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As i've said, i'm new to duncan pups. I'm thinking to throw a pair of duncan pups into my Epiphone Flying V 67 reissue which is made of Alder. and I'm looking for some good 80's heavy metal sound, whatever lead or rythm.
i heard that the Duncan Distortion and the Invader could do the job on the bridge, which one will be better? and any suggestion for the neck pups?

thanks in advance

Welcome to your one stop shop for all things tone! 80's metal - been there, done that - during the 80's! (and 90's and 00's, and last weekend...) Here's the Aceman's tip:

Some 80's metal is ultraprocessed. If you are leaning big hair glam (Leppard, Poison, Dokken, Ratt) I would say go for something medium output. You don't need all the power and medium output pups are generally regarded as more clear under those conditions. Think about aset of 59's, Pearly Gates, or possibly a Demon or Custom in the bridge with a 59 in the neck. Those will just sound good period!

Or if going straight up tube amp (Maiden, Dio, Priest), which the V suggests (Got a little KK Downing going on?) Distortion and JB for the Bridge, with the classic Jazz neck (might be a bit bright), or again, perhaps a 59. Or Distortion neck and bridge - Loud rules!

I replaced an Epi's pups with Duncans, and honestly, it sounds better than my 79 Paul!

Almost anything will sound better than what you have now...If you can tell us what sort of sound/tone curve you are looking for, you can some more specific recommendations that will be in line with that magical sound in your head!

For 80's metal I dont think the Invader does it that well. You will need to look at these pickups for 80's metal, Custom, Custom 5, Distortion, Full Shred. Some may say the JB and alot of people in the 80's did use it but, I personally hate the JB!

For 80's metal, I would say the Custom 5 would be a good starting spot followed by the custom.

Thanks for the reply. Thanks a lot, that's useful

Actually, I'm thinking to get some thick and brutal tone on bridge, Like early Pantera, sometimes Slayer. And I need some smooth tone for solo, and some good clean tone to handle things not that heavy. So, what's yours recommendation in this case?


Originally Posted by MetalistThanks for the reply. Thanks a lot, that's useful

Actually, I'm thinking to get some thick and brutal tone on bridge, Like early Pantera, sometimes Slayer. And I need some smooth tone for solo, and some good clean tone to handle things not that heavy. So, what's yours recommendation in this case?

Pickups will only get you so far, if you don't have the right amp pickups won't help you. That being said, Distortion bridge if you need to push the amp, if not a set of 59's might get you there.


Originally Posted by MetalistAs i've said, i'm new to duncan pups. I'm thinking to throw a pair of duncan pups into my Epiphone Flying V 67 reissue which is made of Alder. and I'm looking for some good 80's heavy metal sound, whatever lead or rythm.
i heard that the Duncan Distortion and the Invader could do the job on the bridge, which one will be better? and any suggestion for the neck pups?

thanks in advance

JB in the bridge

Well there is always the Dimebucker 59 combo, albeit Dime was using it at the end....

For the aforementioned sounds I'd look into the Custom and Distortion, followed by the JB...which I, like Dave, don't like.

The 59 sounds pretty smooth in the neck, the jazz is more articulate, and the Alnico 2 Pro is the smoothest and warmest.

Luke

I think your safest bet, and one you'll be instantly happy upon plugging in.....

Custom/59 N I like the Custom 5 too, but usually only in mahogany/maple.

I've liked the JB for 80s metal. I haven't tried out that many duncans, though, but it worked well and is considered something of a quot;standard replacement pickupquot;!

Slayer/Pantera....I see. A lot of people will recommend a lot of super high output pups, but go for something less over the top. The bigger part of those tones is the amp/effects combo. High out puts ultra gain will just get muddy. I think I'll go with Theodie and stick with the Custom b / 59 N. Enough high end for clarity, without getting boomy or fizzy.