Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

[PearlyHellhound]

Reason/s why you prefer the one to the other

 

[SFW]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

I prefer the Custom out of those choices. To me, the Super Distortion is very dark sounding. YMMV.

 

[Mark Le Comte]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

One of those impossible questions, you really need to try both and see what you like.

(the correct answer is the super d though :naughty

 

[cakire82]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

You are still asking the same question, for different pups with same wrong way. It all depends. Pickups sound different in different woods. the type of sound you are after also matters.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Mmmmm....I have one of each in (semi) similar guitars. Not really similar IMO.

I love them both differently. There are a lot of things I'd use each for - but not the other. Of course, I have the choice. If I could only have one....SuperDistortion.

Thank god I don't have to choose!

Reasons:

Custom - More booty, more highs, more power. Brighter. Modern
SuperD - More mids, more balanced, more flexible. Darker. Classic

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Aceman said exatly what I was about to say. The only thing I can add is that the Custom gets along betterr with modern high gain amps while the Super Dinto an amp with a Marshall voicing is just beautiful.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

I've never really liked the tones I got with DiMarzios. The ToneZone in my SoCal is passable, but only because it gets a vintage Iron Maiden tone (with EQ help from my rack) more easily than with Duncans.

I've tried the SuperD and the Super3 and the Evo neck/bridge set previously, and frankly they all sounded rather flat and grainy.

Works for some, yeah, but I prefer a smoother tone that doesn't compound a given note (usually a C) all over the neck - that one note will be way louder than any other.

 

[ACH91332]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

If one was "better" wouldnt the other one no longer exist?

No pickup is "better".................................

What are you trying to get out of your bridge position?

 

[oilpit]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Super D = a sh!t ton of low end

Custom = a sh!t ton of AWESOME

 

[tonefreak1527]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

look what forum you're on, but seriously, the custom is just a pissed off P.A.F, it rocks with a marshall

 

[karpathion]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

I've had both in my LTD. The custom is still there.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Aceman said exatly what I was about to say. The only thing I can add is that the Custom gets along betterr with modern high gain amps while the Super Dinto an amp with a Marshall voicing is just beautiful.

Really begs the question - is there really a need for both of us? Or are we even two diferent people.

we are obviously both people with exceptional taste in pickups....

 

[Aceman]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

look what forum you're on, but seriously, the custom is just a pissed off P.A.F, it rocks with a marshall

Nothing but truth here man. Lot's of DiMarzio fans and users of whatever works. we obviously like duncan a lot - but not really many fanbois - unless you are a fanboi of tone.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Mmmmm....I have one of each in (semi) similar guitars. Not really similar IMO.

I love them both differently. There are a lot of things I'd use each for - but not the other. Of course, I have the choice. If I could only have one....SuperDistortion.

Thank god I don't have to choose!

Reasons:

Custom - More booty, more highs, more power. Brighter. Modern
SuperD - More mids, more balanced, more flexible. Darker. Classic

^ This


and

Aceman said exatly what I was about to say. The only thing I can add is that the Custom gets along betterr with modern high gain amps while the Super Dinto an amp with a Marshall voicing is just beautiful.

^ That.


Frankly they are the only 2 ceramic pickups I've ever truly liked (loved?) If I had to choose one forever, no question it would be the Super, but in a darker (like say all mahogany guitar) I'd try a Custom first.

 

[dominus]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Depends on the guitar that it's going in. I own both and like both.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

With all the tone questions you've posted, I can only think one thing.....welcome to the tone quest!

Even though this forum is a treasure trove of real world info, which you should take into account before making purchases, only real world experience and a lot of money you're about to embark on is the real answer to your questions.

All I can say is PLAY YOUR GUITAR. Over time, you'll figure out exactly what it is you want to hear and how to get it. The internet is a nice guide, which helps, but it means a lot less than actually getting out there and doing things. If I only had one bit of advise, it would be to first get good at guitar, and then never buy stepping stone gear......save up and buy high end time proven classic gear. You'll save money in the long run.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Really begs the question - is there really a need for both of us? Or are we even two diferent people.

we are obviously both people with exceptional taste in pickups....

What can I say? Great minds and all that.

 

[Guitar-Sam]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

With all the tone questions you've posted, I can only think one thing.....welcome to the tone quest!

Even though this forum is a treasure trove of real world info, which you should take into account before making purchases, only real world experience and a lot of money you're about to embark on is the real answer to your questions.

All I can say is PLAY YOUR GUITAR. Over time, you'll figure out exactly what it is you want to hear and how to get it. The internet is a nice guide, which helps, but it means a lot less than actually getting out there and doing things. If I only had one bit of advise, it would be to first get good at guitar, and then never buy stepping stone gear......save up and buy high end time proven classic gear. You'll save money in the long run.

True true true:approve:

 

[Thurisaz]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Nothing but truth here man. Lot's of DiMarzio fans and users of whatever works. we obviously like duncan a lot - but not really many fanbois - unless you are a fanboi of tone.

I am becoming quite a fanboi of tone. I am also becoming a big fan of California. All of my favorite pieces of gear have come from California, and I was under the impression that the SD factories were in California as well.

 

[Franknfilms]

Re: Which is better Duncan Custom or Dimarzio Super Distortion?

Here are some good comparison videos from youtube, this dude rocks:
Super Distortion
Custom