Within the late ’70s, rock guitarists fell down the rabbit gap attempting to realize extra maintain, harmonics, and further crunch by way of pickup swaps. Seymour Duncan has created a brand new PAF that flashes again to these days, however designed to be more-sensitive to harmonics.

Beforehand solely made to order for Customized Store prospects, the Duncan ’78 Mannequin is now a part of their common stock. With the groundwork of heat and readability laid by classic humbuckers, Duncan added output however dimed the EQ with a selected coil wind utilizing 42-gauge plain-enamel wire. This, mixed with a hand-calibrated Alnico II magnet and wax potting, offers it distinctive character. The present model has four-conductor lead wires, permitting for wiring/splitting choices. The bridge pickup has a DC resistance of 9k, whereas the neck is 7.9k.

Whereas designed for superstrats with a nod to Edward Van Halen’s early sound, it introduced new life to our Les Paul Customary; plugged into an previous Marshall combo, elevated articulation was readily obvious utilizing clear and soiled channels. A blanket of mud was lifted from the neck place, whereas the bridge yielded more-organic sizzle and overtones even when amp achieve was pushed.

General, the ’78s introduced rather more oomph, definition, and kick together with smoother midrange; chords crunched and popped, but cleaned up effectively when rolling off the Quantity management. They’re energetic and produce a variety of sonic textures that might work nice for blues, rock, hard-rock, and “jazz-adjacent” music. Speedy runs have been thick and fierce, soiled chords with extensions sounded clear and sturdy, and pinch harmonics popped.

The Duncan ’78s straddle classic sweetness and heat whereas additionally including punch that by no means turns to mush, all with an upscale touch-responsiveness and craftsmanship.

This text initially appeared in VG’s October 2023 situation. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.