I was wondering if this is a good pick up, there are no good videos on youtube with it. I was thinking of getting this with an alnico 2 pro in the neck and use the triple shots for both of them along with push/pull phase and push/pull series parallel volume pots. I love the way the alnico 2 pro sounds but want something higher output for the bridge but still have that sweet sound. I want to get a vintage tone while being able to throw some screaming pinch harmonics in for the heavier stuff. BTW I plan on putting it in a Les Paul.
SH-11 Custom Custom
- Thread starter Mike24121
- Start date
IanBallard
New member
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
The Custom Custom is really more for bright guitars, like Super Strats. If you have a Les Paul that has a particularly bright character, it will sound great. You might consider the SH-5 Custom, which has a ceramic and, according to the SD web description has a "PAF on steroids" tone. You will definitely get screaming harmonics with either pickup, but if you want thick mids, less highs and spongy lows, do the CC. If you want a bit more top end and tighter bass, get the Custom.
The Custom Custom is really more for bright guitars, like Super Strats. If you have a Les Paul that has a particularly bright character, it will sound great. You might consider the SH-5 Custom, which has a ceramic and, according to the SD web description has a "PAF on steroids" tone. You will definitely get screaming harmonics with either pickup, but if you want thick mids, less highs and spongy lows, do the CC. If you want a bit more top end and tighter bass, get the Custom.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
Welcome aboard!
Duncan uses these coils on three production PU's, and just changes the magnets: CC (A2) which is very warm with a rounded high end (and often too dark in an LP), C5 (A5) is bright with scooped mids (usually very good in LP's and SG's), and Custom (ceramic) is high output and a little harsh (especially clean), and lacks the warmth & dynamics of an alnico.
The users have come up with a couple more variants in the Custom series: the C8 (A8) which is high output, with a good dose of mids, and less treble than a C5, but more than a CC. It's a very popular PU here, especially in mahogany, and is used by rock, blues, and metal players. Excellent PU.
The other one gaining popularity is the C5 with an unoriented A5 magnet. UOA5 magnets sound like a cross betwwen an A2 and an A5, with the best of both: rich dynamics, good output, full mids, firm low-end, and moderate treble. To some of us, it's even better than a C8.
There is no virtue in having the same magnet in the bridge and neck PU's. You get no extra points for that. We're far more concerned about getting the right PU and magnet in each location, and that may or may not be the same kind of magnet.
Welcome aboard!
Duncan uses these coils on three production PU's, and just changes the magnets: CC (A2) which is very warm with a rounded high end (and often too dark in an LP), C5 (A5) is bright with scooped mids (usually very good in LP's and SG's), and Custom (ceramic) is high output and a little harsh (especially clean), and lacks the warmth & dynamics of an alnico.
The users have come up with a couple more variants in the Custom series: the C8 (A8) which is high output, with a good dose of mids, and less treble than a C5, but more than a CC. It's a very popular PU here, especially in mahogany, and is used by rock, blues, and metal players. Excellent PU.
The other one gaining popularity is the C5 with an unoriented A5 magnet. UOA5 magnets sound like a cross betwwen an A2 and an A5, with the best of both: rich dynamics, good output, full mids, firm low-end, and moderate treble. To some of us, it's even better than a C8.
There is no virtue in having the same magnet in the bridge and neck PU's. You get no extra points for that. We're far more concerned about getting the right PU and magnet in each location, and that may or may not be the same kind of magnet.
AudioWonderland
New member
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
I use that setup in a PRS Cu22 minus the triple shots. I do use the stock push pulls on that guitar. Sounds really good with my gear.
I use that setup in a PRS Cu22 minus the triple shots. I do use the stock push pulls on that guitar. Sounds really good with my gear.
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V
Varg
Guest
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
I loved the CC in a strat, but I'm not too keen on it in a Les Paul, there are better pickups around for your LP.
I loved the CC in a strat, but I'm not too keen on it in a Les Paul, there are better pickups around for your LP.
IanBallard
New member
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
Mike, you can buy different magnets on eBay through "AddictionFX". If you do a search for Alnico magnets, their store items will come up. They are cheap and as Blueman implied, simply swapping the magnet (which takes only the time to unwrap the tape around the coils , loosen the coil screws and carefully removing the magnet and putting a new one in) creates a completely new pickup. So it doesn't matter which "Custom" you buy, since you can change it's character for under $10 bucks in 10 minutes. How awesome is THAT?
