What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

[Jocelyn]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

I honestly don't see enough difference in 24 versus 22 fret. I think it's more the guitar maker's fault if they are putting the humbucker where it gets a sucky signal from the strings. I have a 24fret Showmaster and 22 fret Lite Ash Stratocaster and neither has issues: because Fender put the pickups where they need to go.

Yup your probaly right... may be it is the guitar maker's fault. But maybe the right pickup could solve the problem.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

It's less noticable with a single coil pickup assuming the 22 fretter has the pickup in the Strat location and the 24 fretter has it pushed up flush with the fretboard. With a humbucker there's such a large section of the string being heard that stepping it back 1/4" or more is definitely noticable. There are a couple Duncans and Dimarzios I like in a 24 and that's about it. Everything else sounds better in a 22 to me.

At this point I'm taking my Duncan hat off, because we can't effectively produce these so I don't want to get you guys excited or anything. But they could be ordered from the Custom Shop. My best idea for the 24 fretter is the "Unbucker" type of pickup. Not a difference in wire gauge like Dimarzio, both 42AWG coils, but more turns on the NECK SIDE coil. So you'd have a basically combine a Jazz bridge coil (screws) and a Jazz neck coil (slugs) or a PGB/PGN coil. Some guys say they like to use the Bridge model PAF's in the neck of 24 fretters. That makes sense to me. Use more turns to compensate for the brighter, less "cow tone" pickup location. For me the ultimate would be the hybrid of the two.

By the way thanks for doing my job for me, I'd like a full summary report on my desk by Friday.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

One other product I would love to see and it might be an indusrty first, would be a neck bucker designed for a 24 fret axe that sounds like a bucker in a 22 fret axe. I personally would not mind a 24 fret axe but, I hate the way the neck pickup sounds in them due to the pickup being alot closer to the bridge than normal.

Seems like it would be a wonderful idea to me and possibly a good seller.

I know what you mean, but the answer is to just use a bridge model of one of the PAF clones, like the PG. It works really well, adds back some of the fat that's missing when you move the neck pu that 1/2" closer to the bridge.

 

[Robert Delahunt]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Well the whole 22 fret versus 24 fret thing is a Romanism, in my opinion. I believe Ed Roman is mostly off-base, and this is another one of those things that I don't like to talk about or bring up because I think Ed Roman is the internet equivalent of a troll. Not being hateful, just identifying who the hateful people are so I can avoid them. Anyways, I can't really see it being an issue because I can't prove that it's a bad thing, and I can't prove his statements correct. I cannot find any note that I can play where the pivot point of the string vibration is going to be directly overhead a neck pickup. Beyond that, however, in terms of harmonics, the bridge is going to have more than the neck due to the science behind stringed instruments, so it's still a moot point.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Well the whole 22 fret versus 24 fret thing is a Romanism, in my opinion. I believe Ed Roman is mostly off-base, and this is another one of those things that I don't like to talk about or bring up because I think Ed Roman is the internet equivalent of a troll. Not being hateful, just identifying who the hateful people are so I can avoid them. Anyways, I can't really see it being an issue because I can't prove that it's a bad thing, and I can't prove his statements correct. I cannot find any note that I can play where the pivot point of the string vibration is going to be directly overhead a neck pickup. Beyond that, however, in terms of harmonics, the bridge is going to have more than the neck due to the science behind stringed instruments, so it's still a moot point.

It's not just Ed. I disliked 24 fret neck humbuckers before I even knew who he was. I think it's because of the positions of harmonic nodes on the strings. To my ear, their tone is weak and lifeless.

I also dislike middle humbuckers for the same reason.



On the original topic, I think Duncan's noiseless single line is pretty sparse. DiMarzio, Bill Lawrence, and Kinman are kicking Duncan's butt in this domain. The stacks that are offered are very good, but I want something between "pure vintage" and "hot" ... or at the very least a few different flavours of each one. Perhaps the innovations on the CS+ can be applied to the Hot Stack. Maybe a QP stack or a hot stack with poles instead of a bar?

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

It's not an Ed Roman thing, I've played plenty of 22's and 24's and the 22 necks sound better because the harmonic node there is fatter due to being further from the bridge -- except when you get up above +/- the 17th fret.

 

[MikeS]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Um, the theory remains the same regardless of whether the distance is two frets or two inches. That's why the neck and bridge positions sound so different, and why the neck and middle sound different on a three pickup guitar. There's an audible difference. Like RD, I'm not a fan of middle humbuckers or 24 fret neck humbuckers.

I suppose I'd like to see an expansion of the Telecaster line, as it seems like there's potentially a few holes that could be filled. I've been wondering about a Cool Rails for Tele for a few years now, and I know a couple other bros have as well. Otherwise I think the Duncan line offers a oretty good variety of pickups that should be able to suit most any player. Most of the ideas thrown around in this thread are so specialized that you'd never likely see worthwhile sales to the general public.

