Last upgrade to my DK2 for now...

[cbope]

It's been a while since I've been in this area of JCF... been hanging out in the amp section for quite a while now. Anyway... I just finished the last of the upgrades to my DK2 today that I've planned for now, a custom wiring job with a 5 way super switch. The only thing left that I might upgrade is replacing the JT580LP trem with a Schaller. Here's what I've done over the last few months:

- replaced the Duncan Designed single coils with Seymour Duncan SSL-6 Custom Flat (neck) and SSL-2 Vintage (middle) singles, middle is RW/RP. The bridge is an SD PATB-3 Blues Saraceno (replaced earlier).

- replaced the trem pivot studs, body bushings and arm with Schaller parts

- replaced the chrome knobs with black speed knobs

- installed Schaller strap locks

- installed CTS 500k audio taper pots, switchcraft jack and 5-way super switch with custom wiring. The switching works like this:

1. bridge humbucker
2. bridge upper coil (split) + middle
3. bridge lower coil (split) + neck
4. middle + neck
5. neck

It sounds really amazing now. Here are a few pics, note these were actually taken a few months ago before everything was completed.

[wilkinsi]

You could go the full hog and replace the chrome bridge and tuners with black ones. Either way, nice guitar.

[cbope]

You could go the full hog and replace the chrome bridge and tuners with black ones. Either way, nice guitar.

Well, I gotta say with the EDS color, I prefer the chrome hardware. Before I picked up the guitar, I was actually planning to switch it to black hardware. But I have grown to like the chrome. Besides, chrome is the new black!

[Inazone]

Can you compare the PATB-3 to any other Duncans, or any of the PAs for that matter? I have a single-spaced PA Tremstack in the neck position of a Hamer Californian, but that hasn't been much help in forming an opinion since I don't really use the neck pickup much.

[cbope]

Can you compare the PATB-3 to any other Duncans, or any of the PAs for that matter? I have a single-spaced PA Tremstack in the neck position of a Hamer Californian, but that hasn't been much help in forming an opinion since I don't really use the neck pickup much.

Damn... not really. The only other Duncans I currently own and have used recently are the SSL-2 and SSL-6 single coils, which are in the same guitar. I "knew" I wanted a PA, but the other PA models were too hot and too distorted for my needs. I wanted something not too hot (mid output?) that could clean up and would also have a nice thick chunk when cranked. It's got great harmonics too. I don't think it sounds much like any other Duncan that I've heard. It is a very versatile bridge pup. I've not regretted buying it.

I also have a brand new Duncan custom shop Crazy 8 PA trembucker that I got this summer. Hand wound by Maricela herself and signed by Seymour. I'm holding on to it for something special... that I don't have yet. Probably will go into an alder bodied Jackson of course. It's a pretty hot winding (13.5k) with an alnico 8 magnet. It should be very aggressive, definitely hotter than the normal PA 'buckers. Here are pics of the siggy on the bottom and also the top.

[wicked_lester]

It looks like you did a great job on the electronics. Now replace that bridge with an OFR! The difference between the stock bridge and an OFR is night and day.