New bridge pup for SG?

mr breaker

New member
I have had a sh-5 custom (bridge) in my standard SG for a long time. I like the sound, it cuts and is very articulate but I don't love how it "feels". It almost seems like it doesn't have a fast attack. I'm sure I'm doing a terrible job of describing it.

Anyway, I play punk/rock mostly with high gain amps like the Mark V and Bogner Ecstasy. I've been reading about the Alternative 8 and Crazy 8, both seem interesting.

Anyone have any suggestions or similar experience?
 
Re: New bridge pup for SG?

When I got my SG (now gone) it had a JB in the bridge. I wound up putting a ceramic magnet in it, in effect making a Distortion lite. I'd recommend a Distortion, it should sound awesome in your guitar.
 
Re: New bridge pup for SG?

Thanks for the replies. I think my first stab at my description was off. The attack is fast on the Custom, but I think maybe what I'm after is a slightly "hotter" pickup.

I've read a lot of the other related threads. The "C8" seems interesting to me as well, but where can I get one? I don't see any place to order one. I think right now I'm on the fence between that and the Crazy 8.

(As far as amps go, right now I've been switching between the Mark V and an Axe FX)
 
Last edited:
Re: New bridge pup for SG?

C8 or Custom-8 is any one of the SD Custom pups with an A8 put in it instead of the stock magnets. This is not a production pup, so you have to do it yourself or find someone to do it for you, but it's super easy.
 
Re: New bridge pup for SG?

The Custom8 will definitely "feel" more forgiving to play. It will be warmer overall (though still bright) than the regular custom while retaining the big low end and staying tight. I don't think it would be any tighter though. A distortion would definitely be tighter and have more output; it also really cuts through a mix.

I play in a skate punk band, so when you described what you play, I checked your group out. You guys sound great! That said, I will throw a curveball your way: if you guys were playing really fast and aggressive like say, Atlas losing grip or Strung out....punk with some metal influences, I would say tighter and hotter might be a good fit. But you guys are more rock oriented with a lot of dynamics and I honestly think going in the opposite direction would yield better results. There are hotter PAF's out there that still hit your amps front end, stay tight and also have lots of dynamics and chime!
 
Re: New bridge pup for SG?

Well, since he said that he wanted more output than the Custom, putting an A8 magnet in the Custom would actually reduce the output. While a C8 does sound fantastic, it wouldn't solve his problem.

You're gonna love the DD. Better response and clarity than the Custom and more output.
 
Re: New bridge pup for SG?

What's the easiest way to get my hands on a Custom 8?


You can either buy any of the Customs and replace the mag with an A8 mag (a very simple mod to do yourself),
or have your tech replace the mag for you,
or you can order it from Duncan as a Shop Floor Custom (I believe).
 
Re: New bridge pup for SG?

Ok. I already have a Custom. Where do you order the A8 magents? Sorry, I'm new to swapping magnets.
 
Back
Top