I dig what SD is doing with pedals, I just wish I had the time and money to really start experimenting with all of them. Maybe then I could comment on what I think they need to do next.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Um, the theory remains the same regardless of whether the distance is two frets or two inches. That's why the neck and bridge positions sound so different, and why the neck and middle sound different on a three pickup guitar. There's an audible difference. Like RD, I'm not a fan of middle humbuckers or 24 fret neck humbuckers.

Exactly.

I suppose I'd like to see an expansion of the Telecaster line, as it seems like there's potentially a few holes that could be filled.

I think they could stand to make some traditional Tele bridges in the mid-9k range.

I dig what SD is doing with pedals, I just wish I had the time and money to really start experimenting with all of them. Maybe then I could comment on what I think they need to do next.

That D-Tar momma bear thing or whatever it is that converts your electric to an acoustic sound is killer. I tried it out at User Group Day 2 years ago and still haven't gotten over it.

 

[Robert Delahunt]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

It's not an Ed Roman thing, I've played plenty of 22's and 24's and the 22 necks sound better because the harmonic node there is fatter due to being further from the bridge -- except when you get up above +/- the 17th fret.

Um, the theory remains the same regardless of whether the distance is two frets or two inches. That's why the neck and bridge positions sound so different, and why the neck and middle sound different on a three pickup guitar. There's an audible difference. Like RD, I'm not a fan of middle humbuckers or 24 fret neck humbuckers.

Not trying to hijack the thread. I just don't feel like it's worth having a humbucker specifically for 22/24 fret or whatever. I don't see DiMarzio doing it (that I am aware) or EMG, so I don't think there's validity, really. But it's just an idea, and I don't work for Duncan

 

[MikeS]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

I don't really see a need for a "24 fret neck humbucker" either, but I do understand why some guys struggle with the neck humbucker on 24 fret guitars because I've been there, too. There are apparently several offerings that work for the application; unfortunately I gave up before I found them. While a fine idea, it, like nearly every other idea in these kinds of threads, are very niche market ideas.

That D-Tar momma bear thing or whatever it is that converts your electric to an acoustic sound is killer. I tried it out at User Group Day 2 years ago and still haven't gotten over it.

There's that, but then there's also the pickup booster, lava box, tweak fuzz, twin tube classic... I'd love to try them all. I think it's great that SD has gotten into pedal design.

 

[revolution]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

There's already a 24 fret SD neck humbucker...It's called the STAG MAG. Don't believe me? Put it in. It works great in the middle also! A quarter Pounder with non-magnetic steel poles and big Alnico bar magnet underneath would be a nice addition to the line.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Not trying to hijack the thread. I just don't feel like it's worth having a humbucker specifically for 22/24 fret or whatever. I don't see DiMarzio doing it (that I am aware) or EMG, so I don't think there's validity, really. But it's just an idea, and I don't work for Duncan

To me it's academic anyway because such pickups already exist -- bridge models of your favorite PAF clone. For one I recommend a PG bridge for the neck position of a 24-fret guitar. It's 8.3k or so, but it's also just a shade top-heavy so it will add fat without losing the sparkle or wood and without getting muddy. A Jazz bridge would probably also work well.

 

[Robert Delahunt]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Another idea came to mind today when I called MJ at Seymour Duncan's Custom Shop. Why not offer the allen head screws from the Full Shred / Invader as a separate item, sort of like a "freak out kit" or something? While MJ was nice and mailed me a couple sets, I would've just as gladly went to the local music store and paid $5 or $10 per pickup for them. Is there any way this can be done, like with "SD" laser engraved onto them? Thanks!

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Not a bad idea -- except they might want to keep that stuff out of the hands of rival winders....

 

[Robert Delahunt]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Not a bad idea -- except they might want to keep that stuff out of the hands of rival winders....

Or hardware stores The specs are freely available for those screws, it's not like they're exclusive or copyrighted / patented (afaik), you could possibly get them from Lowe's. I've used similar screws at work that are high-carbon.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

It ain't the Manhattan Project and stuff can usually be found if you work hard enough to source it, but I'm sure they figure why make it easier on all the one-man-shops popping up out of the woodwork.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Amps
Get Mission amps to make them.
But well then again, making amps is sodding expensive!

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Actually an over wounded PAF, somewhere between the Pearly Gates and the CC could be also nice... something like 11 to 12k... should have the advantaes of both worlds.
Having the PAF done with two rows of screws should also be cool... at least it would look cool.

 

[theodie]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

Actually an over wounded PAF, somewhere between the Pearly Gates and the CC could be also nice... something like 11 to 12k... should have the advantaes of both worlds.
Having the PAF done with two rows of screws should also be cool... at least it would look cool.

A PATB-3 will get you there. Its not 11K but, its 10K.

 

[paulfrede]

Re: What type of pickups/producrs do you think the SD line is missing?

I would like to see a hum cancelling quarter pounder for strat. Either a stack or a duckbucker type.