SD Custom Shop Pickups

[Micah]

I was wondering, Seymour Duncan doesnt post very much info on their Custom Shop Models on their website. Im sure many have tried some of these and could let me know what they sound like based on their expiriences. Mainly these models (but I'd be interested in any expiriences you've had with Custom Shop stuff) :

78 Model
Bug-Sey Bucker
Bro-Bucker
Crazy 8
Hawkbucker
S-Deco

Wudda-ya know?: popworm:

 

[heymcz]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

Micah, do a form search on BroBucker...you find a wealth of info. It is well loved around here. The Bug-sey Bucker is a JB with an Alnico II magnet, and apparently even Seymour uses it. Some people here have Crazy 8s, I think the general consensus was "meh", but I'm sure there are a few who love it.

There is lots of info on the EVH, also known as the '78 model, "Evenly Voiced Harmonics". It's a 9k, 42 gauge humbucker that is good for that early Eddie Van SomebodyorAnother sound. I found it dynamic, well-balanced, a tad smeary, but ultimately way too harsh in a bright guitar. It was okay, but not $160 worth of okay.

Now the S-Decos...man, nobody talks about those in any detail. Makes me think they're really good! I've searched all over the old threads and the info is really sparse. All I can figure it that they're overwound PAF style buckers that can sometimes be harsh...and they come in A2 or A5. S-Deco owners come forward!

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

The reason there isn't much info is because the Duncan Custom Shop is a true Custom Shop and they'll make pretty much anything you ask them to, or at least that's the impression I get.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

I love the Brobucker, because it falls somewhere in between a 59 and C5, theoretically.

The one I'm anxious to try is the Warren Demartini Model. $160 on one pickup is a bit steep for me though.

Sometimes, I wish the forum would ditch the idea of "forum pickups" and just allow us to order Custom Shop pickups for $100. I'd rather not gamble, but end up with something great for $100.

 

[LoFiBrian]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

I agree...

A large forum bro 78' order would prob be a popular bet...

 

[millsart]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

Micah, I say this will all due respect, but honestly if I were you I'd hold off a bit on any more pickup purchases. You just got an installed a C5 one or two days ago correct ?

I'm by no means telling you how to spend your money, but given you've only been a member here for a week or two, have already posted over 200 times about pickups, etc, I feel perhaps you've getting a bit caught up in things.

Again, I'm trying to say that as a friend. I've been there and done that, as I'm sure many forum memebers have.

Hell, I spent about $2k on fuzz pedals in a matter of weeks on ebay, because I got so wrapped up with them, talking about them, needed to have what I was talking about, having everything under the sun.

Then the thrill wore off, I realistically looked at what I needed for music I do, and I eneded up selling a bunch of them and taking a good sized loss, not huge but at least $500


Pickups are the same way my friend, you can get order a few custom shop models and next thing you know you've dropped a grand and suddenly you find yourself with a draw of pickups and start asking yourself what you bought them all for

Stick with and enjoy your C5 for a while. There will always be new pickups coming out and if you keep chasing them and spent all your time obsessing about them you'll miss out on the actual fun of simply playing music.


Its like a drug, that anticipation everytime you solder that last wire in and restring the guitar. So exciting wondering how its going to sound. Powerful stuff for sure.

But it doesn't last so try to keep levelheaded and think things through and don't impulsively buy things, instead wait a week or so and see if you still want it.


Custom Shop does great work, and I've had a number of pups, but for 99% of the users needs, theres a stock duncan for less than half the cost that will work just perfect.

I was wondering, Seymour Duncan doesnt post very much info on their Custom Shop Models on their website. Im sure many have tried some of these and could let me know what they sound like based on their expiriences. Mainly these models (but I'd be interested in any expiriences you've had with Custom Shop stuff) :

78 Model
Bug-Sey Bucker
Bro-Bucker
Crazy 8
Hawkbucker
S-Deco

Wudda-ya know?: popworm:

 

[Tele-Bob]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

I have a set of Hot P90's in Ric style toaster covers. They sound terrific!

