Charvel So Cal bridge pickup choices?

[ledvedder]

My So Cal currently has a JB, but I'm just not feeling it. It's hard to describe it in words. I'm considering either swapping an A2 magnet in it, trying a Custom, or a Custom Custom. Before I get lost in this rabbit hole, I'm curious to hear what you guys think would work best. I mainly play classic to hard rock. Heaviest being AIC or early VH tones.

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[superpete]

all of those would sound good, it all depends what you don't like about the JB and what you want out of the new pickup. If you buy a used Custom and an A2 magnet (or a CC and a ceramic) you could try all 3 on the cheap.

[dave74]

The 59/custom hybrid would be a good fit too.

[ledvedder]

all of those would sound good, it all depends what you don't like about the JB and what you want out of the new pickup. If you buy a used Custom and an A2 magnet (or a CC and a ceramic) you could try all 3 on the cheap.

Yep, I do have a Custom already. Also have all the different types of magnets, including A8.

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[Mincer]

I would actually wait on swapping until you can define what you don't like about the JB. Too hot? Too compressed? An EQ issue? Then you can make a better choice when replacing it.

[ledvedder]

It's definitely something about the EQ. It seems kinda harsh and grinding in this guitar. That's the best way I can describe it.

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[Mincer]

OK, that's a start. The Custom varieties don't have that harsh upper mid thing. Magnet swapping on a JB doesn't seem to cure it either.

[Gtrjunior]

Funny, a few weeks ago I made a thread about finding a pickup for an Ibanez. It had a JB and I wasn’t feeling it either.
I tried a Super distortion and a Breed. Ultimately I swapped an A8 into the JB and it worked perfectly for me.
Smoothed our that harshness in that particular guitar and tightened the low end up nicely as well.

I also have a Custom 8 in a LP and it’s glorious.