MCP 2nd degree black belt,VH I tone in a pickup!

[vanhalen5150]

I have a Darkburst and a MC BB2. I can't tell the difference between them. Both sound great.
If you listen to the "stratplexi" clip, I believe it was Mark playing in this clip.
http://www.wcrguitar.com/darkburst_clips.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Star*Guitar]

There is a real difference. Tightness in the low end. Gain without after note artifact or clutter. Very sweet harmonically. I have 2 second degree blackbelts. I have had them for quite some time since I heard Stan's clips years ago. I am about to buy a third of my Wolfgang.

[mightymike]

I have a Darkburst and a MC BB2. I can't tell the difference between them. Both sound great.
If you listen to the "stratplexi" clip, I believe it was Mark playing in this clip.
http://www.wcrguitar.com/darkburst_clips.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Couldn't tell the difference. I wouldn't have expected that answer.

[vanhalen5150]

They are very similar.

[Marshall SL12301]

yeah when you get into comparing the same spec models 9K,alncio 5 blah blah blah they will sound very similar but being that the Darkburst is a alnico II i hear a difference from the MCP 2nd BB. if you were to put a II in the MCP they are probably the same thing

[mightymike]

I prefer the lower imp pickup like this for VH1 and then juice up the signal with an EP3 and EQ for a very dynamic and open tone. I like the drive of a SH5/ JB for the for VH2/WACF.

[mightymike]

yeah when you get into comparing the same spec models 9K,alncio 5 blah blah blah they will sound very similar but being that the Darkburst is a alnico II i hear a difference from the MCP 2nd BB. if you were to put a II in the MCP they are probably the same thing

Unless he changed the Magnet. I've ordered them with different magnets.

[Tone Slinger]

I got a '06 Duncan 'Custom Custom' that absolutly KILLS. I'm not sure of the consistancy of pu's, though I'm assuming they are of VERY tight tolerances, especially the BIG companies (Seymour & Dimarzio).

I have been listening to the bootlegs alot recently. If Ed got his FIRST Seymour pu in '77 (like IF he used a Duncan 'rewind' on the first VH album, a SH-5 'Custom'), then WHY did he choose yet ANOTHER Duncan pu type later (the '78 tour). Seems to me that Ed used a Mighty Mite 'Screamer' (DSD clone) up to and including the '77/'78 New Years/Eve Whiskey gig. The '78 stuff is slightly warmer with less gain, like *possibly* a a2 awg 42 wind at 9k ( Duncan '78) or even a JB (the awg 44 wire wound to 16 k slightly softens or WARMS up an A5 magnet).

Regardless, of all else, in my personall exp. ( I run a 12xxx Mod5 spec amp through a 4/12 loaded with 6402 coned green backs) The Duncan 'Custom Custom' is, BY FAR, the most VH1 sounding pu I've ever heard, though, technically speaking, it isnt what he used.

[JimiJames]

Not to go too much off topic, but Man ! That MCP Woodward Alnico III Single Coil is one of the better or best pickup in a Marshallesque amp for the neck position I've heard in a long while.
Definitely ordering one of those no doubt !

[vanhalen5150]

I got a '06 Duncan 'Custom Custom' that absolutly KILLS. I'm not sure of the consistancy of pu's, though I'm assuming they are of VERY tight tolerances, especially the BIG companies (Seymour & Dimarzio).

I have been listening to the bootlegs alot recently. If Ed got his FIRST Seymour pu in '77 (like IF he used a Duncan 'rewind' on the first VH album, a SH-5 'Custom'), then WHY did he choose yet ANOTHER Duncan pu type later (the '78 tour). Seems to me that Ed used a Mighty Mite 'Screamer' (DSD clone) up to and including the '77/'78 New Years/Eve Whiskey gig. The '78 stuff is slightly warmer with less gain, like *possibly* a a2 awg 42 wind at 9k ( Duncan '78) or even a JB (the awg 44 wire wound to 16 k slightly softens or WARMS up an A5 magnet).

