Seymour Duncan Custom Shop Omega

[FourT6and2]

I ordered one of these a while back. I spec'd it as a Trembucker version. So it's an Omega but F-Spaced, for one of my Mayones Duvells. Other pickups I've tried in this, or one of my other Duvells: Distortion, Nazgul, Pegasus.

The Nazgul was my favorite of the bunch. The Pegasus was a little scooped and weak, and loose in comparison. But it has a sort of chewiness to it (which I don't like). The Distortion is a tighter, fizzier, more saturated version of the JB and everyone probably knows it already. The Nazgul is tight and very high output and screams. So far... the Omega is killer (even compared to Bareknuckles). It is tight tight tight in the low end. No flub or looseness. The mid range is forward and snarly and aggressive and mean. The highs are slightly subdued, clear, and sweet. It's easy to play. Doesn't feel like I have to fight it. Overall, the pickup is pretty good. I'm still playing with height, but I like it much more than the Pegasus.

I still have to put it through the paces, but it's a winner in my book for high-gain rhythm. I also have a Peters pickup to try, but it's next in line haha (sorry it's taking so long, James!).

DCR: 13.85k

Amps:
Ceriatone Chupacabra, Bogner 4x12 w/Celestion G12M-25s
Rhodes/KSR Ares, Mesa 2x12 w/Mesa V30s

Nazgul is slightly more saturated and gainy, with a growl.
Omega is clearer, snappier, more of a roar.

I'd say the Omega fits the description of what everyone says the Pegasus is supposed to be. The Pegasus is supposed to be good for prog rock/metal. But I find it pretty bland and mid-scooped and weak. The Omega sounds like a better cousin to the Nazgul. If the Nazgul is for the chuga chuga chuga, the Omega seems to be really good for all things prog.

 

[FourT6and2]

This is pretty accurate to the sounds I'm getting with it through my Ares (minus the awesome playing).

 

[maddnotez]

Sounds pretty awesome. Those guys in P and Keith Merrow as well get some really killer sounding tones. I love Keith's playing too, that guy is a monster.

 

[JamesPeters]

I still have to put it through the paces, but it's a winner in my book for high-gain rhythm. I also have a Peters pickup to try, but it's next in line haha (sorry it's taking so long, James!).

Well, it's taken me about as long to get around to putting Peters pickups in all my own guitars. Part of it was deciding how I wanted to wire them up. I'm going with series/split/parallel switches.

 

[SpiderWars]

The Pegasus was a little scooped and weak, and loose in comparison. But it has a sort of chewiness to it (which I don't like).

I'm still playing with height, but I like it much more than the Pegasus.

I'd say the Omega fits the description of what everyone says the Pegasus is supposed to be. The Pegasus is supposed to be good for prog rock/metal. But I find it pretty bland and mid-scooped and weak. The Omega sounds like a better cousin to the Nazgul. If the Nazgul is for the chuga chuga chuga, the Omega seems to be really good for all things prog.

In that video that compared all those Duncan pickups I remember liking these 3. Your Pegasus description sounds similar to a Custom 5 description and I was going try a Pegasus to replace a Custom 5. Now I'm not so sure. But I'm looking more for 80s metal tones and not too high output. And I usually like me some chewy.

 

[mudf00t]

I have a Mark Holcomb Siggy and these pickups just sound crazy good.

I also really like the DiMarzio Crunchlab/Liquifire combos in my older JP models. We put some in my buddies RG 550 and holy crap they sound amazing in that guitar.

 

[FourT6and2]

The Pegasus was a little scooped and weak, and loose in comparison. But it has a sort of chewiness to it (which I don't like).

I'm still playing with height, but I like it much more than the Pegasus.

I'd say the Omega fits the description of what everyone says the Pegasus is supposed to be. The Pegasus is supposed to be good for prog rock/metal. But I find it pretty bland and mid-scooped and weak. The Omega sounds like a better cousin to the Nazgul. If the Nazgul is for the chuga chuga chuga, the Omega seems to be really good for all things prog.

In that video that compared all those Duncan pickups I remember liking these 3. Your Pegasus description sounds similar to a Custom 5 description and I was going try a Pegasus to replace a Custom 5. Now I'm not so sure. But I'm looking more for 80s metal tones and not too high output. And I usually like me some chewy.

