Perpetual Burn - Initial Thoughts

[ErikH]

A few weeks ago I received the Perpetual Burn and eventually got around to installing it in a 2009 Les Paul Traditional Pro. It has push/pull pots on the volumes for split operation. After some tweaking of the pickup height, I think I have it where I like it. I went with the normal spaced model rather than a trembucker and honestly, the poles line up fine. The BB3 that was in there is slightly wider spaced, but not by much.

My initial thought when I played the guitar for a bit was it's almost like if a Pearly Gates and a Full Shred or Custom had a baby. There's some sizzle from the PG, the attack of the Full Shred and the punch from the Custom. Maybe it was a 3-way, I dunno....LOL. When split, it's got a really nice Stratty single-coil tone but it's more of an overwound tone. Very usable and very responsive. I really like it with lower gain settings. It has a nice and clear response, I can hear every note in a chord and that little sizzle fattens up the single notes. The sizzle could be from my amp setting but it wasn't there with the BB3 so I'm inclined to believe it's from the PB.

It's definitely a pickup that's not only for shredders but for any style, IMO. When I crank up the gain on my amp with it set to the 70's Marshall sound (Vox AV30 analog modeler) it's pure modern ZZ-Top with the squishy sizzle. When cleaned up, it's really clear. You better have your technique in check because you will hear your mistakes. It's really sensitive to height adjustment, more so than any other Duncan I've tried.

I'm really surprised there hasn't been more feedback on this pickup. It's fantastic and more players should try it if they haven't already. I'm glad I snatched one up.

If you haven't tried it:
DO IT!

 

[RockinProf]

Re: Perpetual Burn - Initial Thoughts

I completely agree. This is a fantastic pickup that has a sound of its own. I personally think it’s like a JB and a 59 made sweet, sweet love but that’s my take on it. I’ve tried a bunch of neck pickups with it, but a Jazz is just right. The PB is remarkably articulate. The bottom is super tight bad technique shines on this one, so have your chops down if performing with a PB. There’s no hiding in muddy bass like you can do with a JB. Highly recommend.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Perpetual Burn - Initial Thoughts

After spending more time with it, I'm finding that it is ridiculously sensitive to height adjustments. I thought I had it dialed in and then I decided to tweak the height some more. A half-turn makes a big difference. The split tone blows me away. I could use it that way a lot and be totally content with it. Next rehearsal will determine if it stays in the Les Paul or moves to a 25.5" scale guitar. I almost hate to try it in my Frankenstrat with the dual Screamin' Demons because I'm afraid it might replace the bridge slot. :/