Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

T

ThrashAttack

New member
Here's my current rig-
Dean Time Capsule ML
Ibanez RG1570
Peavey 6505 head
Marshall 1960A Cab
DBX Compressor 266XL
BBE Sonic Maximizer 482
Rocktron Hush Super C
MXR Phase 90/Boss RV-3/Morley Bad Horsie/MXR M-108

I play extreme metal in the vein of old school thrash (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth), to more modern metal (Pantera, Lamb of God), and a variety of death metal (Nile, Death), southern metal (BLS, Down) and grind as well. I'm looking for a tone kinda like Dimebag circa FBD. But with my own twist.

I currently have a Bill Lawrence L500XL in the bridge/Dimarzio Super Distortion in the neck on my Dean.
I currently have a Dimarzio Evolution in the bridge/Dimarzio PAF Joe in the neck on my Ibanez.

A while ago I decided to stop using EMGs; they always had amazing output and a really tight rhythm tone, but the leads seemed to be lacking something. Ever since I tried listening more for passives, I found that the organic feel to the lead tones was there. So ever since I've been trying to find a passive guitar pickup with very hot and tight rhythm response akin to EMGs but with the organic feel for leads.

The Bill Lawrence is a great pickup, but I'm also experimenting with Dimarzios/Duncans. The PAF Joe in the neck of my Ibanez is far too trebly for a neck picukp, I like really fat/warm neck pickups. So, I'm getting a Breed to replace it. Seems higher output/fatter, which is just what I'm looking for.

The Evo is great, but seems pretty trebly overall. Maybe too trebly. I've ordered an X2N to try out, because I hear they are the passive equivalent of an EMG-81. Other than that, there aren't a lot of other Dimarzios that interest me.

Duncans on the other hand, have a lot of models to choose from. Almost too many! For the neck position, I'm set on a '59 already, but for the bridge I'm looking at the JB, Distortion, Full Shred, Invader, AND Dimebucker. I'd like to know anybody's experience with these, suggestions on what I should use, etc.

Thanks in advance for the advice.
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

I have experience with the JB and the Distortion, and by what you are describing, you might like the Distortion. The JB is a nice pickup, but it kinda lacks on the bottom end. Its got tons of highs and mids. The Distortion on the other hand has loads of harmonics and a nice high end, with a great amount of bass to back it up. It doesn't mush out for dropped tunings. You also have a difference in magnets, the JB has an Alnico V (which will sound brighter) and the Distortion uses a ceramic magnet (not as bright and will give you more low end). But, if you are really obsessed with the dimebag tone, there's always the Dimebucker, and if you want to know what the Invader would sound like, listen to Avenged Sevenfold.
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

I used an Invader for a short while in my Ibanez but the big pole pieces sucked for my Lo-Pro bridge, I couldn't set the pickup low enough, so I had to set the bridge higher, then it went out of tune more often.

But I liked the tone, just not sure it was the one for me. I know Pepper Keenan of COC/Down uses those a lot and I think his tone is great for gritty southern metal.

Also, my band uses Drop C tuning, so by what you are saying, the Distortion does sound like it would be the better choice, with more low end without mushing out in lower tunings.
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

so you're looking for more of that grittier southern metal tone?
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

Like I said, my band incorporates a lot of different styles so it kinda has to work for thrash, southern, death/grind, etc. I need a versatile high gain pickup that has some serious tight chunk in the low end without getting loose, and some great lead tones without getting too brittle. As far as palm muted tone goes, Dime's is my favorite. A 2nd favorite would be Metallica circa Black Album. As far as lead tones go, I love Dime's tone, I love Marty Friedman's tone, I love late Chuck Schuldiner tone (circa Sound of Perseverance)
 
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Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

Yeah, the distortion would definitely be a great choice. Another one that you might like is the Custom. A lot of people on this board swear by it (i personally haven't tried it). Its another great pickup for dropped tunings and is a great rhythm pickup, but i hear a lot of mixed opinions on the leads. But I personally would go for the Distortion... it would definitely fit your needs.
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

I realized that being too broad in what I want from a pickup isn't a good thing. I am particularly aiming for something along the lines of Dime circa Far Beyond Driven. Characteristically speaking; very tight but big low end, highs that aren't too harsh but still really stand out. The chugs gotta be tight! Lots of bass but can't be loose like I find the Invader to be.
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

Invader if you want a huge kick you in the ass deeper tone!!! The Distortion if you want a brighter tone! Nuff said about those!

The JB, I feel the bottom end is not to my liking. Very loose!!!!

The Dime, sounds like a buzzsaw to my ears in a bad way! Trebly and harsh to my ears also!

Dont forget about the Custom either! A solid metal pickup in everyway IMO!

The Full Shred, a brighter pickup but, not harsh to my ears. It has great clarity and tightness. A good choice in addition to the Distortion and the Invader. I find the Invader and the Full Shred to be a different ends of the spectrum but, both are good.
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

ThrashAttack said:
I realized that being too broad in what I want from a pickup isn't a good thing. I am particularly aiming for something along the lines of Dime circa Far Beyond Driven. Characteristically speaking; very tight but big low end, highs that aren't too harsh but still really stand out. The chugs gotta be tight! Lots of bass but can't be loose like I find the Invader to be.
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Hmmm.....I would say the Custom followed by the Distortion by your statement!
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

So basically in terms of brightness you're saying it goes invader-distortion-full shred? Where would the Custom lie in there?

Never really considered a Custom based on the 'PAF on steroids' description...maybe it means a LOT of steroids.

To elaborate on my earlier statement, I'm a lead guitarist so not only do I need really ballsy/thick/tight low end, but I also need enough cut in the leads.

I wouldn't totally rule out the Invader just yet, I still have it left over from my Ibanez. Plus, I haven't used it in my new rig yet; might sound better than it used to. I loved the bass response it had, really thick tone, but I don't know if it would have enough cut in the lead department because the EQ for that pickup is so bass heavy.
 
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Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

ThrashAttack said:
So basically in terms of brightness you're saying it goes invader-distortion-full shred? Where would the Custom lie in there?

Never really considered a Custom based on the 'PAF on steroids' description...maybe it means a LOT of steroids.

To elaborate on my earlier statement, I'm a lead guitarist so not only do I need really ballsy/thick/tight low end, but I also need enough cut in the leads.

I wouldn't totally rule out the Invader just yet, I still have it left over from my Ibanez. Plus, I haven't used it in my new rig yet; might sound better than it used to. I loved the bass response it had, really thick tone, but I don't know if it would have enough cut in the lead department because the EQ for that pickup is so bass heavy.
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What are your guitar woods?

If you liked the Invader but didn't know if it would have enough cut for leads,
the Full Shred might work.

I think the Full Shred has the lows, but I know the Distortion doesn't have bassy lows--has great cut though!

In a mahoghany bodied guitar with rosewood fretboard, it would give the Distortion depth, I think.

If brighter producing woods, I'd not choose the Distortion.

Also, if you settle on the Distortion--it has it's own personality and if one of your git's has a floating tremolo, I'd suggest the PATB-2 Distortion--it'll give bigger lows and destroying cut.

If all else fails, get a Dimebucker :) .
 
Re: Need help choosing pickups for my style of metal

I'm currently toying with these pickups in an Ibanez RG1570, basswood body (pretty neutral wood), maple neck and rosewood fretboard. It does have a floyd rose style floating trem though so all these pickups are f-spaced.

My next guitar though will most likely be a mahogany body, with either a mahogany or maple neck and rosewood fretboard.
 
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