Seymour Duncan - Kit Mustaine Thrash Factor White

The Seymour Duncan Mustaine Thrash Factor White pick-up set replicates the configuration that helped create Dave Mustaine’s sound on Megadeth’s famous album *Rust In Peace*. During the recording sessions, the guitarist used, amongst other things, a guitar fitted with a pair of Seymour Duncan pickups: a JB at the bridge and a ‘59 at the neck. Dave Mustaine and Seymour Duncan subsequently worked together to recreate the distinctive character of this combination, with tighter bass, hollowed-out mids and more aggressive treble.

The set comprises two passive humbuckers with complementary roles. In the bridge position, the Thrash Factor builds on the foundation of the Seymour Duncan JB, giving it a character more in line with the sound sought by Dave Mustaine. Its tighter bass response and slightly hollowed-out mids allow for more aggressive trebles to come through, with a crisp attack that is particularly well-suited to fast riffs and distorted rhythm parts.

This design really comes into its own when the guitar is driven to high levels of distortion. Palm-mutes gain in impact, whilst the individual notes within a riff remain clearly distinguishable. The high output level provides the power required for metal, but the pickup’s passive nature also allows you to retain dynamics and a certain sensitivity to your playing style.

The SH-1n ’59 Model fitted in the neck position complements the Thrash Factor with a more musical approach. Switching between the two positions thus provides a coherent set-up, capable of handling everything from incisive rhythm parts to melodic sections and solos. Clarity remains at the heart of the design, particularly when the playing becomes dense or heavily distorted.

With this White version, the Mustaine Thrash Factor adds a striking finish to a configuration directly associated with the world of Dave Mustaine. For a guitar intended for thrash metal, heavy metal or styles where riffs need to remain crisp and punchy, this pickup set allows you to recapture some of the tonal character developed around one of Megadeth’s most iconic albums.