Mike, you can buy different magnets on eBay through "AddictionFX". If you do a search for Alnico magnets, their store items will come up. They are cheap and as Blueman implied, simply swapping the magnet (which takes only the time to unwrap the tape around the coils , loosen the coil screws and carefully removing the magnet and putting a new one in) creates a completely new pickup. So it doesn't matter which "Custom" you buy, since you can change it's character for under $10 bucks in 10 minutes. How awesome is THAT?
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
I have a CC in an Epi Lest Paul Classic (and it is a bright LP). I honestly love it. Fat highs, hugh cutting mids, and crunch. However - as was said - it isn't for all LP's or players.
The A2P/CC combo is awesome if fat sweet highs are what you are all about. Good combo. Very Allman's.
Remember - raising the treble poles can bring out the highs and shorter or hex poles can tighten the bass response.
I have a CC in an Epi Lest Paul Classic (and it is a bright LP). I honestly love it. Fat highs, hugh cutting mids, and crunch. However - as was said - it isn't for all LP's or players.
The A2P/CC combo is awesome if fat sweet highs are what you are all about. Good combo. Very Allman's.
Remember - raising the treble poles can bring out the highs and shorter or hex poles can tighten the bass response.
skynyrd
New member
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
I don`t mess with the tape around the coils, I just loosen the screws to the bobbins and raise the coils gently and slide out the mag, give that a try next swap Ian, think you`ll find it a little easier and less reassembly work.
Mike, you can buy different magnets on eBay through "AddictionFX". If you do a search for Alnico magnets, their store items will come up. They are cheap and as Blueman implied, simply swapping the magnet (which takes only the time to unwrap the tape around the coils , loosen the coil screws and carefully removing the magnet and putting a new one in) creates a completely new pickup. So it doesn't matter which "Custom" you buy, since you can change it's character for under $10 bucks in 10 minutes. How awesome is THAT?
I don`t mess with the tape around the coils, I just loosen the screws to the bobbins and raise the coils gently and slide out the mag, give that a try next swap Ian, think you`ll find it a little easier and less reassembly work.
IanBallard
New member
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
Yeah, I suppose that would work. I made a hybrid out of mine though... you kinda have to remove the tape there.
Yeah, I suppose that would work. I made a hybrid out of mine though... you kinda have to remove the tape there.
cvansickle
New member
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
In my Charvel So-Cal (a very Super Strat!), I use a Custom Custom bridge with a Pearly Gates neck. I love this combination! Not only does each pickup sound excellent by itself, but these two blend together very well for a usable middle sound too.
In my Charvel So-Cal (a very Super Strat!), I use a Custom Custom bridge with a Pearly Gates neck. I love this combination! Not only does each pickup sound excellent by itself, but these two blend together very well for a usable middle sound too.
Re: SH-11 Custom Custom
I have never been a fan of the Customs in a Les Paul. I hate the ceramic mag sound, the C5 sounds too hollow and blah, and the CC is too muddy. I do, however, absolutely LOVE the C8 in the bridge of an SG.
The Alnico2Pro is an excellent choice for the neck. A perfect compliment for the bridge would be a Pearly Gates. Just what you want...slightly higher output, vintage tone, screaming leads with great harmonics (think Rev Billy G. here).
A '59 with a UOA5 would also be good.
I would absolutely go with the PG in the bridge for what you want. Forget about the Customs, you'll end up constantly fighting with them, changing mags, replacing and tweaking pole piece screws, and being either slightly discontent (thinking it's close to what you want) or extremely disappointed with them. Might as well start with the pup that you're really after...PG.
I have never been a fan of the Customs in a Les Paul. I hate the ceramic mag sound, the C5 sounds too hollow and blah, and the CC is too muddy. I do, however, absolutely LOVE the C8 in the bridge of an SG.
The Alnico2Pro is an excellent choice for the neck. A perfect compliment for the bridge would be a Pearly Gates. Just what you want...slightly higher output, vintage tone, screaming leads with great harmonics (think Rev Billy G. here).
A '59 with a UOA5 would also be good.
I would absolutely go with the PG in the bridge for what you want. Forget about the Customs, you'll end up constantly fighting with them, changing mags, replacing and tweaking pole piece screws, and being either slightly discontent (thinking it's close to what you want) or extremely disappointed with them. Might as well start with the pup that you're really after...PG.
