Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

[BartOfDarkness]

I really like the sound of my ESP maverick right now. I got it along with a DiMarzio Norton because I thought it would have crappy stock ESP made pickup like what was in the neck position, but it turns out it's an old no logo Duncan Distortion, and again, I really like it.

That being said I want something to dial down the super abrasive top end by a bit. Its the punch and the definition that I like about the distortion and while I know that definition comes from the treble response, I just want something a tad more tame. I'm not gonna use the Norton because I don't want it to sound like an entirely new guitar, I'm just fine tuning things

The PATB-2 has been on the radar for awhile, and from word of mouth, it could be exactly what I'm looking for, but the concern is that it won't play nice with a singlecoil.

As I was writing this it occurred to me I could always mag swag for a regular sized ceramic aswell :33: let me know what you guys think I'm open to suggestions

 

[Clint 55]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Putting an alnico bar in there will tame it.

 

[Dahla]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

250/300k volume pot. Done. [emoji4]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BlueSnMettle]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

250/300k volume pot. Done.

I'd try this. Fast, easy, reversible.

 

[Despair]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

I really like the sound of my ESP maverick right now. I got it along with a DiMarzio Norton because I thought it would have crappy stock ESP made pickup like what was in the neck position, but it turns out it's an old no logo Duncan Distortion, and again, I really like it.

That being said I want something to dial down the super abrasive top end by a bit. Its the punch and the definition that I like about the distortion and while I know that definition comes from the treble response, I just want something a tad more tame. I'm not gonna use the Norton because I don't want it to sound like an entirely new guitar, I'm just fine tuning things

The PATB-2 has been on the radar for awhile, and from word of mouth, it could be exactly what I'm looking for, but the concern is that it won't play nice with a singlecoil.

As I was writing this it occurred to me I could always mag swag for a regular sized ceramic aswell :33: let me know what you guys think I'm open to suggestions

The PATB-2 is less harsh on the high end. It still has a ceramic punch, and is a similar wind to the standard Distortion [just moreso, and with Parallel Axis behaviors -- extended but smooth harmonics, it is still very responsive to pick attack, and improved sustain]. It is also hotter and more compressed, and a bit thicker, woollier low end. Not so much that it can't thrash, but there are a fair number of people who strongly prefer the original Distortion for it's tight low end. Same people tend to like it's biting [I'd say grating] high end, too.

The volume change between the PATB-2 and a single coil might be excessive, but a lot of players like extreme differences between neck & bridge volume. PATB-2 is still routinely matched with standard neck pickups.

Lower resistance volume/tone are a good idea, but I wouldn't be surprised if the guitar already has that. Worth checking, and giving a try.

You could try an A8 magnet, to try to keep the punch, but the shaved off treble may be too much. I don't think a thin ceramic would do it, it'd mostly just lower output, not reduce the ceramic bite. I don't know if other alnico magnets would do what you want, either. A5 would make it very similar to a JB, losing the ceramic punch and definition. A2 is wonderful for smooth leads, but even less definition and punch...

If you'd rather avoid swapping pickups, after checking your potentiometer resistances, a parametric EQ might be the way to go. Set as narrow as possible, maximum cut, sweep until the harshness disappears, then reduce the cut until it only removes no more than is necessary.

I'd personally go for the Parallel Axis, but then I don't get along with ceramic harshness AT ALL...

 

[jclogston]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

What about the PATB-1?

 

[Despair]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

What about the PATB-1?

Terrific pickup, but the PATB-1b sounds nothing like a Distortion. More like a Custom 5 with sweeter, singing upper mids/high end. Roll the tone off and it sounds more like a punchier Custom Custom. Ridiculously flexible, but not a focused metal monster like the PATB-2 or even TB-6.

 

[jclogston]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Terrific pickup, but the PATB-1b sounds nothing like a Distortion. More like a Custom 5 with sweeter, singing upper mids/high end. Roll the tone off and it sounds more like a punchier Custom Custom. Ridiculously flexible, but not a focused metal monster like the PATB-2 or even TB-6.

Thanks for the info. I was going to pick one up but good thing I didn't. I love the distortion and the patb-2. Is the crazy 8 similar to either of the two?

 

[jclogston]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Terrific pickup, but the PATB-1b sounds nothing like a Distortion. More like a Custom 5 with sweeter, singing upper mids/high end. Roll the tone off and it sounds more like a punchier Custom Custom. Ridiculously flexible, but not a focused metal monster like the PATB-2 or even TB-6.

Thanks for the info. I was going to pick one up but good thing I didn't. I love the distortion and the patb-2. Is the crazy 8 similar to either of the two?

 

[BartOfDarkness]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Thanks for chiming in guys. I'm gonna try the 300k volume first and if I'm not digging it, I'll just bite the bullet on the PATB-2 and maybe get a different neck pickup. The plan was to put a heavy blues 2 in the neck, but I might try a hot stack or parallel axis stack. I'll skip the mag swap, I'm a pretty big fan of ceramic mags, it's just too much of a good thing right now

 

[Despair]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Thanks for the info. I was going to pick one up but good thing I didn't. I love the distortion and the patb-2. Is the crazy 8 similar to either of the two?

The Crazy 8 is an oddball. It's underwound, where compared to a conventional pickup, PATBs are normally overwound. So it's very bright for an A8 magnet pickup. Tight, bright, punchy, with great harmonics, but very different from other Parallel Axis pickups or the Distortion.

The PATB-1b is a fun pickup, it doesn't have as severe a midscoop as the standard Custom 5. I prefer it to a JB in the bridge of my Ibanez RG570. It's got more of everything except upper midrange spike. Even competes for the way harmonics scream out, though they sound different.

