A versatile pickup?

[oryan]

So many choices to choose from and i can't decide which one is right for me. Ideally, I'd like to try each one individually, but that ain't gonna happen.

I need a versatile pickup, one that can go from sparkly clean to over-the-top metal crunch without too much annoying feedback. Yes, I run a noise suppressor, but I find if the pup is too low in output, it produces more feedback than the NS can eliminate. On the other hand, if the pup is too hot, clean tones sound like crap.

Any suggestions? I'm leaning towards a JB, but if there is a comparable pup, please let me know.

 

[Dirt123]

Re: A versatile pickup?

Depending on you guitar, I would start with the JB, maybe with the option to split it.

At least if you don't like it, you’ll know what you want in comparison to the JB, & it shouldn’t be too hard to get rid of it.

 

[Dave_Mcpherson]

Re: A versatile pickup?

I think the JB will suit your needs nicely . It can also do very nice cleans, aswell as high-gain metal crunch...you just need to tweak your settings, as with any pickup .

 

[ModestCargo]

Re: A versatile pickup?

Maybe put the JB with a 250k pot.

 

[oryan]

Re: A versatile pickup?

Depending on you guitar, I would start with the JB, maybe with the option to split it.

At least if you don't like it, you’ll know what you want in comparison to the JB, & it shouldn’t be too hard to get rid of it.

I want to install it in my Gibson Flying V. All my guitars are Gibson and for the most part I like Gibson pups, but I hated the 500T/496R combo that came stock with the V. They were great for palm-muting crunch, but horrible when I played clean.

My style is kind of eclectic, I love clean, Jazz-like tones almost as much as I love in-your-face Metal crunch, so I need a pup that can do both. I've read many reviews on the JB, even listen to the sound files on this site, but I was just wondering if there was another pup that is comparable.

Thank for the input.

 

[oryan]

Re: A versatile pickup?

Maybe put the JB with a 250k pot.

Will a 250k pot reduce gain while playing clean? I thought lower K pots only cut high band frequencies, but not affect gain? I don't want to lose any high freq. snap on the clean. A coil spilt actually sounds like a good idea if I want that snappy clean tone.

Thanks!~

 

[ModestCargo]

Re: A versatile pickup?

Will a 250k pot reduce gain while playing clean? I thought lower K pots only cut high band frequencies, but not affect gain? I don't want to lose any high freq. snap on the clean. A coil spilt actually sounds like a good idea if I want that snappy clean tone.

Thanks!~

The JB is VERY bright - but if you love highs leave the 500k. You can use the tone knob, then.

 

[dnewhous]

Re: A versatile pickup?

I'm currently using a Screamin Demon which is the definition of bright - too twangy for most, and too twangy for me in one of my guitars.

I'd go with the custom line- Custom, Custom 5, and Custom Custom. Those pickups are designed for balance of tone and output. The difference is the magnet used and exactly which one you pick will depend on your guitar. I'd do the Custom because ceramic magnet pickups are a good match to my ears with all mahogony guitars. It's brighter than a JB, but consider the wood of your instrument.

 

[bigheadood]

Re: A versatile pickup?

My Les Paul came stock with a 500T, it now has a JB, so I'll compare the two.
The JB has less treble than the 500T, but much more high mids, which can sound quite piercing with the wrong amp settings.
I thought the 500T sounded brittle and harsh. The JB has a much smoother singing quality. Especially at higher gain settings.
Low end on both pickups is similar.
With 500k pots, the JB sounds thin and squeeky. I re-installed the stock 300K pots and the JB came alive. The 500T was always squeeky; sounds good only for death metal.. JB is much more versatile.

 

[theodie]

Re: A versatile pickup?

:smack:

The JB is versatile in the sense that it does nothing great but, it does do alot of things!

A Bill Lawrence L-500 with a 250K pot or a Bill Lawrence XL500 will smoke the JB in terms of versatility!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: A versatile pickup?

I like the JB.

I like the 59B, Custom and Custom Custom better.

And I like the Duncan Custom Shop 78/EVH best of all!

Go for that.

Lew

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: A versatile pickup?

I think the JB will suit your needs nicely . It can also do very nice cleans, aswell as high-gain metal crunch...you just need to tweak your settings, as with any pickup .

I agree completly

 

[LukeGilmour]

Re: A versatile pickup?

i dont mean to contaminate your thread at all, but im certainly looking for something similar, that would give me the chance to play vintage tones, such as zeppelin, but then also something like lateralus(tool)

any ideas?

 

[oryan]

Re: A versatile pickup?

The JB is VERY bright - but if you love highs leave the 500k. You can use the tone knob, then.

Ah yes, the all-forgotten tone knob. I've never had a use for that knob, but now maybe I will finally be able to use it in my playing.

Thanks!

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: A versatile pickup?

Ah yes, the all-forgotten tone knob. I've never had a use for that knob, but now maybe I will finally be able to use it in my playing.

Thanks!

I use it if I'm playing solos on a guitar that has one. None of my single humbucker Strats have a tone knob though. But I do like to play a solo on the bridge pickup and then turn down the tone knob 1/2 way or more to get that "woman tone"...sounds like a wah-wah pedal set to its sweet spot. I like doing that with the bridge pickup although I think Clapton used it with neck pickup just as often. Lew

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: A versatile pickup?

I actualy dont find the JB VERY BRIGHT. it has that upper midrange peak but that is diff from Brightness. I am honestly cosidering Lew's recomendations of using the JB with 500K pots I curently use 250K.

@ LukeGilmour I think you will like the 59, for vinatge

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: A versatile pickup?

I actualy dont find the JB VERY BRIGHT. it has that upper midrange peak but that is diff from Brightness. I am honestly cosidering Lew's recomendations of using the JB with 500K pots I curently use 250K.

@ LukeGilmour I think you will like the 59, for vinatge

I totally agree. I don't hear the JB as being bright either. 250K pots are what Seymour uses with his JB. With 250K pots, I found that the JB was even warmer than the Custom Custom is with 500K pots! But 250K pots do smooth the JB out a bit and remove that upper mid peak you mentioned.

I like it fine with 500K pots...some folks prefer it with 250K pots.

Whatever gets you your tone is right.

Lew