HD 54 Special vs HD Vintage + vs Duncan Broadcaster

[tkingen]

I'm considering getting a set of Harmonic Design pickups and was wondering if some could comment on the difference between the 54 Special and the Vintage Plus.

My experience has been with what may be a similar comparison - the Duncan Broadcaster vs the Duncan Hot Lead. The Hot Lead seemed like a more powerful midrange heavy version of the vintage idea - not much twang and more of a rock pickup compared to the Broadcaster.

Also, anyone had experience comparing the HD 54 Special to a Duncan Broadcaster?

[Al Nico]

Have not tried the Broadcaster, but compared to other "vintage" spec flatpoles that I've tried:

HD 54 Special - slightly higher output and smoother/refined, had a certain subtle mid-honk that works really well with overdrive, definitely still "vintage" in character.

Vintage+ - much louder (almost HB output), fuller frequency response, can still twang with a 1meg or no-load tone pot, but overall more a cross between a tele pup and an P90.


Both are WAY better than the Hot Lead, if you want a louder, but still tele-like, bridge sound.