JB or DD for my new explorer

[ex-250]

about 2 weeks ago i got a gibson explorer, and while the 500t is alright, it just lacks something....sounds kinda dull. i already have a DD in one of my guitars and love it, but that guitar is much lighter so a DD in the explorer would be thicker and have some more low end probably.....which would be awesome. i know id really like a DD in the explorer, but i also dont wanna overlook the JB. im a big fan of dave mustaine's tone on the last few albums, and my favorite guitar tone ever is probably his on the megadeth live album.....where he was using a JB. coincidentally, al pitrelli on that same album was using gibson explorers with JB/jazz. while i could get the JB and if i dont like it do the exchange thing for a DD, id much rather be happy with the first thing i get...so im not sure which to go for. the DD seems like a garuntee and the JB seems like a bit of a risk. i play mostly Metallica, judas priest, down, megadeth, black label society, anthrax, etc.

 

[azzyazzborne]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

i think the DD will suit what you play a little better because it is more crunchy and its reasonably versatile too so you can do some form of jazz runs with it.... so yea...

 

[HarrisonDavid]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

If I were you I would go DD/Jazz....Remember Mustaine has a pretty elaborate rig set up. You may be able to Dial in those tones with the amps you use though. Im just saying a DD because Mustaine uses I think Marshall Heads and his JBs are probably modded by his G techs anyhow to get them hotter. I like all those groups and it's good to see a youngster as yourself give props to those guys in stead of like Korn and that nu metal garbage. Sorry to offend anyone, but it's pretty damn boring. The shred lives R.I.P Dime!

 

[Kac]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

While the JB is my favorite pick-up, from what you've said, and the kinds of stuff you will be playing I actually think the DD would be the pick-up to go with.
I'll be ordering a DD for my Fat Strat soon. Long live the Distortion!
Rock on :13:

 

[Jeff5]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

Sounds like the DD is for you. Also I think that SD and Mustaine are coming out with a signature pick up for him in the next few months. May want to check that out as well. (I probably will!)

 

[HarrisonDavid]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

I almost forgot about that! I think Mustaine stated that in guitar world a few issues back. That would be awesome! That is why I said to go with the DD I knew those Jbs were possibly modded by his techs. When these bad boys are coming out is the Question...Also Scott Ian has a custom pickup on this site too....here is the link. Scott Ian is a underated Rythm guitar player.

http://www.seymourduncan.com/website/products/customshop.shtml

http://www.seymourduncan.com/website/images/sieldiablocs.jpg

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

DD/Jazz

 

[ex-250]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

I almost forgot about that! I think Mustaine stated that in guitar world a few issues back. That would be awesome! That is why I said to go with the DD I knew those Jbs were possibly modded by his techs. When these bad boys are coming out is the Question...Also Scott Ian has a custom pickup on this site too....here is the link. Scott Ian is a underated Rythm guitar player.

yeah scott ian is an awesome guitarist. i considered ordering the el diablos a while back, but they cost an assload and im really cheap. and yeah ive thought about waiting to try to mustaine pickup, but my guess is that theyre gonna have a huge mid spike and while i like mids, itd probably be too much for me.

btw i dont think ill be changing out the neck pickup, it doesnt give the best cleans, but the distorted tone more than compensates IMO

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

Hey bro, I'd go with the Distortion. I remember talking with you about the anderson pup you put in your Viper. I was gonna put one in my SG, but I think it just wouldn't have the bite and harmonics I wanted.
I really liked the 500t that came in my SG X, but tuned in C it gets too muddy. My buddy replaced the 500t in his LP with a Distortion and man what a huge difference. The bottom end is tighter and it just sounds more open. He also kept the 496r in the neck.

 

[ex-250]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

hey dude, i havent seen you around here in a long time. too bad about not going with the anderson, i love mine....my viper is a lot thicker than an SG too, so itd probably be pretty bitey in yours. and like i said before its got lotsa harmonics. oh well.

anyway thanks everybody. ill probably go with the DD unless i hear some really strong arguments for why the JB would be better. ill probably wait till summer to do it though (im going back to school in a couple weeks and im not bringing the explorer this time around just cause its brand new)

 

[dc_mally]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

i had a dd in an epi korina explorer and it sounded absolutly terrible, i would go for the JB instead because anything is better then the sound i got from the dd.

 

[TDevilG]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

I put a Duncan Distortion in my ESP LTD (It's the shape of the explorer, but the ends are much sharper; James hetfield plays with them), and I wouldn't entirely recommend it over a pair of EMGs. It sounds good, don't get me wrong! It just wasn't the sound I was looking for.

 

[ex-250]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

i have an LTD one too, the ex series right? thats where i have a DD now and i love it. besides, im not gonna put EMGs in a $1000 guitar.....something seems really wrong about that IMO.

 

[mrid]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

I'm going to buck the trend and say SH-5 Custom.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

I've had two friends put JB's in their Explorers, only to find that they hated the sound; I would be loathe to recommend it for that reason ...

 

[JacksonShredHead]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

I'm not sure how much help this is, but i had a epi korina explorer loaded with a DD in the bridge and I love that thing. It was a little high end [not thin though] but i really liked it because my leads cut through exceptionally! I dont know if your explorer is korina or not but mine ripped hardcore, to my ears that is, hope i could be some help.

 

[Jag513]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

i have an LTD one too, the ex series right? thats where i have a DD now and i love it. besides, im not gonna put EMGs in a $1000 guitar.....something seems really wrong about that IMO.

Whew. Glad I'm not the only one who thinks that.

The DD sounds like it would suit your needs just fine. And if you think it's too much, swap out the Ceramic for an Alnico 5 and you've got a JB!

 

[TDevilG]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

Yup, it's part of the EX series; an ESP EX 151D. Heavy and dark as hell. The Seymour Duncan that I put in the thing did exactly what you said you wanted it to do; give some heavy lows. I guess I'm trying to do the wrong thing with this guitar; learn to play lead with something that was clearly intended for heavy rhythm playing.


I DID buy the Zakk Wylde set for my new-arrival: A Jackson Soloist SLSMG. I can't WAIT until I put those in there, I think the sound that I'm looking for-a clear-cut lead oriented sound-will be definitely recognized through those.

 

[ex-250]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

ive never heard of a 151D. ive heard of a 351D (the diamond plate one), but never 151. i have a plain 351 (no plate) and its reeaaally light.

 

[Inge Malmstein]

Re: JB or DD for my new explorer

What about a custom ;-)
I once had a distortion in the Explorer and it wasn't "wide" enough for my taste.
Tried the JB but didn't like it. Now the Custom goes in the guitar.