I want to like the Pegasus. But I just don't lol.

That video is with Keith Merrow I think? The one that compares 15 Duncan pickups, right? If so, yeah my three favs were the Nazgul, Omega, and Black Winter.

 

[JTyson]

Sounds killer in that vid, open and detailed and not overly hot but still got some juice. I love the way chords sound with it.
Does it roll off well? Dosent have to be perfect, but I use my volume a lot (constantly)
What magnet does it have?
I may have to try one of these

 

[FourT6and2]

Well the amp I've been using it with doesn't really clean up like a NMV Marshall. So I can't comment on that yet.

It's a ceramic mag.

 

[Oblivion DC]

I ordered one of these a while back. I spec'd it as a Trembucker version. So it's an Omega but F-Spaced, for one of my Mayones Duvells. Other pickups I've tried in this, or one of my other Duvells: Distortion, Nazgul, Pegasus.

The Nazgul was my favorite of the bunch. The Pegasus was a little scooped and weak, and loose in comparison. But it has a sort of chewiness to it (which I don't like). The Distortion is a tighter, fizzier, more saturated version of the JB and everyone probably knows it already. The Nazgul is tight and very high output and screams. So far... the Omega is killer (even compared to Bareknuckles). It is tight tight tight in the low end. No flub or looseness. The mid range is forward and snarly and aggressive and mean. The highs are slightly subdued, clear, and sweet. It's easy to play. Doesn't feel like I have to fight it. Overall, the pickup is pretty good. I'm still playing with height, but I like it much more than the Pegasus.

I still have to put it through the paces, but it's a winner in my book for high-gain rhythm. I also have a Peters pickup to try, but it's next in line haha (sorry it's taking so long, James!).

DCR: 13.85k

Amps:
Ceriatone Chupacabra, Bogner 4x12 w/Celestion G12M-25s
Rhodes/KSR Ares, Mesa 2x12 w/Mesa V30s

Nazgul is slightly more saturated and gainy, with a growl.
Omega is clearer, snappier, more of a roar.

I'd say the Omega fits the description of what everyone says the Pegasus is supposed to be. The Pegasus is supposed to be good for prog rock/metal. But I find it pretty bland and mid-scooped and weak. The Omega sounds like a better cousin to the Nazgul. If the Nazgul is for the chuga chuga chuga, the Omega seems to be really good for all things prog.

So now I'm intrigued. What are the specs for the Omega? There doesn't seem to be a record of it on the Duncan site. I'm gonna special order one from the custom shop and I know to specify a Trembucker version and its DCR: 13.85k but that's about it. Any information you could share would be very helpful.

 

[Speeddemon]

Have you tried the Custom 5 (SH-14) yet?

While I kinda like the Distortion, it's rather mid/high forward. Sure, it's tight, but it could use some bigger low-end, plus it lacks the character of a good Alnico (well, duh, it's ceramic based).
The JB has definitely more character, but is both too loose in the lows and a bit piercing/shrieking in the high-mids/highs. (I've tried the Custom Custom SH-11 years ago, and that was even more spongey to me than the JB).

Enter the Custom 5; BAM! Big low-end, but tight as a Korean *****. Character, without being overly spongey, and good high definition, without any shriek/shrill/piercing quality. And quite high-output too, without being unable to use it clean (I'm looking at you, Dimarzio X2N... ).

Some people keep repeating the 'mid-scooped-ness' of this thing, which I think is BS. Especially if you play mid-forward (EL34?) amps (Marshalls, Engls, EVH, Mesa Marks). Both in a Les Paul Custom and an ESP Horizon NTII it was very balanced and GRRRRREAT for high gain rhythm tones (and lead too).

 

[FourT6and2]

I ordered one of these a while back. I spec'd it as a Trembucker version. So it's an Omega but F-Spaced, for one of my Mayones Duvells. Other pickups I've tried in this, or one of my other Duvells: Distortion, Nazgul, Pegasus.

