that it has a ceramic mag...even if it doesn’t, it’s a great neck pickup.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

This is no fun having 2 infractions. I want to talk trash about ceramics but I have to be polite. I don't care for ceramic. A8 and A9 have a boat load of grit and you can always turn up the treble. It's not like there's not enough treble in that dial... So why make your pickups sound all sterile?

A8 or A9 in the neck?

 

[bloughlin16]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

The SD Alpha is my favorite ceramic neck humbucker AND my favorite neck pickup in general. It's voiced to have a lot of pick attack, but it's not super ice-picky and can still has a warmth to it that you wouldn't expect from a ceramic magnet pickup. It's significantly less boomy than most neck pickups I've tried, too. Might not be up your alley with you not being into metal, but it's a very versatile neck pickup; I've yet to feel that I couldn't get a tone that I wanted out of it.

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Not ceramic but the BKP Rebel Yell neck will blow your doors off.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Bill Lawrence L500R's are a great neck ceramic. Ive also had good luck with the Dimarzio Super D in the neck.

 

[Mononoaware]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

I like the DiMarzio bluesbucker in the neck.
Might have to double check but I’m fairly certain that it has a ceramic mag...even if it doesn’t, it’s a great neck pickup.

It is. The best ceramic pickups make you wonder what mag is in there.

For all the guys who are saying they don't like ceramic, I get it, and you're welcome to your opinion/taste. I used to feel the same way, but I'm trying out new things. If you don't have a recommendation, that's fine, but it doesn't really address my question.

 

[weepingminotaur]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

Black winter neck.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Introduce Me to Your Favorite Ceramic Neck Bucker(s)

A8 or A9 in the neck?

A9 works well cuz it has less string pull.