Thoughts on Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Pickups?

For those who love classic rock, the PAF pickups from the Custom Shop deliver that low-end thump and clarity that’s just incredible.

I’ve only used the Vintage Stack model; it’s surprisingly versatile. Great for both clean and distorted sounds, perfect for funk and blues!

That’s impressive! How does it fare against the ‘Hot Rail’? I’m considering that for a bit more crunchy tone.

For a warm, creamy sound, the ‘Custom 59’ is amazing in the neck position. It complements the bridge pickup really well for lead parts.

Sounds interesting! I’ve always been a fan of paired pickups, but do you think the ‘Custom 59’ has enough output for heavier styles?

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Just a heads up: I’ve found that the Custom Shop pickups often require a bit of adjustment to get the most out of them. It’s totally worth it though!

Totally agree! The setup can make a huge difference. I put the ‘Phat Cat’ in my Tele and wow, so much more character now.

I tried the ‘Quarter Pound’ pickups, and while they are great for punch, they might not be suitable for everyone’s taste. A bit too hot for jazz.

That’s very fair! I think they shine more in rock and funk. It’s all about finding what fits your style!

The ‘Little 59’ is an underrated gem for those seeking a P90-like tone without the noise. Perfect for my style!

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I have been curious about that one! Does it handle distortion well?

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I’ve recently installed a Custom Shop pickup in my Les Paul, and it was quite straightforward! The wiring was easy, but make sure to check compatibility with your existing pots.

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That’s awesome! I had a bit of trouble with the wiring in my Strat. There are so many options to consider, what did you do for yours?

Compatibility is key! I’ve found that Seymour Duncan pickups work really well with Fenders but can be tricky with active setups. Anyone else notice that?

Absolutely agree! My guitarist faced issues when fitting them into his active guitar. Did you find a specific model or type that worked best for you?

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How about the installation process? I felt pretty overwhelmed reading the manual initially; some diagrams were a bit confusing!

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I totally get that! Watching a few YouTube videos really helped clarify things for me. Visual aids can make a big difference!

I’ve had success with the coil-split feature on my Custom Shop pickups. It opens up a lot of tonal options in a single setup.

That’s a great tip! I love experimenting with sounds. Any recommendations on pots and caps when doing a split?

I recommend 250k pots for a brighter tone, especially if you’re using humbuckers. And don’t forget the good quality capacitors!