What Pickup For My Explorer

[Thrash]

I have a Breed in my Gibson Explorer and I'm not getting the grind and tight tone I want. I want a good heavy 80's metal tone. I was thinking Super 3 or Super Distortion. On paper the warmer Super 3 sounds like it may but muddy, be as most here know, on paper, is not always a good test. I don't want a thin tone. I play a Marshall DSL if that matters.

I use my Air Norton in the neck for all cleans so Clean is not a concern. Anyone used the Sup 3 or SD in a Gibson? Thanks

[nato101010]

Maybe a Dirty Fingers?

[elcid]

Duncan JB, had one in my explorer and loved it.

[Synesthesia]

I second the JB. Sounds great in my Les Paul, so it should sound great in an Explorer.

[Thrash]

I've got a Gibson V coming this week too. Not sure if I want to do a different pickup in each guitar or keep it the same.

[Jaden]

D activator - cant recommend it enough !

[callen3615]

JB....

[Thrash]

Why all the Rage about the JB? I though those were mostly used in superstrats back in the day and most Gibson players used Super Distortions for aftermarket metal/rock pups. I didn't think a JB was much different than a Breed, am I wrong?

[Synesthesia]

The JB is very different from the breed. Yes, both are hot pickups but the JB has MUCH more upper-mid crunch. The EQ curve for the JB (BMT) is 5/6/8 and the Breed is 8/9/5. VERY different-sounding pickups. The Breed's bottom end is fat, while the JB's is tight. If you want 80's heavy metal, get the JB. The Super Distortion, however, is also a great pup. Crunchy as all get-out and Randy Rhoads used to use it (if that's close to the tone you want).

[Jblaze]

I didn't like the JB, but the Super Distortion is great. Tight thick tone with really tight bass. It gives you that Iron Maiden, Ace Frehley sound. The Super 3 is dark sounding, and a little muddy in LPs.