JB vs Super Distortion

[UnderTheFlame83]

How similar are they? And which one is your favorite and why?

[Masta' C]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Oh boy, here we go...LOL

1) Not very similar, but can cover similar ground in terms of rock, metal, etc. Their voicings are very different, but both are hot, dynamic pickups with good harmonic qualities.
2) I think the results of this previous poll sum up what you can expect to find in terms of players' preferences: LINK

[gsammo79]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Super Distortion is my pick. The JB was my first after market pickup. It's not for me. Mids were more than I care for and the low end is loud, yet loose. I bought the JB after it was recommended by a local guitartech to replace a 500t. I'll never buy another JB

The SD didn't come across as a *lead only* pickup like the JB. More balanced and pleasing eq voicing

[GuitarStv]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

The JB sounds a lot like a Tone Zone.

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/show...nd-JB-compared

[Masta' C]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

The JB sounds a lot like a Tone Zone.

No it doesn't. The JB and Tone Zone are distant cousins at best...both may come from the same family tree, being hotter Alnico V pickups, but those two are far enough apart in tone that they can legally get married in most states

[ErikH]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Neither is like the other. Totally different beasts, other than being high output. The Super Distortion, IME / IMO, is much more versatile, has a fuller sound and sounds better split or parallel. That's me though. I don't even have to hesitate here. I've tried to like the JB a number of times and I just can't use it long term. The Super Distortion never gets old for me.

+1 in the JB and Tone Zone NOT being similar at all. The Tone Zone has unbalanced coils too. The JB's are symmetrical. Two completely different pickups / winds, construction. And between those two, the Tone Zone wins in my book.

[Clint 55]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Both. JB/Super D hybrid.

[Masta' C]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Hey Clint #2, which magnet did you end up going with in the JB/SD hybrid and did you try both A5 and Ceramic at some point?

[Clint 55]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Double thick A8 is the only mag I've had in this particular hybrid. A5 is ok to me in the bridge but A8 is my favorite for aggressive. I don't care for ceramic.

[UnderTheFlame83]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Nice guitar, Clint!

[Clint 55]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Thx!

[Dave Locher]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

I don't care for ceramic.

That's crazy talk! Chunka chunka!!

[gsammo79]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Nice pickup idea, Clint. Heard you mention it a time or two but haven't seen the axe before.

If I had more guitars Id like to try some hybrid ideas out ive got

[Clint 55]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

Thx. Yea hybrids are fun.

[pskorz]

Re: JB vs Super Distortion

The JB is a good pickup, it's just never been my favorite. Duncan has other offerings that fit my tastes better. I do now have a Super D for one of my strats, and I'm excited to get it wired up and going. Broadly, I'd say the Super Distortion is my favorite of the two, but you know how it goes... every guitar (and player) is different.