The Nazgul was my favorite of the bunch. The Pegasus was a little scooped and weak, and loose in comparison. But it has a sort of chewiness to it (which I don't like). The Distortion is a tighter, fizzier, more saturated version of the JB and everyone probably knows it already. The Nazgul is tight and very high output and screams. So far... the Omega is killer (even compared to Bareknuckles). It is tight tight tight in the low end. No flub or looseness. The mid range is forward and snarly and aggressive and mean. The highs are slightly subdued, clear, and sweet. It's easy to play. Doesn't feel like I have to fight it. Overall, the pickup is pretty good. I'm still playing with height, but I like it much more than the Pegasus.

I still have to put it through the paces, but it's a winner in my book for high-gain rhythm. I also have a Peters pickup to try, but it's next in line haha (sorry it's taking so long, James!).

DCR: 13.85k

Amps:
Ceriatone Chupacabra, Bogner 4x12 w/Celestion G12M-25s
Rhodes/KSR Ares, Mesa 2x12 w/Mesa V30s

Nazgul is slightly more saturated and gainy, with a growl.
Omega is clearer, snappier, more of a roar.

I'd say the Omega fits the description of what everyone says the Pegasus is supposed to be. The Pegasus is supposed to be good for prog rock/metal. But I find it pretty bland and mid-scooped and weak. The Omega sounds like a better cousin to the Nazgul. If the Nazgul is for the chuga chuga chuga, the Omega seems to be really good for all things prog.

So now I'm intrigued. What are the specs for the Omega? There doesn't seem to be a record of it on the Duncan site. I'm gonna special order one from the custom shop and I know to specify a Trembucker version and its DCR: 13.85k but that's about it. Any information you could share would be very helpful.

It was a limited custom pickup made for Mark Holcomb. They made a few limited edition boxed sets of the Alpha (neck) and Omega (bridge) pickup. So they aren't listed anywhere and you can't just buy one off the shelf. If/when you order one from the Custom Shop, simply specify in the notes that you want a Mark Holcomb Omega bridge pickup. And if you want it as a trembucker say that. If you want a 7 string version or 8 string, just say that.

But it's a ceramic magnet and has allen bolts instead of pole pieces. But doesn't matter, they will see your notes that you want an Omega and they'll take care of the rest.

 

[FourT6and2]

Have you tried the Custom 5 (SH-14) yet?

While I kinda like the Distortion, it's rather mid/high forward. Sure, it's tight, but it could use some bigger low-end, plus it lacks the character of a good Alnico (well, duh, it's ceramic based).
The JB has definitely more character, but is both too loose in the lows and a bit piercing/shrieking in the high-mids/highs. (I've tried the Custom Custom SH-11 years ago, and that was even more spongey to me than the JB).

Enter the Custom 5; BAM! Big low-end, but tight as a Korean *****. Character, without being overly spongey, and good high definition, without any shriek/shrill/piercing quality. And quite high-output too, without being unable to use it clean (I'm looking at you, Dimarzio X2N... ).

Some people keep repeating the 'mid-scooped-ness' of this thing, which I think is BS. Especially if you play mid-forward (EL34?) amps (Marshalls, Engls, EVH, Mesa Marks). Both in a Les Paul Custom and an ESP Horizon NTII it was very balanced and GRRRRREAT for high gain rhythm tones (and lead too).

Never tried the Custom 5. But I'm pretty happy with the Nazgul and Omega right now

 

[Oblivion DC]

I ordered one of these a while back. I spec'd it as a Trembucker version. So it's an Omega but F-Spaced, for one of my Mayones Duvells. Other pickups I've tried in this, or one of my other Duvells: Distortion, Nazgul, Pegasus.

The Nazgul was my favorite of the bunch. The Pegasus was a little scooped and weak, and loose in comparison. But it has a sort of chewiness to it (which I don't like). The Distortion is a tighter, fizzier, more saturated version of the JB and everyone probably knows it already. The Nazgul is tight and very high output and screams. So far... the Omega is killer (even compared to Bareknuckles). It is tight tight tight in the low end. No flub or looseness. The mid range is forward and snarly and aggressive and mean. The highs are slightly subdued, clear, and sweet. It's easy to play. Doesn't feel like I have to fight it. Overall, the pickup is pretty good. I'm still playing with height, but I like it much more than the Pegasus.

I still have to put it through the paces, but it's a winner in my book for high-gain rhythm. I also have a Peters pickup to try, but it's next in line haha (sorry it's taking so long, James!).