Regardless, of all else, in my personall exp. ( I run a 12xxx Mod5 spec amp through a 4/12 loaded with 6402 coned green backs) The Duncan 'Custom Custom' is, BY FAR, the most VH1 sounding pu I've ever heard, though, technically speaking, it isnt what he used.

I got one of those Duncan CC's as well. Havent had time to put it in anything but it does sound promising. I found it on ebay for $65.00. Still in original packaging. Not sure of the year but it has a black/green bobbin combo.

[rgorke]

I prefer the lower imp pickup like this for VH1 and then juice up the signal with an EP3 and EQ for a very dynamic and open tone. I like the drive of a SH5/ JB for the for VH2/WACF.

Mike,

You have hit the nail on the head for what I am discovering with my tone search. The lower PAF-ish pickups with a bit of push from an MXR EQ is seems to getting the best tone for me right now. I can put the pickup closer to the strings and not get an over whelming amount of distortion or gain that makes things mushy. There seems to be a significant amount of clarity with the lower output pickup.

With a higher output DSD or MM1300 or so, I need to put the pickup much further away from the strings in order to achieve the clarity of the PAF.

Roger

[Leotis]

Soooo... you MCP 2nd Deg BB users, I just got one myself and I'm getting conflicting info regarding the wiring. Is black hot or green? I know the red/white get taped together and back.

[mightymike]

I prefer the lower imp pickup like this for VH1 and then juice up the signal with an EP3 and EQ for a very dynamic and open tone. I like the drive of a SH5/ JB for the for VH2/WACF.

Mike,

You have hit the nail on the head for what I am discovering with my tone search. The lower PAF-ish pickups with a bit of push from an MXR EQ is seems to getting the best tone for me right now. I can put the pickup closer to the strings and not get an over whelming amount of distortion or gain that makes things mushy. There seems to be a significant amount of clarity with the lower output pickup.

With a higher output DSD or MM1300 or so, I need to put the pickup much further away from the strings in order to achieve the clarity of the PAF.

Roger

Agreed, and I also like puting the EP3 on the Jumper between the channels and make channel2 extremely wet to get the color on channel 2 without it effecting the bite and tightness on the bottom end of channel one. But put the eq before channel1, but I might ony turn up channel 2 to 2 or so. By setting it up this way the channel 2 volume just becomes the delay volume control froma totaly wet channel. Open dynamic tone, and it really shines through this way with these 8 to 9k assymetrical wind pups.

[rgorke]

I prefer the lower imp pickup like this for VH1 and then juice up the signal with an EP3 and EQ for a very dynamic and open tone. I like the drive of a SH5/ JB for the for VH2/WACF.

Mike,

You have hit the nail on the head for what I am discovering with my tone search. The lower PAF-ish pickups with a bit of push from an MXR EQ is seems to getting the best tone for me right now. I can put the pickup closer to the strings and not get an over whelming amount of distortion or gain that makes things mushy. There seems to be a significant amount of clarity with the lower output pickup.

With a higher output DSD or MM1300 or so, I need to put the pickup much further away from the strings in order to achieve the clarity of the PAF.

Roger

Agreed, and I also like puting the EP3 on the Jumper between the channels and make channel2 extremely wet to get the color on channel 2 without it effecting the bite and tightness on the bottom end of channel one. But put the eq before channel1, but I might ony turn up channel 2 to 2 or so. By setting it up this way the channel 2 volume just becomes the delay volume control froma totaly wet channel. Open dynamic tone, and it really shines through this way with these 8 to 9k assymetrical wind pups.

Yeah, but there is an extra something that you get running the EQ into the EP3. Lots of options!!!!

[vanhalen5150]

Soooo... you MCP 2nd Deg BB users, I just got one myself and I'm getting conflicting info regarding the wiring. Is black hot or green? I know the red/white get taped together and back.

Usuall black is hot, and green is ground. But sometimes (black) its a ground. Just use a multi tester.

I always get my PU's with the old braided 2 wire, if I can. I don't need no split coil taped dodads hanging out in the cavity.....