Rio Grande BBQ vs. DM Super Distortion

[superpete]

Hey everyone,

I have a BBQ in a SG copy right now, and I like the thick sound i get. I've also heard the Super Distortion is a good pu for fattening up and SG, and I am getting curious. Does anyone know the differences/similarities between the BBQ and the Super Distortion?

 

[Travis]

Re: Rio Grande BBQ vs. DM Super Distortion

I had a BBQ in my Hamer Special FM and a Super Distortion in a Jackson JJP (7/8ths size Les Paul). Other than the maple cap, they were very similar guitars. First off, the Super Distortion had a much more open sound to it. It is hard to describe, but notes just seemed to snap out of the thing. It was very crisp and clear, not quite what I was expecting. Think late 70's hard rock tones a la Kiss Alive. The BBQ was kind of like a cross between a JB and a Pearly Gates. It was hotter than a PAF with a touch more bottom end. But it also had a bit too much top end for my personal taste. Harmonics were a little easier to coax out of the BBQ, but overall I preferred the eq of the Super Distortion. I could have used a little more lower mids from the BBQ and the Super Distortion. Both are great pickups, just not my cup of tea. The only way you'll know for sure is if you try them for yourself.

 

[superpete]

Re: Rio Grande BBQ vs. DM Super Distortion

I had a BBQ in my Hamer Special FM and a Super Distortion in a Jackson JJP (7/8ths size Les Paul). Other than the maple cap, they were very similar guitars. First off, the Super Distortion had a much more open sound to it. It is hard to describe, but notes just seemed to snap out of the thing. It was very crisp and clear, not quite what I was expecting. Think late 70's hard rock tones a la Kiss Alive. The BBQ was kind of like a cross between a JB and a Pearly Gates. It was hotter than a PAF with a touch more bottom end. But it also had a bit too much top end for my personal taste. Harmonics were a little easier to coax out of the BBQ, but overall I preferred the eq of the Super Distortion. I could have used a little more lower mids from the BBQ and the Super Distortion. Both are great pickups, just not my cup of tea. The only way you'll know for sure is if you try them for yourself.

Cool, thanks a lot! I think i will need to try them. it's funny that you'd say the BBQ had too much top end and needed more low mids. I find it is all low mids and not enough top end! Must be the guitar and the rig.