Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

[fenderiarhs]

........I was thinking of giving it one more chance but it is been a long time since i have used it(9 years ago)and i don't remember how it sounded. So my main problem is that i think it sounded quite trebly and i hate pickups with a lot of treble(like the C5). Does it actually have a lot of treble or do i have a weak memory?
Outputwise how does it compare to the JB or the emg85?And the bass responce compared to the JB(or the emg85)?

 

[Travis]

Re: Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

I find the Distortion to be less trebly than the JB. Both are pretty much the same output. The DD may be a seem a little hotter and more aggressive due to the massive ceramic magnet. The DD has quite a bit of lower mids and I think the bass response is better with the Distortion as well. I can't compare either to an EMG 85, but I did have a couple of 89s at one time. The EMGs just seemed a little flat compared to the Distortion. A lot of people will disagree but I stand by my thought that the EMGs sound sterile.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

No passive pickup is really gonna compare to an EMG as far as output goes (maybe the DMZ X2N...), but anywho, the Distortion totally kicks ass. It's slowly but surely pushing the Invader & Dimebucker outta my #1 passive pickup slot.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

Both are pretty much the same output. The DD may be a seem a little hotter and more aggressive due to the massive ceramic magnet.

Actually, it is hotter, just because of that magnet. I've compared my DD side by side with 3 other guitars that had JB's...it always gets more gain, and sounds more aggressive.

I still love the hell out of both, though. For JB's, I find they work best in alder with a 250K tone pot, and a 500k volume pot.

 

[YJM_Rocks]

Re: Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

How is the DD as a neck pickup in basswood for shred? Bridge?

 

[Artie]

Re: Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

I have a DD in the neck of a poplar body. Its the guitar I end up picking up the most. To me, its sharp and clear. But the main thing I like about it is its split tone. It becomes even sharper and clearer, without being shrill. It has a "hint" of single-coil chime, but not so much that you'ld mistake it for a Strat.

I was almost going to make this a single-pickup guitar, with the DD alone in the neck, but I think Travis convinced me that a matching DD in the bridge would be killer.

Maybe I'll post a short clip, once everyone is up and gone . . . . :laugh2:

 

[Travis]

Re: Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

I had a Distortion in the neck of an alder bolt on superstrat and I currently have one in the neck of a mahogany body, maple top, set maple neck superstrat (Charvel 750xl). A pair of Distortions is the perfect set up for shred. I also have a DD/Full Shred in another 750xl. That is also a great shred combo.

 

[Artie]

Re: Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

For a quick peek at what a Distortion can do on its day off, check this clip I just posted:

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=35116

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Opinions on the Duncan Distortion

I use a DD in the bridge of one of my Strats. Tone to the Bone. I will never replace it with another pup.