8-string passive pickups that sound like the 6-string JB's?

[dave247]

I have an Agile LP 6 string that I put a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in years ago and the thing has always sounded absolutly amazing. I used to be into Metallica and Tool and my guitar + the JB has always sounded pretty damned close to that level of tone and quality, with just this amazing crisp, dry crunch. Not too hot and thick at all.. I don't really know how to explain the sounds, but the damned pickup is a JB (I don't know what series or anything) and it sounds almost perfect.

Last year, I got an 8 string Schecter with active EMG 57-8H & 66-8H pickups. They sound pretty good for the most part, but not on the low end (especially the last string). It is missing the gentile tone and warmth and dry crunch of what I have with my other guitar... So I was hoping someone could recommend some passive 8-string pickups that I could install that would be similar to the JB pickups. And yes, I know I will need to also change out the pots.

 

[mskguitars]

Re: 8-string passive pickups that sound like the 6-string JB's?

Just as a side note, keep in mind, if it's an Omen 8 you are using its a 26.5" scale length that usually comes with a 0.74 low string and they can be a little flabby because the tension is quite low.

I recently built a 27" scale 8 string with EMG's and had the same thing as you.
I simply replaced the low string with a 0.85 gauge and it's fixed the problem to some degree.
It will need some new pick ups but the increase in tension made a dramatic increase in the sonic detail and removed that woolly sound. Give it a go. Might help.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: 8-string passive pickups that sound like the 6-string JB's?

Just as a side note, keep in mind, if it's an Omen 8 you are using its a 26.5" scale length that usually comes with a 0.74 low string and they can be a little flabby because the tension is quite low.

I recently built a 27" scale 8 string with EMG's and had the same thing as you.
I simply replaced the low string with a 0.85 gauge and it's fixed the problem to some degree.
It will need some new pick ups but the increase in tension made a dramatic increase in the sonic detail and removed that woolly sound. Give it a go. Might help.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

As far as I know, the only Schecter 8 strings with the EMG 57/66 set (a phenomenal active pickup set) is the Hellraiser Hybrid's and they have 28" scale lengths (much better than the 27" of Ibanezes).

OP, you may be able to call SD and see if they can make you an 8 string JB. I don't know whether or not you'll need to go through the custom shop, but it's worth a look. I'd also check out the Mark Holcomb Alpha/Omega.

 

[mskguitars]

Re: 8-string passive pickups that sound like the 6-string JB's?

Thanks Johnny, I stand corrected.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: 8-string passive pickups that sound like the 6-string JB's?

Thanks Johnny, I stand corrected.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

No problem, but I agree with everything you said. 26.5" is just not long enough for an 8 string guitar. I'm sure it intonates well (Mark Holcomb uses a 26.5 I believe) but you have to be using some monster strings, too. 27 is good, but even still I like 8's a bit longer. I like 6 strings to be 24.75-25.5", 7's to be at 26.5-27, and 8's to be at least 27.5.

 

[dave247]

Re: 8-string passive pickups that sound like the 6-string JB's?

As far as I know, the only Schecter 8 strings with the EMG 57/66 set (a phenomenal active pickup set) is the Hellraiser Hybrid's and they have 28" scale lengths (much better than the 27" of Ibanezes).

OP, you may be able to call SD and see if they can make you an 8 string JB. I don't know whether or not you'll need to go through the custom shop, but it's worth a look. I'd also check out the Mark Holcomb Alpha/Omega.

Yes, you are correct. My Schecter is 28 inches (http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-SCE-HYBRIDC8-LIST).


That's a cool idea about calling SD up to see if they could make an 8 string JB, but I assume that would cost a load of money... I would settle for something with similar sound if it were available in the store.. but I don't know much about pickups in general so I don't know how they differ and it's kind of expensive to just buy and try..

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: 8-string passive pickups that sound like the 6-string JB's?

Yes, you are correct. My Schecter is 28 inches (http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-SCE-HYBRIDC8-LIST).


That's a cool idea about calling SD up to see if they could make an 8 string JB, but I assume that would cost a load of money... I would settle for something with similar sound if it were available in the store.. but I don't know much about pickups in general so I don't know how they differ and it's kind of expensive to just buy and try..

Well I don't know if they would charge you the full custom shop price. They may very well, but I'm not 100% on that. It would be similar in output to a Pegasus 8 string, and both use the same magnet, so the Pegasus is one to try as well. They may even consider a JB-8 to be a floor shop custom Pegasus. But if all else fails, then why not get exactly what you want?

 

[Mincer]

Re: 8-string passive pickups that sound like the 6-string JB's?

The Custom Shop can totally do this. Just contact them, tell them the scale length and tuning you use, and they will make any adjustments to make it happen. They are pretty amazing at that.