 

[pzaxtl]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

Micah, I say this will all due respect, but honestly if I were you I'd hold off a bit on any more pickup purchases. You just got an installed a C5 one or two days ago correct ?

I'm by no means telling you how to spend your money, but given you've only been a member here for a week or two, have already posted over 200 times about pickups, etc, I feel perhaps you've getting a bit caught up in things.

Again, I'm trying to say that as a friend. I've been there and done that, as I'm sure many forum memebers have.

Hell, I spent about $2k on fuzz pedals in a matter of weeks on ebay, because I got so wrapped up with them, talking about them, needed to have what I was talking about, having everything under the sun.

Then the thrill wore off, I realistically looked at what I needed for music I do, and I eneded up selling a bunch of them and taking a good sized loss, not huge but at least $500


Pickups are the same way my friend, you can get order a few custom shop models and next thing you know you've dropped a grand and suddenly you find yourself with a draw of pickups and start asking yourself what you bought them all for

Stick with and enjoy your C5 for a while. There will always be new pickups coming out and if you keep chasing them and spent all your time obsessing about them you'll miss out on the actual fun of simply playing music.


Its like a drug, that anticipation everytime you solder that last wire in and restring the guitar. So exciting wondering how its going to sound. Powerful stuff for sure.

But it doesn't last so try to keep levelheaded and think things through and don't impulsively buy things, instead wait a week or so and see if you still want it.


Custom Shop does great work, and I've had a number of pups, but for 99% of the users needs, theres a stock duncan for less than half the cost that will work just perfect.

Some of the best advice ever! Kudos!

 

[Ayrton]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

I love the Brobucker, because it falls somewhere in between a 59 and C5, theoretically.

The one I'm anxious to try is the Warren Demartini Model. $160 on one pickup is a bit steep for me though.

Sometimes, I wish the forum would ditch the idea of "forum pickups" and just allow us to order Custom Shop pickups for $100. I'd rather not gamble, but end up with something great for $100.

That is what I am waiting on...

I want a Warren and a Brobucker to try out.

 

[jhale667]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

Some of the best advice ever! Kudos!

I agree, that was quite classy. Millsart, you're pretty cool.
And here I thought I was posting a lot for a 'newb'..:jester: Thanks for making me look conservative by comparison, Micah!
I had decided just prior to joining up here to change out the bridge 'buckers on 3 of my current guitars, and I'm also currently rebuilding 1 from a body I've had since high school...(was playing more 'metal' stuff, band was shooting for something akin to the Metallica 'Black Album' Hetfield rhythm sound, so was using EMGs in my guitars with humbuckers - already had the Mesa-Boogie, so... lol) but now I'm looking for a more 'organic' sound that will still do cleans AND handle Boogie MkIII lead channel gain....Still, that's a grand total of seven pickups overall...:chairfall (luckily still had the original HS-3 that came out of one, and I'm still totally okay with the Virtual Vintage combo Steve Blucher suggested for my 2 more 'traditional' Strats, but I've always preferred Duncan humbuckers for passive applications). Luckily I still get a fairly hefty discount from a former music-store employer - and I've been quite lucky on Ebay - though I did get a Classic Stack that turned out to have a busted ground wire last week - only out $20 on that one(whatever...would've spent that much on a movie, and am currently winning a brand NEW STK-S1N to replace it cheap, so no biggie. Otherwise, my wallet would be in more pain than it already is...:scared:
I'm only doing it somewhat simultaneously due to the fact my cover thing is about to get going again, usually take 2 with 'buckers and 1 'traditional', and I don't want to spend the entire night switching my amp settings around every other song. But if you're not in a scenario like that, I'd advise taking it slowly, Micah...not regarding your postings, just your purchasing! Y'know, unless you're independently wealthy or something, if that's the case then never mind, have at it...hahhaa

Having said that, I also wanna try a '78, Bugsey and Brobucker, too...I like the $100 forum Custom Shop idea...
Still haven't dropped the cash for that Alt8, either...:lmao:
I agree it's TOO easy to drive yourself nuts with all the possibilities...my brain hurts!

