Which Duncans for Blues?

[BluesGuyJ]

Hey everyone, I just registerd for these forums. I've been on musicianforums.com for I think over a year, but I'm glad to move to her. IMO there are more talented musicians here, not just 200 million Kirk Hammette wanna bes lol. Well here's my question...

I want to make my Dean EVO Dragster into a blues machine (untill i get my hands on an Oxblood LP with 57 Classics). I want to really be able to drive a clean amp, like BB. King and all those other great blues guitarists do. I want a thick, defining tone. I've heard some clips of a CC and C5 combo, it sounded great. What pickups would you reccomend? and When people refer to the CC and C5 combo, what are the full names of those pickups? And what positions are preferd for those? Thanks alot!

Josh

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

For blues I personally recommend the Alnico II Pro's. They're the warmest pickups I've ever played.....and they have a balanced, thick, defining tone.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

For a straight blues guitar an Antiquity set is hard to beat. I have a LP with a C-5 in it but the C-5 is a bit hot for blues and can sound a little too focused for a blues tone. The Antys are absolutely killer for blues.

 

[BlueSnMettle]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

For a straight blues guitar an Antiquity set is hard to beat. I have a LP with a C-5 in it but the C-5 is a bit hot for blues and can sound a little too focused for a blues tone. The Antys are absolutely killer for blues.

I have to agree with what Robert said. The Antiquity hums have a wonderful open airiness about them which lends them very well to the blues tone. I just love goin' thru some blues runs in the neck position with a little rollback on the vol & tone. Sweet indeed. I haven't tried the Alnico II Pro's, but have heard nothing but favorable comments about them. Don't think you could go wrong either way. Good luck.

Peace,

Darrin

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Hi , Welcome to the board the CC stands for CustomCustom And the C5
is a simiular PuP but with a A5 magnet. Those 2 PuPs are not the best
for blues,Cuz' there hot and aggresive. For Blues I'd say the 59er, Pearly gates of like Jolly said the Alnico II APH-II. IMHO the 59er has a bright
vintage tone, the APH-II has a warm smooth sound, And the PG is a
cross bettween the 59er and the APH II but with a little attitude(think Billy
Gibbon's right outta the BOX !! Good Luck

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

So by the sounds of it, the APH-II ( Alnico II Pro right?) sounds go for thick, clear and clean rhythems, and the 59 pearly gates sounds good for some neck position leads?

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

So by the sounds of it, the APH-II ( Alnico II Pro right?) sounds go for thick, clear and clean rhythems, and the 59 pearly gates sounds good for some neck position leads?

Sounds like a plan

 

[Tweed]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Antiquities would be a very good choice, as would a set of Phat Cats, although I'm not familiar with your guitar. I recently dropped a set of Phat Cats in a LP and they sound great. They really do give up the goods on the P90 tone, which makes for some great blues sounds. Mine are extremely quiet as well.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Here's a link of my new baby:

http://deanguitars.com/evo_dragster.htm

I'm actually going to get a complete set of Alnico II Pro's, then some gold hardware. And yellow pickup covers, just picture it! Now that's gonna have tone and stage presence.

 

[xerxes]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

first thing i thought of were seth lovers. they are basically what the antiquities are from what i heard. only difference from what i heard is the antiquities have a worn in sound where the seth's sound new.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

I have experience playing the following;

59
PG
CC
Anti
Seth Lover
Alnico 2 Pro
JB
Phat Cats (P90 Tone)

My favorites for blues woud be the Phat Cats, then the Alnico 2 Pro neck witha custom custom bridge. That A2P/CC combo will also do a great job with classic rock.

I'm just a p90 ho though. Just love em.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Thanks for the advice guys, really. These forums are great. On musicianforums.com, kids would hav just said get EMG's like Kirk and Zakk. . . lol. Muchas Gracias!

 

[stevie ray]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Thanks for the advice guys, really. These forums are great. On musicianforums.com, kids would hav just said get EMG's like Kirk and Zakk. . . lol. Muchas Gracias!

yea. What's ur name on musicianforums?

mines this one obviously (look to ur left)

I find this forum more helpful on a technical standpoint

 

[sweet_lou]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Antiquities would be a very good choice, as would a set of Phat Cats, although I'm not familiar with your guitar. I recently dropped a set of Phat Cats in a LP and they sound great. They really do give up the goods on the P90 tone, which makes for some great blues sounds. Mine are extremely quiet as well.

I second the Phat Cats I just put a set in My Epi over here on the left.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Man anything in the tweaked PAF range will get you home for sure. The A2P might be a little too friendly sounding for a Hot Rod like the EVO though. The Phat Cats are cool but the nickel covers might look a little funky? I'd probably throw in a set of black open coil 59's, a little edgy but still in that old school range. Good luck with the new axe and welcome to your next obsession the SDuncan Forum.

 

[brinton]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Well if sounding like BB King is okay with you I'd reccomend any of the A2 PAF style pups, or a set of Antiquitys. APH, SL, PG. A 59 wouldn't be bad at all either if it's bass doesn't bother you like many people say I got nothing against it. My vote= APH because I love A2, it's great for blues and cheaper than the ants.

 

[Marinblues]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

Blues has many sounds so it's really a question of what you prefer. In general: avoid the HM pickups and you'll be OK.


Marin

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

I'm going with a Alnico II Pro and Cusom Custom combo. Thanks for all the help guys, I really epreciate it!

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

The A2P/CC combo is my absolute favorite. But don't let that influence you, please. I know what I like, but I don't know what you like.

I can say this though, you've always got the Duncan 21 Day No Suck policy. Be sure to make a decision quickly, then do the exchange thing if you're not happy. If you're dealer refuses to participate, then call the SD factory in Santa Barbara and tech support will help you do a return.

It's not any safer than that. But you've got a really good change of loving the A2P/CC based on what you were asking for.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Which Duncans for Blues?

I cant seem to find the AP2 on MF.com. I think I found it, it says it's $104? Is that the right one?