Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

[KarmicApexIntellect]

Hi guys,
I know that a lot of you guys in here who own import Jacksons, have replaced the stock 'Duncan-Designed' pickups that come on most import Jacksons, with better humbuckers, at least in the bridge position pickup...I have a DK2-BOF and a DK2 that I am considering changing out the bridge position pickups for something better. What do you guys recommend would be the best humbuckers to put in that bridge position? The stuff I like to play is metal on the crunchy, brutally heavier end of the spectrum (but not anything like today's death metal or black metal sludgefest-o-ramas, lol). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]

[Newc]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

I put a Duncan Distortion in my DK2 HRF and it flat kicks ass over anything else. I'd recommend a JB Jr and/or Lil 59 in the neck and/or middle as well. I routed my neck single out for a humbucker and put in a Duncan Custom [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Newc

[mhalsey]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

Just bought a DK2S and DK2 from Kevin @ EG and I'm having him replace the bridge pup on both with Seymour Duncan Distortions. I chose this one based on feedback from fellow JCFers and a lil' research I did elsewhere on the web. I feel I've made the right choice based on the kind of sound I'll be looking for but I'm sure others here will give you their honest opinions based on first-hand experience. Good luck on your search! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[Nitroshredder]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

Well, I replaced my stock humbucker (bridge) for a Duncan Screamin' Demon and MAN was I in love!! I have always used Dimarzio's before... but for some reason I opted for the Lynch pup... and I have been NOTHING but pleased.

It's a great pup... not as hot as some others... but plenty juicy enough.. Oh and it DRIPS TONE!!!!

I haven't done anything yet to the 2 stock single coils yet....

Pete

[Sunbane]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

Originally posted by Newc:
Yeah, get ready for the barrage of EMG users [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">*sneezes*
Who mentioned my name!?! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Actually, for someone just wanting to replace the bridge pickup for something better, I wouldn't recommend EMGs, since they typically don't mix well with passive pups. And replacing all pickups at once would cost a lot. I wouldn't recommend the EMG HZ series either - I have very little personal experience with them, but the ones I tried sucked. I haven't seen any other old EMG bigots go nuts over them either.

So, with that in mind, I think you'd do well with Newc's suggestion. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Duncan makes quality pickups, so I doubt you'd be dissatisfied with them - especially if you've been playing the Duncan Designed ones.

The thing I like most about (the active) EMGs, is the clean output and the tight bottom end, which I haven't found in any other pickup. The EMG 85 is my first choice for a bridge pickup these days, since I feel the 81 is too dry sounding for my taste, especially on clean - but it depends a little on which guitar they sit in.

[KarmicApexIntellect]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

Wow, now see Newc? There's a fan of EMG who doesn't necessarily follow along "party lines/ bipartisanship", so to speak...(We need more POLITICIANS like you in Congress and Senate, Sunbane [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img] ) Thanks for your input... [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[frankencat]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

I have a Duncan Custom Trembucker in the bridge of my DK-2 and it is INCREDIBLE!! Also have SSL-2's in the neck and middle. If I had it to do over again I woud go with SSL-5's instead of the SSL-2's in this guitar because they are a little fatter.

I also have Duncans in my USA Fusion - Pearly Gates Trembucker in the bridge and SSL-5's in the neck and middle. This guitar sounds better than any other guitar on the face of the Earth!

Also ordered a set of Duncans - 59 neck and Custom 5 bridge for my new SLSMG. Should be here tomorrow. That guitar rocks with cheap pickups in it, I know it will be KILLER with the Duncans.

EMG's are cool too. I have them in my (just sold) Charvel 375 Deluze - SA/SA/85. It's a nice setup but the Duncans just plain kick it.

Peace [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[frankencat]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

BTW, the EMG-HZ3's that came in the SLSMG are pretty good pickups. I know people have been saying they suck but they don't. Are they as nice as EMG 85/81's or the aformentioned SD's? No...but they are not bad. And for that matter neither are the Duncan Designed HB's. I think they both sound better than stock Gibson pickups, especially the EMG-HZ's. YMMV of course.

[KarmicApexIntellect]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

Well I had some time to kill this afternoon, and I was right near my local Guitar Center, so I went in to check out those Seymour Duncan Distortions....Price range ain't too bad, they're between $59 and $89. I just checked out the SD website, where they have a page in there with all their pickups with soundbytes, so you can hear what each one sounds like. I liked the SH-12 sound a lot, which is the George Lynch Screamin' Demon, I believe.(Also turns out to be the most expensive one too, @ $89.00) I don't think they had any Trembuckers in stock up there @ my GC...
Now it's a matter of waiting for payday! With electronics experience already (soldering skills, etc etc,), it's a fairly easy thing to replace, isn't it, doing it yourself? I have all the right tools at my disposal for doing it, I am sure...I build and wire computer control systems that run power plants, for Honeywell! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[Sunbane]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

Originally posted by KarmicApexIntellect:
We need more POLITICIANS like you in Congress and Senate, Sunbane

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Urk...politicians... [img]graemlins/puke.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Originally posted by frankencat:
BTW, the EMG-HZ3's that came in the SLSMG are pretty good pickups. I know people have been saying they suck but they don't. Are they as nice as EMG 85/81's or the aformentioned SD's? No...but they are not bad.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Mmm, yeah. I suppose you're right. But when someone is asking for advice a pickup upgrade, wouldn't you want to recommend something that would sound "good", rather than "not bad"? [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Originally posted by KarmicApexIntellect:
With electronics experience already (soldering skills, etc etc,), it's a fairly easy thing to replace, isn't it, doing it yourself? I have all the right tools at my disposal for doing it, I am sure...I build and wire computer control systems that run power plants, for Honeywell! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Yeah, you'll be okay. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] As long as the soldering iron is 25W or stronger, no problem.

[KarmicApexIntellect]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

Precisely why I posted the query here in the JC Forum, because there's a helluva lot to said about the collective experience and knowledge of ALLLLLLLLLLLLL these lovers of Jacksons/Charvels! [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] I have been playing for over 25 years, and yet I have NEVER replaced a pickup in any of my guitars before [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] (...I should be ashamed, I know; it's my dirty little secret I've kept in the closet too long [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] )
I shall wait for a few more responses from the other members, but I get the feeling that they'll respond similarly to what you guys have both said..At any rate, thanks for the input! [img]graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

[Newc]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

Yeah, get ready for the barrage of EMG users [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Newc

[Immortal]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

KarmicApexIntellect, if you replace pickups, are you willing to sell these stock SD's?

[Leo Chang]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

I replaced the stock bridge pup of my DK2S with a SuperDistortion, and I think it worked out well, I can get a really good Hard Rock / Metal sound from this guitar.

[Shawn Lutz]

Re: Recommendations on replacement pickups for a DK2

I have Duncan Screamin in the bridge and a cool rail in the neck...nice combo fot that guitar