What is the darkest and warmest Duncan for hard rock?

papersoul

papersoul

New member
Hi all,

Can anyone think of a rather dark and warm Duncan pickup that is still tight enough in the lows for a high gain amp?

My LP Standard is naturally bright, 3-D and resonant and I have struggled with a bridge pickup in it from day one. I tend to run the tone at 6 or 7 to roll off highs. I thought the Custom/59 Hybrid was my answer but I got sick of the crisp highs in this guitar.

Any ideas on something low to medium output that is neutral or dark?

If I can't find the right Duncan, I am interested in the Dimarzio 36th Anniversary PAF set since Dimarzio lists the bass, mids and highs as neutral, around 5 on a scale of 1 - 10.

Thanks!
 
Re: What is the darkest and warmest Duncan for hard rock?

A set of graphtech bridge saddles should give you all the 'dark' you want. Lower value pots decrease the pickups' resonant peak so that could be your ticket, too.

The Custom Custom is plenty warm but loose. Call that "chewy", if you prefer.
Maybe a Jazz could do you some good, who knows? I'm not an avid user nor a les paul player so can't really help.

Tight low end & a subdued, smooth treble is how I'd describe the Dimarzio voicing. Whether it fits your guitar, amp, technique and most importantly, taste, is another story.
 
Re: What is the darkest and warmest Duncan for hard rock?

I just installed a Rio Grande Texas in the bridge this morning and I think I like it a lot, even with a 500K volume pot. Tight as well! Each guitar is different ya know? I love, love, love the Duncan Little 59 in my Tele, but in my Gibsons I tend to like Rio Grande pickups. In my PRS, I like them stock. Fenders I prefer Seymour Duncan or Dimarzio, depending on the guitar. :)

Thanks for the chat and help.
 
Re: What is the darkest and warmest Duncan for hard rock?

The old 18v Live Wire Metal HB.
 
Re: What is the darkest and warmest Duncan for hard rock?

I think I finally have it. All 500K pots in my LP with a Rio Texas bridge and Gibson HB-R neck and the SG also has all 500K pots with the Rio BBQ bridge and Gibsoin HB-R neck. The Rios balance better with the neck pickups better than the stock bridge HB-L did. Go figure. I like!
 
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