 

[donahue]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

Sometimes, I wish the forum would ditch the idea of "forum pickups" and just allow us to order Custom Shop pickups for $100. I'd rather not gamble, but end up with something great for $100.

+1 ditto exactly 100%

I've been trying to say this for the "new" one, but I get feeback such as boring dull, why, when we can stroke our egos and make something up with unrealilistic specs.

 

[uOpt]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

What would happen if we all (those interested) put in prepaid orders for 78s at the same time?

That should allows SD to drive the price to somewhere between floor and custom shop for that order, no?

 

[jeremy]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

I love the Brobucker, because it falls somewhere in between a 59 and C5, theoretically.

The one I'm anxious to try is the Warren Demartini Model. $160 on one pickup is a bit steep for me though.

Sometimes, I wish the forum would ditch the idea of "forum pickups" and just allow us to order Custom Shop pickups for $100. I'd rather not gamble, but end up with something great for $100.

i hear ya but the idea is that mj and seymour can wind ## of the same pup which helps facilitate the discount

 

[gnoj_LL]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

What would happen if we all (those interested) put in prepaid orders for 78s at the same time?

That should allows SD to drive the price to somewhere between floor and custom shop for that order, no?

+1

i like the idea.. how many would it take so that SD can offer a sweet discount?

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

What would happen if we all (those interested) put in prepaid orders for 78s at the same time?

That should allows SD to drive the price to somewhere between floor and custom shop for that order, no?

I don't see why that would lower the price, to be honest. They'd still be putting in the same amount of work.

 

[Micah]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

Micah, I say this will all due respect, but honestly if I were you I'd hold off a bit on any more pickup purchases. You just got an installed a C5 one or two days ago correct ?

Milsart--
I really do appreciate that! Your a good man for sharing your expiriences so that others can possibly prevent mistakes (if their willing to heed warning ;-) People like you are really what this forum is all about--people willing to help a brotha/sista out!

Im completely with you on the GAS syndrome! Im actually not looking to necessarily buy any of these pickups. My goal is to understand what makes them special and then take the pickups that I have laying around @ home and mix and match them to make other variations with little to no extra cost involved. I believe Im really starting to understand the way Seymour Duncan gets the different tones they do out of the different pickup mags, pole pieces, and winds. I have this forum to thank for about 100 percent of that (other than the pickup trials Ive had through prior purchases). Incredible information and knowledgable/caring players on this forum!! Thumbs up to everyone for that!

I really want to get as much information as I can about humbuckers so that I wil REALLY understand what makes them tick (as a means to come up with some great pickup combinations and find THE sound Im searching for @ little cost-EVH style ;-) ).

My hypothesis as of yet is that Seymour came up with a certain group of pickup combinations (for humbuckers) that are essentially a few different winds (for the most part). 42 guage wire being the vintage line putting it about 8-9K, 43 guage being the hotter 14K custom and Full Shred pickups, and the 44 guage 16K line being the hotter JB, DD, Invader pickups. All 3 of these different guage/wind combinations essentially have the same mass of copper, but because of the 43 and 44 guage wires are smaller, it took more turns of wire to get the bobbins "Full", thus Increasing the DC Resistance to 14 and 16K.

Some of the other differences are Magnet strengths. The Alnico 2 will emphisize the mids, but is a weaker magnet that will be warmer and cause a decrease in the lows and top end. The Alnico 5 causes an increase in the top and bottom end leaving the mid-range more "scooped" in nature compared to the Alnico 2. The Ceramic magnet combination is most powerfull and will overdrive the front end of your amp causing the notes to compress. It has a pernounced upper mid-range clarity and bottom end (depending on Wind) with an increase in the midrange over the Alnico 5 magnet type.

The othermajor differences are the differences in pole pieces and/or slugs. There are the standard slotted screws that are the bassis for the Humbucker sound. The large black oxide cap screws found in the invader, increase metal mass in the center of the windings and pernounce the bass and mid-range frequencies. The inverted allen screws decrease the metal mass and pernounce the treble response and lower the mid-range and bass response when compared to the standard slotted screws/slugs. The blade pieces decrease the metal mass like the inverted allen screws and give a more balanced response during bends.

