Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

[Jackson Distortion]

We all have different visions as to how we want our Heavy Metal to sound. To me, there are high output pickups I just would not use for my sound.

Which Seymour Duncan's would you not use to make like a Metal god?

 

[St-Jimmy]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

Probably Invaders. I prefer either a JB or a DD, something with more singing highs and harmonics since I play a lot of leads... and play in standard tuning aabout 95% of the time.

 

[taphappy]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

EMG 81 and slowley the invader and dimebucker. EMG and Dimebucker are too abrasive and the invader has this wierd haze of darkness that I hate.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

The Invader and the JB.

 

[\m/(00)\m/]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

probably invader for me too. I guess teh DD just does it for me, metal wise, and i dont really like the JB for metal. I kinda like the 81 though

 

[Travis]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

For metal, it's the Distortion all the way. I've not found a use for the Invader. And I've only found one JB in one guitar that has sounded good. The Full Shred has potential in a thick mahogany guitar, but would be too bright for my tastes in a Strat style.

 

[theodie]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

Dimebucker, JB, EMG 81, EMG 85, Scremin Demon!

 

[Loserchief]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

Jb

 

[dani]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

jb

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

Invader, JB, DD, Custom series, Demon, Dimebucker, Livewires, Hot Rails.

 

[Kac]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

Dimebucker

 

[ThrashAttack]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

Anything active just doesn't seem to do it for me anymore. Then again, EMG passives don't really, either. So I guess any EMG.

The Invader is a problem in that the large pole pieces don't work out with most of my floyd equipped guitars, because then I have to raise the bridge and it doesn't quite stay in tune as well. Plus it's not as good for leads because it's so heavy on the bass side...I do like its rhythm tone though.

The JB seems a little to flabby on the low end to have much solid crunch.

Haven't tried the DD or the Full Shred, but I'm wary of the Full Shred because of how heavy on the highs it is...I need some thickness too!

Haven't tried the Custom series either. Never used a Dimebucker, but I have a Bill Lawrence L500XL in a guitar right now and it's one of the best pickups I've used thus far. I plan to try a DD and maybe a Duncan Custom in the next guitar I'm getting so I can see what they're all about. For now, my top pick is the Lawrence.

 

[Gary Ladd]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

Funny 'bout the Invader...

Lots of people trash it, but it worked perfectly in my 85' Katana, whereas MANY pups had failed (JB, DD, Demon, EMG 81 & 85 and the stock POS Fender).

The guitar has a unique, thinnish strat-like tone and since it's the oldest guitar I originally own, I have kept it around - Besides the neck/action just kills and the roller-trem stays in tune forever.

So, as a last resort I stuck an Invader in there while my luthier was refretting it with jumbos and even my luthier (who is a Fender vintage guy) was like *WOW*, this guitar sounds awesome - Barks, grunts, crunches like nobodys business and screams with authority given a lil' TS push - The palm-mute is godly! :bowdown:

Split with a Phatcat-B in the neck it gets a totally over-the-top vintage vibe.

I was surprised to say the least! :smokin:

FWIW every guitar I've tried that had a dimebucker in it sounded terrible, so I'm assuming it's the pup.

Of course I've heard first-hand just how terribly muddy the invader sounds in mahogany bodied/necked guitars mg: :eek1: - The Invader really seems to like my Katana's basswood body/maple neck from what I've seen :reporter:

 

[Mr Wolf]

Re: Least Favorite 'Metal' pickup

Im not so much of a metal player as i used to, but i love the Custom, its thick, its tight, biting, good harmonics with a good dose of mids and highs. I havent tried many other pickups, but i love the custom.