software

I've got an Alder strat body with a maple neck and Pau Ferro fretboard, and an original floyd rose. What full-size bridge humbuckers would you recommend I try for this guitar? I play '80's metal (Dokken, Judas Priest, Megadeth, etc.)

Please name your top three suggestions in order of personal preference.

Thanks,
Steve

For 80's metal, About everyone is going to say the JB becasue alot of Artists used the JB back in the 80's and half of everyone loves the JB for some reason??? but, I personally do not like the JB at all so it will not make my list. Most likely those same people probally do not like the Dimarzio Super Distortion but, just as many people probally used it in the 80's as the JB. I happen to like the Super Distortion for 80's metal. They both have a solid place in 80's metal though!

Custom Trembucker TB-5
Distortion trembucker TB-6
Dimarzio Super Distortion

Though it was not out in the 80's, I think the Duncan Custom 5 TB-14 does 80's metal really well also. I would probally put that in between the Distortion and the Custom in my list if I were going for 80's metal.

JB/Jazz combo. From there you can either split one or the other or both.
Duncan Distortion is another good choice.

I'm opposite of Dave on the JB. I like it and it nails the 80's metal sound perfectly in my guitar. Mustaine has used the JB/Jazz combo for years so there ya go. Lynch used Duncan Distortions I think before his Screamin' Demon came out.

the JB sucks for 80's metalGet a Super Distortion!!!

Also check out the BareKnuckle- Holy Diver from : localhost/bareknucklepickups.com/

The Distortion would be #1 for me. Based on a lot of other people's experience, the JB would be a #2 pick. I, however, never liked it. To me the DiMarzio Super Distortion sounded a little more like late 70's Kiss era hard rock, not so much 80's metal. The Custom would also be a good choice, although I like the Custom/Custom better. I'm pretty sure I heard Mustaine used a Custom for a short stint, so that might suit your style a little better. The Custom/Custom would be more like early EVH rock/metal. I've not tried the Screamin' Demon, so I can't elaborate on that one. But I have heard good things.

My list:
1. Distortion
2. Custom or Custom/Custom
3. JB


Originally Posted by wixomwhatthe JB sucks for 80's metal

Yeah, that's why no one used it for metal in the 80's, right?

The biggest reason people hate the JB (I'm not saying it's the case for these guys - tone is, after all, very objective) is because they don't adjust the pickup to the right height. The JB sounds like dung in the wrong place, but once you get it adjusted properly it screams. A JB will get you close to everything from Autograph to Megadeth to Warrant.

Although, with the right setup, you can probably use a Custom Custom, a 59, or even a Super Distortion. And like Erik said, Lynch used the Duncan Distortion and then the Screamin' Deamon.

Personal preference aside, that's what the guys used.

I've heard rave reviews over all of barenuckle's pups. I'd love to try that Holy Diver.

The JB would work of course!!! Also,the Screamin Demon is great for that 80`s metal sound.....especially for leads!!!!!

Is the DiMarzio Super Distortion a one-trick pony? Just good for distortion and nowt else?

Is it better for rhyhtm or for leads?

Having just acquired myself a JB, and being a player of 80's metal (Iron Maiden mostly), that's what I'd recommend for you! I even have the same aaxe as you pretty much, except I have a maple fretboard


Originally Posted by wixomwhatthe JB sucks for 80's metal

And this is coming from someone who was in diapers during the latter part of the 80's.

JB
Distortion
Custom

Listed in order from vintage paf output to high ouput:

59B
Screamin Demon
Custom
JB
Distortion

Whatever you choose, get it as Trembucker spaced pickup.


Originally Posted by Travis

To me the DiMarzio Super Distortion sounded a little more like late 70's Kiss era hard rock, not so much 80's metal.
Yes, it does nail that Kiss thing but, It makes me think of Randy Rhodes or Mick Mars from Motley Crue!


Originally Posted by LewguitarWhatever you choose, get it as Trembucker spaced pickup.

Good call, Lew. While a few mentioned trembucker spaced pickups, nobody specifically said that. Maybe we need to spend a little more time thinking these things throudh and a little less time arguing over pups - though we can't cut that out completely .


Originally Posted by ErikHAnd this is coming from someone who was in diapers during the latter part of the 80's. ouch... you got me?

So basically you are saying that 19 years ago when you would have been 14 that you knew everything about metal?


Originally Posted by wixomwhatouch... you got me?

So basically you are saying that 19 years ago when you would have been 14 that you knew everything about metal?

I was in junior high and high school in the 80's and had been playing since I was 14 so I read every guitar magazine that was out at the time. They covered almost everyone's gear and I was and still am a metal head, although I prefer the classic metal from then. I especially enjoyed the parts of the articles where gear used was the topic.

The one pickup that I found out from reading all those magazines was that in a majority of metal player's axes was the JB.

Don't say it sucks for 80's metal when that is what was used by many 80's metal players. I was using a SH-6 in my first electric guitar at 15 but always wanted a JB.


Originally Posted by ErikHAnd this is coming from someone who was in diapers during the latter part of the 80's. Dude thats like telling a Civil war expert that he doesn't know anything becuase he wasen't alive in the 1800's.

Jeez i'm not looking for a fight everytime I post My Oppinion

Dont judge a book by its freakin cover- Trust that I know what I'm talking about

- im keaving for work now


Originally Posted by wixomwhatDude thats like telling a Civil war expert that he doesn't know anything becuase he wasen't alive in the 1800's.

Jeez i'm not looking for a fight everytime I post My Oppinion

Dont judge a book by its freakin cover- Trust that I know what I'm talking about

- im keaving for work now

I'm not looking for a fight either but your opinion was pretty one-sided. I'm sure you do know what you're talking about but the way you stated your opinion didn't show it. If you think the JB sucks for 80's metal, then please elaborate as to why. A Civil War expert wouldn't come out with such a one-sided opinion without providing some sort of reasoning behind it.

Sorry if I hit a wrong nerve.


Originally Posted by wixomwhatDude thats like telling a Civil war expert that he doesn't know anything becuase he wasen't alive in the 1800's.

Your statement was akin to saying Erard pianos sucked for classical pianos during Beethoven's time. They may have, but that was the best thing available, and what the greats used. You can say that, but just give a reason why.

No one is going to bash you for the observations you've made about them. You may know something we don't (like quot;SD isn't building them to the same specs as the 80squot; or something like that). We WANT to hear stuff like that. Or tell us why you didn't think it sounded good to you. Blanket statements like that without any support come off the wrong way most of the time, like this case.


Originally Posted by wixomwhatthe JB sucks for 80's metal from : localhost/bareknucklepickups.com/Hey ErikH, I think they suck for everything and I grew up in they 80's!!!!
Just giving you a hard time bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its just not my cup of tea bro!

JB or DD, I'd say.