Which SD is close to the Dimarzio SD pickup

[JB6464]

Which SD pickup is closest to the DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup ?
My guess would be either the Custom or Distortion .

Reason i'm asking is i've tried the 59B,C5,CC,C8 and JB and have'nt found one i like yet in my Gibson Les Paul Studio/Smartwood guitar. SD will let me exchange the JB for any other model at no charge so i want to try the Custom or DD first before i buy any other pickups.
I do like the DiMarzio Super Distortion in my friends Gibson LPC so that may be an option later.

My pickup experiences so far with my LP:
59B=Good for the complete vintage vibe,but not hot enough.
CC=All midrange and no ass.
C5=Powerful 59 on steroids,not enough mids.
C8=Very balanced and powerful but i'm still uncertain about it.
JB=Fat mids and top end but a little loose on the bottom end.

So i'm now looking to try a ceramic mag type pickup and wondering which of the two listed above is closest to the DiMarzio SD. I know it won't be exactly the same,but something close.
Thanks.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Which SD is close to the Dimarzio SD pickup

Looks like you haven't yet tried a ceramic magnet in the Custom. I would put the Super D somewhere between that and the Duncan Distortion.

 

[DonP]

Re: Which SD is close to the Dimarzio SD pickup

A Super D is 13.5K. A Custom would be closest. Swap the poles to get even closer.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Which SD is close to the Dimarzio SD pickup

The Custom is the closest, but the SuperD has a large ceramic magnet. That big magnet with the lower wind makes for a killer sounding pickup. If you took an oversized ceramic and put it in the Custom, that would get you the closest.

 

[BachToRock]

Re: Which SD is close to the Dimarzio SD pickup

+1 to ErikH
The Custom with the larger Ceramic magnet from a Duncan Distortion... make it with two rows of Allens or Screws and you will get even closer.
I have a few Customs I fabricated with two rows of screws and an A5 that sound great!

 

[oilpit]

Re: Which SD is close to the Dimarzio SD pickup

Custom is close but it sounds a lot more vintage to my ears, less, tighter bass, sweeter mids and more articulate highs. As opposed to the "everything on 12" sound that I hear when I play a Super D.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Which SD is close to the Dimarzio SD pickup

He explained that. He's been trying Duncans, and wants to take advantage of the 21-day exchange policy.