What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

[noisy humbucker]

What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Hello all,

As the title says, I’m wondering if there’s anything between the Duncan Distortion and the Omega bridge pickups. They’re probably my two favorites from Duncan, but the Distortion is just too much of everything (eq and output) for my taste these days whereas the Omega is maybe just a bit too modern (trimmed down a bit too much). If I had to choose one I’d probably stay with the Omega, but that’s still not ideal.

Thanks!

 

[Masta' C]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Black Winter

 

[noisy humbucker]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

That’s actually what I started looking at initially, but the more I dig the more I think it’s not what I’m looking for. Still a bit too modern and too hot.

I’m not opposed to giving it a shot, just doesn’t seem like I’f ultimately choose it over the Omega.

 

[Mincer]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

I'd maybe go with the regular Custom, then.

 

[Adieu]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

So.... ceramic, >13, <16?

One of the DiMarzio Super models? Gibson 500t? Duncan Distortion magswapped to a smaller regular thickness ceramic or maybe A8?

 

[Masta' C]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

I'm with Mincer...really can't lose with the good ol' Custom. Not as modern as a Black Winter, not as hot as a Distortion. You might really like it!

Plus, the Custom wind takes magnet swaps better than just about any other pickup made.

 

[noisy humbucker]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Also sticking to Duncan for this one because borderline- not-really-OCD.

Just listening to Keith Merrow’s 6-string shootout, am I crazy for contemplating the Custom 5? The SH-5 comes across as too bright for my taste.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

The Custom 5 is noticeably scooped...and plenty bright.

If you like the Custom 5's general tone, but want a tighter bottom end, check out the Full Shred

Have you thought about trying the classic JB?

The Alt 8 is really cool, also.

 

[noisy humbucker]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

All I recall of the JB is that my ears were not a fan when I first developed tinnitus... but I've grown more accustomed so perhaps it's worth another look (on paper anyway it's nearly a perfect step up across the EQ).

P.S. I don't like Keith's tone for my stuff (I tend to wring most of the "quack" out of my rig, but it works great for him), but his old videos are hard to beat for a 1-1 comparison.

P.P.S. Thanks for all of the input so far guys, much obliged!

 

[noisy humbucker]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Now I’m thinking of getting a 250k volume for the bridge and giving the SH-5 a shot (figured I’d be putting in a 250k if I try the JB anyway).

Also possibly relevant - ideally I’ll be pairing the bridge with a ‘59 in the neck.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

I strongly suggest sticking with 500K if that's what you have now. Change one thing at a time

 

[noisy humbucker]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

This is all for a new build, all the references I’ve made to other pickups are what I’ve used previously in different guitars. I can change the pot easily enough if it comes to it. I’d even use a liberator if they had a push-pull version.

 

[noisy humbucker]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

I almost committed to the JB, but then I saw the Thrash Factor. While I like the idea of it (though “more aggressive highs” worries me) there’s not a whole lot of useful info out there. I’m sure it’s a cash grab, but possibly different enough from the standard JB to be worth trying if one is starting from scratch.

 

[orpheo]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

the SH6N is an amazing pickup. It has a bit more power than the omega but not nearly as much as the distortion. it's got the cut but also the clarity.

The custom is imho way too chewy to be considered an in between model.

 

[STLMTLHD79]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

I say Alternative 8. Its all the things you want in a JB, but better. It is becoming my favorite high output pickup.

 

[noisy humbucker]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Does the SH6n have the same high-end “sizzle” as the bridge though? That’s a characteristic I’d like less of.

 

[noisy humbucker]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

I’ve at least got the specs locked in for the build now. It’s a Warmoth Regal with some decidedly odd wood combinations:
- 24.75” bubinga neck with wenge board
- Basswood body with maple cap
- Graphtech bridge (String Saver saddles so there’ll be a cut to ~2k)

I only switched to passives around 5 years ago, and whatever I settle on I need to be able to get a tight palm mute out of ala EMG-81. Beyond that my tastes get a bit murky:
- Decent coil split is a must
- Enough clarity to pull of complex(ish) chord voicings under gain
- Enough output to push the amp a bit without being an untameable beast
- Not a fan of too much high end sizzle (stupid tinnitus), but I feel like the saddles will curb some of that

I’m sticking to Duncans for this guitar, but I’ve had a lot more experience with various DiMarzios (in a Charvel with a maple board) at this point if I can provide points of reference. I’m back on the hunt for that guitar too, now that I’ve altered my tuning and strings.

I’m reviewing everyone’s input again. I’ve been vacillating between the Custom and Custom 5 but am still grateful for any and all thoughts.

P.S. I know it’s all personal taste, but I had settled on a 4-conductor ‘59 for the neck (even though a Jazz might better suit these bright pickups). Interested in your thoughts on that as well.

 

[elelpe]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Go with your gut feeling: Custom 5. Not too hot, not too modern.

 

[Mincer]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Go with your gut feeling: Custom 5. Not too hot, not too modern.

Keep a few different magnets on hand, too, as it can really change the character of this pickup.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Re: What’s between a Distortion and an Omega?

Custom family is hands-down the most receptive wind to magnet changes. No one knows why entirely, it's simply magic.

Put in a Ceramic, you have a Custom. Put in an A5, you have a Custom 5. Put in an A8, you have a Custom 8. Put in an A2, you have a Custom Custom.

You can't go wrong...3 of those variations (so far) have become "production" models for a reason!

I will say that when I think of great split tones and complex chord voicings, I still lean toward the Black Winter. Most players don't bother to wire it for a coil split, which is a shame, because it's gorgeous.

What DiMarzios did you like?