PATB-1b might be interesting to try with ceramic or A8, but I haven't tried those yet. If it behaves at all like a Custom does with those magnets, I'd expect to love the A8.

 

[Despair]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

A lot of people like the PA-STK, but I think I'd do an STK-S7 Vintage Hot Stack Plus, STK-S6 Custom Stack Plus, or STK-S9 Hot Stack Plus, depending on how high output a neck pickup is wanted. Original STK-S2 Hot Stack could be fun as well.

Or go with something really out there like a Sustainiac Stealth Pro, though I hear installation is much more involved than a simple pickup install...

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

I have the PATB-1 in my only 80's shred type guitar, with the PA-STK in the neck. I just use it in a H/S configuration. Look up Alvarez Dana Scoop if you're interested.

The PATB-1 is the best pickup I've ever found for this guitar. It's not as aggressive as the Distortion, but I put it in the JB range, although it's better at everything than the JB, but without the annoying upper mid spike. It's great for all 80's style metal and even does Metallica stuff well. It has all the grind I want from it, but it does have a sweetness to it that's missing from the distortion. The PA-STK is a great match for it, and sounds sweet and full, for a noiseless single. I really need to get that guitar set back up and play it more.

I think you'd like the PATB-2 and if you wanted something JBish, the PATB-1 would be my hands down choice, and I have an old double cream JB from the late 70's or early 80's in my collection. I think the PATB-1 sounds better, but my PATB is from the 80's as well.

I'll be interested to hear how you like the PATB-2. You should love it.

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Use the screws and move it further from your strings..... totally free.

 

[BartOfDarkness]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Use the screws and move it further from your strings..... totally free.

Already tried it

I have the PATB-1 in my only 80's shred type guitar, with the PA-STK in the neck. I just use it in a H/S configuration. Look up Alvarez Dana Scoop if you're interested.

The PATB-1 is the best pickup I've ever found for this guitar. It's not as aggressive as the Distortion, but I put it in the JB range, although it's better at everything than the JB, but without the annoying upper mid spike. It's great for all 80's style metal and even does Metallica stuff well. It has all the grind I want from it, but it does have a sweetness to it that's missing from the distortion. The PA-STK is a great match for it, and sounds sweet and full, for a noiseless single. I really need to get that guitar set back up and play it more.

I think you'd like the PATB-2 and if you wanted something JBish, the PATB-1 would be my hands down choice, and I have an old double cream JB from the late 70's or early 80's in my collection. I think the PATB-1 sounds better, but my PATB is from the 80's as well.

I'll be interested to hear how you like the PATB-2. You should love it.

I'll have to take another look at the PA-STK to be honest I was only considering it because it would be a matching set. I'm impulsive though so who knows what will actually go in the neck haha. Pretty much sold on the PATB-2 though, I might actually snag one in the next few days, I can always put the original distortion back in if I don't like it

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Double thick A8 in the Distortion. Same character but less zzzzz.

 

[Returned]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

I have the PATB-1 in my only 80's shred type guitar, with the PA-STK in the neck. I just use it in a H/S configuration. Look up Alvarez Dana Scoop if you're interested.

The PATB-1 is the best pickup I've ever found for this guitar. It's not as aggressive as the Distortion, but I put it in the JB range, although it's better at everything than the JB, but without the annoying upper mid spike. It's great for all 80's style metal and even does Metallica stuff well. It has all the grind I want from it, but it does have a sweetness to it that's missing from the distortion.

JB for me, that 'annoying' EQ is what gets you heard live or on tracks. You don't get all the frequencies to yourself in a band, and IMO one of the reasons the JB has staying power is that it retains its character when surrounded by other instruments much better than most other 'hot' pickups to ever come along.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

^^^This is very true. There is a difference between those of us that play at home and those competing for space in a band setting. Considering the popularity of the JB since it came out and it's abundance in 80's rock and metal, the JB is still (I believe) one of the most recorded pickups of all time.

 

[Returned]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

And the 90s, with Cobain and Cantrell plus Mustaine and Scott Ian soldiering on at the very least.

I've you ever watched a producer or engineer narrow instruments into certain frequency bands on a track you'll see where a focussed sound like a JB or a nasally Jazz bass are so useful live yet can be a bit grating in isolation.

Plus, I dig the clean honk, it is reminiscent of some old 50s bridge pickups. And split it fakes a tele well enough for covers.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Want a pickup like a Duncan Distortion with less grind. PATB-2?

Thanks for the info. I was going to pick one up but good thing I didn't. I love the distortion and the patb-2. Is the crazy 8 similar to either of the two?

I have no experience with the PATB-2, but I do with the Distortion and the Crazy 8. The Distortion does one thing, and it's made a name for itself doing it. Personally, I find it to be too much of a good thing. That being said, I don't play that type of metal, anyway. I top out at the Rust In Peace era Megadeth levels of gain.

The Crazy 8 is an amazing pickup. It's clear, dynamic, and full. Turn the volume knob to 3, and it cleans up while still retaining character and clarity. Turn to 7, and you've got a full-on crunch machine, volume up full, and it's just full and thick. Punchy without being over-the-top, and just a phenomenal pickup. I finally landed on it (again) in my Les Paul after not being totally satisfied with the Distortion, any of the Custom flavors (although the Custom 8 was really close), the Screaming Demon, the Alnico II Pro, the PATB-1, and the Super Distortion.

I don't think it's a tight, percussive, metal beast like the Titans or the SLUG, but it's a great pickup.