'59n & custom custom

[ShredFetus]

Well I just got my first set of Duncans, & even though I was supposed to get a TB-5 Custom instead of a TB-11 Custom Custom, I'm gunna do a review thing anyway.

I got these pups to replace the horrible stock ones in an alder bodied Jackson kelly.

First of all I love the '59 in the neck! It has a prescent low end, but doesn't get boomy like I had read. The guitar was a bit twangy & thin before, so I kinda planned to fill out the lows with this pup. The highs sound great to me, they really ring out sweet & clear.
I like the highs on the '59 more than on the custom custom. The CC's highs sound nice, but they are a bit weaker than the 59. The sound of the CC is very warm & round, but I was after something with more bite to it. I can see the CC working well doing mellow rock stuff, but it's just doesn't have the definitive punch I need. It does have a nice thick mid tone. I don't think the '59 and CC are a very good match in my guitar, maybe another alnico 2 pup would suit the neck position better.

I'm after a bridge pup with more attack, so is the ceramic Custom TB-5 what I really need??

[Reckless Abandon]

yes the custom sounds like what you want. It will have abit more bite to it. Will match better with the '59 as well

[OlinMusic]

Just swa the Magnet for a Ceramic. You should also consider the Custom 5 which is a ALNICO 5. You can experiment very cheaply. You won't even have to unsolder the pup.

[francis]

Another vote for the Custom-5. Haven't personally played a Custom but I have a Custom-5 which is said to be a perfect match with a '59 in the neck. It is very punchy so you should love it.

I do have the C5 bridge / 59 neck combo, but my '59 is defective.. one of its coils is out of the circuit, so I can't personally say its the best combo with the '59, but lots and loads of ppl say it is. I'll see once I get my '59 replaced (or fixed.. wtvr)

[FretFire]

If you're wanting to play hard rock or metal I'd probably go with the regular Custom. But before you swap pickups again, try playing with the height of the CC and adjust the pole pieces to see what happens. You can make pretty drastic changes doing those things.