35th Anniversay JB? RCA5? Blackened JB?

[Rex_Rocker]

Now that I'm back in love with my trusty old JB, I'm in full mad scientist mode. Let me just say the JB is perfect as is for me. I love the cutting upper midrange aggression and the squishy feel. But I always like tinkering, and one thing that could make it even more perfect is if the low-end was a bit leaner and more focused.

I was listening to this clip:

And the 35th Anni JB stood out to me as the overall best. It seems even more focused, aggressive, and leaner than the production JB. So a few questions arise.

1. The easiest/cheapest solution to grab a RCA5 magnet somewhere, and stick it in there. Quesion is, though, how close would that get me considering the Anniversay JB is not exactly just a production JB with a RCA5 magnet stuck in there, is it?

2. And followup, does anyone know where I can grab a RCA5 in Canada or that will ship to Canada for not too much?

3. If that fails, can I just order a 35th Anni JB off the Custom Shop?

4. Another alternative I can think of is grabbing a Blackened JB, right? Those are leaner and more focused too, right? Do you know if those are still available as a Custom Floor?

Thanks!

 

[weepingminotaur]

What about the Dave Mustaine Thrash Factor? Part of what the promo copy promises is a "tighter low end." And it's basically a modded JB anyway. Something to consider. (I haven't actually tried the Thrash Factor myself.)

 

[Rex_Rocker]

What about the Dave Mustaine Thrash Factor? Part of what the promo copy promises is a "tighter low end." And it's basically a modded JB anyway. Something to consider. (I haven't actually tried the Thrash Factor myself.)

Oh, yeah, that too!

That being said, if I can get there with just a magnet swap, my wallet would be happier, haha.

 

[AdrianSD]

Oh, yeah, that too!

That being said, if I can get there with just a magnet swap, my wallet would be happier, haha.

JB8 ftw!

 

[Rex_Rocker]

JB8 ftw!

I've tried it some time ago. It's kinda the opposite of what I want right now. The A8 seems to broaden the lows. The highs too.

 

[Clint 55]

RCA5 is a good idea. A4 seemed to really tighten everything also when I tried it.

 

[AdrianSD]

I've tried it some time ago. It's kinda the opposite of what I want right now. The A8 seems to broaden the lows. The highs too.

A8 gives a flatter EQ, yes. I have to lower mine until the bass tightens up. You can also try short hex screws for the EAD, á la Full Shred.

 

[beaubrummels]

Multiple options:

1. RCA5 https://www.philadelphialuthiertool...-5-rough-bar-magnet-2-5-x-5-x-125-magnetized/
2. Order a Custom Shop with the specs of an Anniversary (they won't make an Anniversary, but should be able to do a close spec)
3. Order a Custom Shop Concept Set bridge (very similar thing)
4. Find a used JB from before the mid 1980s online (that's what I did - much better JB, wound by Seymour, able to clean up with rolling the volume, doesn't have any excessive high-mid/treble spike)

 

[Mincer]

You could also look at the JB Rails, which is a tighter sounding JB.

 

[xxxplorer]

Black winter lol

 

[Rex_Rocker]

You could also look at the JB Rails, which is a tighter sounding JB.

Black winter lol

Other good options! But I wanna do my research to see if the RCA5 might give me what I want for cheaper.

 

[Chistopher]

The Perpetual Burn, while maybe not exactly what you want, is also in the family

 

[Masta' C]

Question is, though, how close would that get me considering the Anniversary JB is not exactly just a production JB with a RCA5 magnet stuck in there, is it?

Pretty much...roughcast magnet and lighter potting (because of the butyrate bobbins). If the 35th Anniversary roughcast mags were "aged" in any way, it was never advertised.

The maple spacers, butyrate bobbins, etc. have no meaningful impact on the magnetic field or overall response/tone of the pickup.

Another easy and inexpensive modification that's fun with the JB is to do the DiMarzio-style "air" or "half-air" mod

 

[Clint 55]

Do you use A4? A4 does exactly that. I usually don't like A4 because it's too stiff, but the JB is so chewy that the evening and firming effect doesn't take over. It focuses the low end and the rest of the range without making it too stiff. Ends up quite balanced, which is strange for the JB.