Pickup Shootout Custom vs. Distortion

[JakeAC5253]

I was going to link this to Mark Day's thread about passives but due to computer troubles I wasn't able to get it finished in time. The pickups are Duncan Custom and Duncan Distortion.

Details:
Fender Strat > Duncan Custom > Maxon OD808 > Dual Rec > Recto cab > V30's > SM57
Jackson RR3 > Duncan Distortion > Maxon OD808 > Dual Rec > Recto cab > V30's > SM57

Post-pro:
The upper mids on the Custom were EQ'd up a slight bit, the Distortion was not.

Clips!:
Custom -

Distortion -

 

[shreder75]

I think the custom sounds better...I wonder how much of that is the guitar though..I've played the custom in person several times and it's never really my bag...

 

[rupe]

Two vastly different guitars and an eq on the Custom? Hardly qualifies as a shootout IMO...too many different variables make this meaningless for comparison purposes.

 

[JakeAC5253]

Two vastly different guitars and an eq on the Custom? Hardly qualifies as a shootout IMO...too many different variables make this meaningless for comparison purposes.

Actually there was EQ applied to both tracks, but the upper mid rise on the Custom was the only 'unique' EQ, all others were shared. When you walk into a studio there is going to be EQ applied to your guitar. Both pickups sounding their personal best is certainly a fair comparison. They're such different pickups that without EQ I would have to change something else in the physical chain, like amp settings or mic position, resulting in one sounding great and one sounding like utter shit. To some people that is a fair comparison, not to me. I could see your point about using different guitars, but from listening to the clips I think that they both show the pickup's distinctive qualities, which leads me to believe that the guitar is playing a minimal part in the comparison.

 

[ke2]

I tweak my equipment to suit the whole picture, so I understand that
I like the Custom best, it's both thicker and angrier (??)
Thanks for doing the comparison, Jake!

 

[glassjaw7]

They both sound good but I prefer the Custom. It's juicier or fuller.

 

[HELSTRUME]

Custom sounds tons better. I just tried a Distortion in my Strat, tell me how they compare to each other.

 

[JakeAC5253]

Custom sounds tons better. I just tried a Distortion in my Strat, tell me how they compare to each other.

Never tried swapping either pickup between the two guitars, but I have heard of a few people using Duncan Distortion's in their Strats so it's got to be a nice compliment

 

[HELSTRUME]

Its not bad, but the Custom sounds a little fuller, and like it might have more high mids from the clips. I'll have to give one a try.

 

[RJF]

To be a fair comparison, one guitar should have been chosen, a pickup swap actually done, and nothing changed EQ wise. IMHO.

 

[JakeAC5253]

Just curious. Distortion users, does this pickup sound like yours? I'm beginning to wonder if there is a problem with the pickup.

 

[shreder75]

Just curious. Distortion users, does this pickup sound like yours? I'm beginning to wonder if there is a problem with the pickup.

I have two guitars loaded with duncan distortions that you can check out....won't be apples to apples but you can get a general idea to see if something's up with yours

 

[JakeAC5253]

Just curious. Distortion users, does this pickup sound like yours? I'm beginning to wonder if there is a problem with the pickup.

I have two guitars loaded with duncan distortions that you can check out....won't be apples to apples but you can get a general idea to see if something's up with yours

Thanks man!

 

[shreder75]

Just curious. Distortion users, does this pickup sound like yours? I'm beginning to wonder if there is a problem with the pickup.

I have two guitars loaded with duncan distortions that you can check out....won't be apples to apples but you can get a general idea to see if something's up with yours

Thanks man!

ain't no thang.....got one in my 'frankenstrat' and one in my epi...totally different guitars and woods..but the character is similar enough to tell I think..apples to apples in these situations is really tough unless you LOVE to solder! lol

 

[droptrd]

Im shocked the Custom doesnt get more love around here

 

[droptrd]

Wow. I never never the had an A5 version of the custom. just saw it on there site. I have the ceramic custom in a basswood strat and its crunchy goodness.

 

[JackBootedThug]

custom 5 is awesome.