Narrowing down pickups

[Hsb]

Previously I asked about new pickups for my Iceman since I had no clue what direction to go in and Ive started to narrow it down a bit but still not 100% sure which way Id like to go. As for now Ive narrowed it down to something in the Custom family, maybe C5 or C/59, Pegasus/Sentient or Black Winter set. From what Ive heard of clips, I like all of them. If I go C5 or C/59, what would a good neck pickup or would the C/59 work in the neck with the C5 or vice versa. The pickups that came in the Iceman just arent cutting it, kinda flat and dead.

I do realize that those sets are all rather different to each other and Ill end up tonally different depending on which way I go. I like the more modern sound of say the BW and P/S but not sure how that would work with some of the more 80's big hair and spandex stuff mixed with some Metallica and Godsmack.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

Don't put a Hybrid in the neck- it would be too hot, and have to be lowered quite a bit. With any Custom-type pickup, a good neck match is the 59.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

There were several recommendations given in your previous post for the standard SH-5/TB-5 "Custom".

Based on the pickups you say you didn't like in that thread (Screamin' Demon, Pearly Gates, etc) and the fact that you do like the Distortion, I think the regular Custom might be a great place to start in the bridge if you're worried about the Black Winter being a little too modern.

I really don't think Custom 5 or Custom/59 are going in the right direction for you, honestly. They're great pickups, but the regular Custom easily does modern metal through '80s rock (think: EVH, Motley Crue, etc).

Simply pair the regular Custom with a Sentient, '59 or Jazz neck for maximum versatility.

Beyond that, have you considered a JB?

 

[Hsb]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

Yep thats where I got pickups to narrow it down.

The BW is still in contention, the Custom and BW are probably pretty close running with the P/S in third. Think Im leaning a bit more towards the Custom and Sentient maybe a good combo to consider.

I have considered it and not a huge fan of the JB, havent heard a clip that I really like.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

...not a huge fan of the JB, havent heard a clip that I really like.

So, you don't like 80% of all '80s hair metal?

 

[Hsb]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

Oh I like the music, maybe not necessarily the tone. Some of my favorite guitarist use the JB and when they did, didnt care for their tone.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

Totally fair.

I think you'll find the Custom to be a lot more balanced than a JB and still full of character with good output

 

[Hsb]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

I like full sounding pickups, thats why the Custom is high on the list. Sometimes, Id like just a little bit more, thats where the BW comes in.

I do like the idea of the Custom with the Sentient in the neck.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

I use an EMG81 in the neck on my Schecter. Doubt the C5/59 hybrid is hotter than that.

Everybody sticks to the low output neck rule. I say try something hotter.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

I use an EMG81 in the neck on my Schecter. Doubt the C5/59 hybrid is hotter than that.

Everybody sticks to the low output neck rule. I say try something hotter.

I agree. The Distortion Neck and Black Winter Neck are my favorite Duncan Neck pickups. I much prefer how they match to hot bridge pickups than the usual suspects (Jazz, '59, etc.).

 

[jeremy]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

what do think the differences are between the distortion neck and bw neck?

 

[Hsb]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

Im getting closer to narrowing down my choices, either the Custom/Sentient or the Black Winter. Taking the guitar in for the fretwork next week and if it ends up just being a level, crown and polish, Ill also order both pickups to be installed. If it ends up he has to do a partial refret, Ill prob go with just the bridge pickup for now.

Plus doing all the work together Ill get a bit of a discount.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

The Black Winters won't be as scooped, so decide on how much you like or need mids.

 

[Hsb]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

Yeah, Ive considered that. At the moment Im ok with that or at least till now. Still listening to the 2 trying to decide which way to go.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

I like the more modern sound of say the BW and P/S but not sure how that would work with some of the more 80's big hair and spandex stuff mixed with some Metallica and Godsmack.

I'm getting ready to put a Pegasus / Sentient in a Dean Schenker V. I'm a Spandex guy.

 

[Hsb]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

Let us know how it sounds.

 

[chadd]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

I paired a Sentient with a C59 and I really like the combo. A Sentient and regular Custom would be a perfect match, in my opinion.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Narrowing down pickups

what do think the differences are between the distortion neck and bw neck?

The Black Winter is hotter, smoother, more focused, and not as attacky. The Distortion neck is still pretty hot and nasty, but it's a step closer to what you'd expect from a typical Duncan neck pickup. It's still pretty hot and not nearly as scooped as a Jazz or '59, but it's slightly more open and tamer than the BW-N.