DCR: 13.85k

Amps:
Ceriatone Chupacabra, Bogner 4x12 w/Celestion G12M-25s
Rhodes/KSR Ares, Mesa 2x12 w/Mesa V30s

Nazgul is slightly more saturated and gainy, with a growl.
Omega is clearer, snappier, more of a roar.

I'd say the Omega fits the description of what everyone says the Pegasus is supposed to be. The Pegasus is supposed to be good for prog rock/metal. But I find it pretty bland and mid-scooped and weak. The Omega sounds like a better cousin to the Nazgul. If the Nazgul is for the chuga chuga chuga, the Omega seems to be really good for all things prog.

So now I'm intrigued. What are the specs for the Omega? There doesn't seem to be a record of it on the Duncan site. I'm gonna special order one from the custom shop and I know to specify a Trembucker version and its DCR: 13.85k but that's about it. Any information you could share would be very helpful.

It was a limited custom pickup made for Mark Holcomb. They made a few limited edition boxed sets of the Alpha (neck) and Omega (bridge) pickup. So they aren't listed anywhere and you can't just buy one off the shelf. If/when you order one from the Custom Shop, simply specify in the notes that you want a Mark Holcomb Omega bridge pickup. And if you want it as a trembucker say that. If you want a 7 string version or 8 string, just say that.

But it's a ceramic magnet and has allen bolts instead of pole pieces. But doesn't matter, they will see your notes that you want an Omega and they'll take care of the rest.

Many thanks brother!

 

[the4thlast1]

If you end up wanting to try a BK in your Duvell I would recommend the Impluse ...Sounded ridiculous in my Duvell, Nazgul wasnt bad, I didnt try an Omega but I know for sure the Impulse kills in the mahogany body, poplar top Duvell... I actually didnt like the Impulse as much in two other guitars I tried it in, it just seems to go with the Duvell perfectly.

 

[Hey_bert_whtcha_doin_bert]

Definitely my favorite Duncan by FAR. Had a set a while back but I'm pretty set in stone with my ceramic nailbombs because they sound killer in my Duvell Qatsi or else I'd give it a go again.

 

[FourT6and2]

The BKPs all have nice articulation. But they are sometimes too clear for me. Like there's no fluidity to them and it I find myself fighting them sometimes. The Duncans are just "easy" to play, if that makes sense?

Never heard of the Impulse. I'll go look it up.

I have Nailbombs in one of my LPs. It's ok. Kinda lacks character. The Nazgul is just a fun pickup haha! But the Nailbombs I have are alnico, so maybe not a fair comparison...

Here's a vid someone else made comparing the Nazgul/Nailbomb in a Mayones actually:

 

[the4thlast1]

The BKPs all have nice articulation. But they are sometimes too clear for me. Like there's no fluidity to them and it I find myself fighting them sometimes. The Duncans are just "easy" to play, if that makes sense?

Never heard of the Impulse. I'll go look it up.

I have Nailbombs in one of my LPs. It's ok. Kinda lacks character. The Nazgul is just a fun pickup haha! But the Nailbombs I have are alnico, so maybe not a fair comparison...

Here's a vid someone else made comparing the Nazgul/Nailbomb in a Mayones actually:

Yeah the BKs are very clear , Duncans can feel easier to play I know what ya mean. It's kinda a trade off I guess. Different strokes though I will say I had a PRS Holcomb for a short time and I did like the tone, the Alpha / Omega suited the guitar / style well.

In the Duvell I tried Nazgul (came stock), Nailbomb (ceramic), and the Impulse. Even though I like the Nailbomb in other guitars I own it didn't work well in the Duvell.. The Nazgul seem to suit the guitar better. Out of the three I liked the Impulse most but it is a very clear type of tone, the Nazgul was probably more forgiving....I was surprised at the results overall because I tried a Nazgul in two other guitars in the past and was underwhelmed by it . So sometimes it's just a matter of finding the right match, a pickup could sound and feel meh in one guitar and then kick ass in another. I have one guitar I probably tried 7 or 8 pickups in before settling lol

 

[Hey_bert_whtcha_doin_bert]

My duvell is swamp ash and the Nailbomb is ceramic which makes a HUGE difference actually I'm not really a fan of the alnico at all

 

[jsp]

I wish these were readily available rather than a $300+ custom shop set. Oh well.