Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

D

danidogma

New member
Hi guys, my name is Daniel and I´m new here, my greetings for you. :headbang:

I have a Charvel Wildcard #7. It has an alder body, maple neck, ebony fingerboard and a floyd rose tremolo.
It comes with a Seymour Duncan JB in the bridge position. I like the bightness/clarity and the "classic" tone of the pickup but I wish It had more "body" in the sound without loosing those characteristics.
In the tone chart I´ve seen the TB15 Alternative 8 wich is Alnico (tone) and seems to have the same highs that the JB has but It has more mids and lows too.

I don´t want to loose the "cut in the mix", articulation and clarity of the JB, only to expand it with more "oomph" on the mid/bass without being muddy.

Do you think It will give me what I want?

Thanks in advance!
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

The Alt 8 might be a good choice for what you're seeking. The Alnico 8 magnet is very unique and changes the voicing a bit (more mids, more lows), but it still cuts well, has nice harmonics and those fluid lead tones JB players love.

However, I'd also suggest looking at the Suhr Aldrich...sort of an overwound JB, which helps pull out the mids and low end without losing all of the high-mid punch that lets the JB cut through so well.
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

The Alt8 is a GREAT choice!! I've got it in a similar guitar (a USA jackson, but same setup in terms of woods etc) and in that guitar, it's like a sonic tsunami.
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

I have an Alt 8 in my Les Paul and it is amazing. Sonic tsunami is right.
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

masta' c said:
The Alt 8 might be a good choice for what you're seeking. The Alnico 8 magnet is very unique and changes the voicing a bit (more mids, more lows), but it still cuts well, has nice harmonics and those fluid lead tones JB players love.
Click to expand...

I´m afraid because I like the way the JB cuts, I only miss a little more "beef" without loosing the cutting harmonics of the treble strings and the clarity of the low strings...

masta' c said:
However, I'd also suggest looking at the Suhr Aldrich...sort of an overwound JB, which helps pull out the mids and low end without losing all of the high-mid punch that lets the JB cut through so well.
Click to expand...

I have a Shur DSH+ in another guitar and It´s AWSOME, it´s like a sonic tsunami, like tou said, and that´s why I would like to try the Alt 8, I like the "Duncan tone", just a little near to my taste :rolleyes:
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

In a word, yes.

Sent from my MotoE2(4G-LTE) using Tapatalk
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

You could try putting an Alnico 8 magnet in a JB. I did this with a maple board Charvel San Dimas a few years ago, and it was my favorite pickup in that guitar. It took away the JB's shrill top end and fizziness, but keep the bright tone with ample smoothness. A good bit more mids, yes, and no sacrifice to the bottom end chunk.
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

Hi Daniel! Welcome! Awesome axe you have!! Yes, the Alt 8 would be a good choice! Has nice cut and a bit of beef to it as well. As noted above, a JB8 is a nice change too, and a Custom8 is a wonderful pickup to! Not sure if you are comfortable with switching magnets in pickup or not. The JB8 and Custom8 would require that. But if not, go with the Alt 8
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

Good move you won't regret.
To complete the A8 family Screaming Deamon A8 rocks: Brighter than the Alt8 and the JB8
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

The Alt 8 would certainly add more body at the expense of upper mids. I would define it as a 'heavier' pickup, more towards the 90's than the 80's, if that makes any sense.
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

This has me wondering... How does the Alt 8 compare to a Custom 8? So far, my Custom 8 is the hugest sounding pickup I know of, at least in a Les Paul.
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

Oh god yes, ANYTHING instead of JB In San Dimas! My 2 cents, drop in the Alt. 8, take the JB & drown it, run it over with your truck, and then shoot it twice just for good measure. Check it with a multimeter & if it's still got a pulse shoot it some more!

Or you could just sell it? I'm kinda bias and the first option seems like a lot more fun....
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

Nostalgic Distortion said:
Oh god yes, ANYTHING instead of JB In San Dimas! My 2 cents, drop in the Alt. 8, take the JB & drown it, run it over with your truck, and then shoot it twice just for good measure. Check it with a multimeter & if it's still got a pulse shoot it some more!

Or you could just sell it? I'm kinda bias and the first option seems like a lot more fun....
Click to expand...

My last few years on this forum have effectively made me afraid to ever try a JB. LOL
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

I am not an expert in this zone - but what about Parallel Axis Trembucker?
 
Re: Alternative 8 instead of JB in Charvel San Dimas?

JB are great pickups, in the right guitar. I personally have liked everyone I've played, (not always loved) and they are used globally cuz they work for many people and cover alot of ground.. But, there are options avail for the fact that they aren't for everyone or every guitar. Example, I like them in my charvel, I had a Schecter once that was a set neck and LOVED it in that guitar. Plus, I have an 80's Kramer that it came stock and isnt going anywhere. They can be bright in the wrong guitar. But a lot of guys use them in maple bodies. Don't fear the JB. If it doesn't trip your trigger, there are other options..

You are very welcome! I hope it helped!

I too have always wanted to try the PATB1 or 2. I had a PATB3 once and loved it.
 
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