Tell me about the Duncan Custom 5 SH-14

[Dannyz]

I'm looking to try out a SD Custom 5 after sticking to my Gibson Super 57 in my 13' Trad Pro Les Paul for the past few years.

I've tried a JB several times but that pickup sounded too poke-y and had too much output when used clean.

Ive heard that the best Custom is the ceramic one, followed by the Custom Custom (had one in the past, very middy and dark sounding) then the Custom 5 which some describe it like a double output 59.

Is it that scooped sounding? can it work well in round neck/thick Les Paul? I tune my LP in Eb and drop the low E to C#. For strings i use a .010/.052 set.

 

[Speeddemon]

Never had a '59 bridge model in a Les Paul, but I did have the Custom Custom, JB and the Custom 5 in the same Les Paul Custom (Burny Randy Rhoads model from '83), tuned to E flat with 0.10-0.48 Ernie Balls.
CC = too mild and squishy for me. Not enough cut or heft. Mostly mids.
JB = lot of output, harmonics, but can border on screechy and low end is kinda loose for heavy riffing.
Custom 5 = big, but tight low end. Not as scooped as some folks make it out to be, but definitely less mids than the JB and CC. Plenty of Alnico V flavor and medium to medium/high output. Nice top-end, not too aggressive or bitey. It worked really well in that LPC, but since I could use it in me ESP Horizon, that's where it went.

The JB would be more of a lead playing pickup and the Custom 5 more rhythm/allrounder if you're painting in broad generalizations.

So, you may be wondering what I ended up with in that LPC's bridge?
The SH-16; Custom/59 Hybrid.
More kerrangy and open sounding than the others. Good output, not too hot, plenty of character and zing, but not bitey either. Great hard rock/metal option.

 

[SLOgriff]

Custom 5 is pretty lackluster. Might consider the Pearly Gates, perfect bridge pickup for a Les Paul but it is a tad bright (which I prefer)..cuts really well and very balanced.

If you’re wanting a tad darker but still articulate, you might try the Suhr Aldrich.