Just knowing this information gives a world of possibilities and thats not even getting into the Idea of creating Hybrids ;-)

Now, as far as these custom shop pickups.... Im sure that they are a compromise between a couple or even 3 pickups that are in the production line. All they are doing is exactly what we do by swapping things around. If I had an Idea of what is going on tonally with these pickups....I could be my own custom shop tech! Thats the main reason for this post--not necessarily to buy any of them--not that Im against buying them, just looking for a way to understand them myself better and "define the secret behind the magic" that SD or other pickup manufacturers are doing to get different pickups. Id rather have something original--know what I mean ;-)

 

[Fikealox]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

Just as a note... My understanding is that the gauge of wire will affect DC resistance simply by virtue of the gauge, not as a result of the winding. A thinner wire will have a higher resistance than a thicker wire over an equivalent distance. Winding only comes into play when you're talking AC, and then you're talking impedance instead of resistance.

That said, impedance increases with inductance and with DC resistance. In turn, inductance is increased by increased turns... And like you said, thinner wire should mean an increased number of turns... so you're right, but it's a bit more of a complex relationship.

DC resistance is what people talk about when they're talking pickups, but it's really a bit of a rough-and-ready shorthand for impedance, since they're generally reasonably proportional.

I hope that's not an overload of information, and isn't too badly phrased and difficult to decypher, but you seem interested in the whole topic, so I thought I'd chip in

-Liam

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

I don't see why that would lower the price, to be honest. They'd still be putting in the same amount of work.

Not really. A lot of the work they do is things like setting up the winding machine for this type of bobbin and then re-setting it up for another type of bobbin. When they wind a bunch of the same bobbins, the setup time is spread over the entire lot of bobbins. That's a small example. But extend that over bobbin assembly, winding, hookup, waxing, packing, etc., and you can see how the economies of scale start to add up.

That's where your Forum discount comes in.

Well, that and the fact that we love you more than our other customers (but if you tell anyone I said that I'll deny it).

:blindfold

 

[Micah]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

I agree, that was quite classy. Millsart, you're pretty cool.
Micah...not regarding your postings, just your purchasing! Y'know, unless you're independently wealthy or something, if that's the case then never mind, have at it...hahhaa

Nope! Not wealthy @ all! Just inquisitive! Ive been able to trade things I currently had for 3 pickups since joining this forum! I think that in itself is pretty awesome! I traded my C5 for a full shred, my DMZ Norton for a Tone Zone and worked out a Deal with Hamerfan from Germany for a CC/59 Hybrid Thats pretty freaking awesome! I also just got a Custom SH-5 that i purchased. I really like that one!

The other 3 cost me 5 bucks apiece for shipping on my end! I also bought a gross of 100 inverted allen screws Ive been messing with ;-)

You can do a bunch with little money with a little imagination;-) Thats pure fun for me! Plus I get to really understand whats' going on with these things through expiramentation--thats what EVH did to get the "trademark sound" everyone is searching for--whay cant I mess around and accidentally find something incredible. Bachtorock found something like that with the Hybrids (not sure if he was the first, but definatly knowledgeable) ;-)

 

[Micah]

Re: SD Custom Shop Pickups

Just as a note... My understanding is that the gauge of wire will affect DC resistance simply by virtue of the gauge, not as a result of the winding. A thinner wire will have a higher resistance than a thicker wire over an equivalent distance. Winding only comes into play when you're talking AC, and then you're talking impedance instead of resistance.

That said, impedance increases with inductance and with DC resistance. In turn, inductance is increased by increased turns... And like you said, thinner wire should mean an increased number of turns... so you're right, but it's a bit more of a complex relationship.

DC resistance is what people talk about when they're talking pickups, but it's really a bit of a rough-and-ready shorthand for impedance, since they're generally reasonably proportional.

I hope that's not an overload of information, and isn't too badly phrased and difficult to decypher, but you seem interested in the whole topic, so I thought I'd chip in

-Liam

Nope! Great info man! Thanks!