Pickup change on '06 DK2

[sixx_ gunner]

Picked up a DK2 off the 'bay for $250 shipped. Learning to play guitar, and the Duncan Designed don't have that punch I thought they would. What is the best combo to change out to? Looking for that 80's hair metal/classic rock sound.
I am using a Roland Cube 15X. Is there some guide to help with getting the sound dialed in? It has the four channels: overdrive/distortion/metal & metal stack but cant seem to get that growl I need. Should I just throw a pedal in for that sound I am looking for?

Thanks for any advice/opinions~

[mustaine-who?]

For

For the 80's go no further than the SD JB or Distortion, or the Dimarzio Super Distortion...(ughhhh...gives me the woolies just writing that sentence)...

Can't help you on the amp settings...

[Robert Hendrix]

For the 80's go no further than the SD JB or Distortion, or the Dimarzio Super Distortion...(ughhhh...gives me the woolies just writing that sentence)...

Can't help you on the amp settings...

I'll second those choices and also add Dimarzio Tone Zone for the bridge and Duncan Hot rails for the mid and neck are good choices for that style as well. (I'm immune to the woolies.. )

[sixx_ gunner]

SO I take it that it is ok to mix manufacturers? I was told by the local guitar shop NOT to mix brands. I assume the wiring is straight forward with different brands?

[Rich#6]

Just match up the color codes right and you'll be OK.

[toejam]

SO I take it that it is ok to mix manufacturers? I was told by the local guitar shop NOT to mix brands. I assume the wiring is straight forward with different brands?

It's okay to mix and match them. The wiring colors are different on Duncan compared to DiMarzio, so make sure you get the codes right like Rich#6 stated. If your local guitar shop doesn't know the difference, take it somewhere else.
I've got a DiMarzio Tone Zone in the bridge of my Charvel Star with a Duncan Jazz in the neck. I also put a Duncan Custom in my old Schecter 7-string with a DiMarzio Blaze single coil in the neck.

[Robert Hendrix]

SO I take it that it is ok to mix manufacturers? I was told by the local guitar shop NOT to mix brands. I assume the wiring is straight forward with different brands?

Definately. I have a Dimarzio Tone Zone in the bridge of My SD3 and recently put a hot rail in the neck. I love the tones I'm getting with the new one. The pickups compliment each other very well.

[laughingparrot]

A lot of those DK2's come with a real Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge and then Duncan Designed pickups in the neck and middle positions. Check to make sure the bridge pickup says Duncan Designed, or you might be replacing it with the same thing.

I agree, the SD JB or SD Distortion are the bridge pickups for the '80s sound, and then go with Hot Rails for the middle and neck.

I'm not sure which amp model you'll want to use, but set your amps bass at 12 o'clock, and then the Mid and Treble all the way up. Distortion probably not higher than 2 o'clock. Power Squeezer OFF.

[themisfit138]

I think the Duncan Alternative 8 sounds good for 80's Metal

[sixx_ gunner]

They are all definately "Duncan Designed" I rushed home thinking I may have a chance at a better sound, but.....I changed to Ernie Ball 9s and tuned to drop D....and took some recommendations on my Cube settings....its MUCH better....but still looking for some "crunch" in my sound....will keep reading thru all this information.

Best place to get some REAL Duncans?
Thanks to everyone who chimed in~

[DrDoug]

I got my first set of Duncans from Musician's Friend, and after that clusterfuck I bought my second set new off of ebay without a problem. I agree with the JB in the bridge for the 80's sound, it kicks ass. I have a Cube 30 and I love the raunchy sound you can get out of the JB on it.

[MartinBarre]

ANother one for the JB, plus either two Hot Rails, or a Hot rails neck and cool rails middle.

As for your amp, I don't know how it works exactly but I'm surprised you can't get a decent bit of crunch using one of those settings you described.
Try getting a second hand Boss DS-1, the pedal Satch uses. I got one on eBay for £20 so I'd imagine they're dirt cheap in the USA.

[Distracter]

80s metal? Jackson pickups! J50BC, J80C... \,,/

[Seef]

80s metal? Jackson pickups! J50BC, J80C... \,,/

I'd go for a J90C. I dunno if the J50BC would give him the crunch he wants. Unless he pairs it with a JE-1000.

But +1 for Jackson pickups

[sixx_ gunner]

Thanks for all your input! Good info to mull over, will try to find some local guitars to see what these sound like.