Hi all, I started a thread a while back asking for pickup recommendation for a swamp ash 24,75" superstrat. However after trying several more pickups I kept coming back to the Antiquity JB. I'm thinking of ordering a CS Ant JB with 4-con wire and different cosmetics, but I'm also curious about the other high output models on offer, particularly the RTM and IM1. I've read some reviews but would like more feedback. So how do those two compare to the Ant JB?
Antiquity JB vs. RTM/IM1
- Thread starter Dr.J4ckal
- Start date
hamerfan
Well-known member
Re: Antiquity JB vs. RTM/IM1
i like the 35th Anni JB more than the Ant JB. The major sonic difference is the mag: a RC A5 vs a UOA5
i like the 35th Anni JB more than the Ant JB. The major sonic difference is the mag: a RC A5 vs a UOA5
Re: Antiquity JB vs. RTM/IM1
A birdy told me that the UK bound 35th anniversary JBs were actually all bought by Chapman Guitars for his hot rods. I was lucky enough to snag one from American eBay.
Hands down, the 35th is the best JB but I wouldn't consider the price increase worth it above a standard Antiquity. The Antiquity is a great pickup and is streets and miles above the regular JB. Actually the Antiquity is my go-to for every situation these days.
The 35th is great, but the cost to get one out of the custom shop isn't worth it IMO.
A birdy told me that the UK bound 35th anniversary JBs were actually all bought by Chapman Guitars for his hot rods. I was lucky enough to snag one from American eBay.
Hands down, the 35th is the best JB but I wouldn't consider the price increase worth it above a standard Antiquity. The Antiquity is a great pickup and is streets and miles above the regular JB. Actually the Antiquity is my go-to for every situation these days.
The 35th is great, but the cost to get one out of the custom shop isn't worth it IMO.
Masta' C
Well-known member
Re: Antiquity JB vs. RTM/IM1
The 35th JB has more bite and presence, while the Antiquity has a throatier midrange.
The RTM is a different pickup entirely. However, being a JB-lover myself, I really like it. It's very responsive to playing nuances and has a very versatile (some say JB-esque) voicing, but it's hard to describe the actual sound/feel to others. If I remember correctly, the RATT album "Infestation" was almost exclusively recorded with the RTM, so it might be worth checking out.
The IM1 is a different pickup again, with it's own thing going on. Supposedly similar to the EVH "Frankenstein", but with a different wire and magnet, so there are bound to be some differences. Dotsdad might be able to expand on any differences between those two.
Honestly, it would be hard to go wrong with ANY of the pickups mentioned, especially in a super strat!
The 35th JB has more bite and presence, while the Antiquity has a throatier midrange.
The RTM is a different pickup entirely. However, being a JB-lover myself, I really like it. It's very responsive to playing nuances and has a very versatile (some say JB-esque) voicing, but it's hard to describe the actual sound/feel to others. If I remember correctly, the RATT album "Infestation" was almost exclusively recorded with the RTM, so it might be worth checking out.
The IM1 is a different pickup again, with it's own thing going on. Supposedly similar to the EVH "Frankenstein", but with a different wire and magnet, so there are bound to be some differences. Dotsdad might be able to expand on any differences between those two.
Honestly, it would be hard to go wrong with ANY of the pickups mentioned, especially in a super strat!
darthphineas
New member
Re: Antiquity JB vs. RTM/IM1
I have all 3.
Of them, I think the RTM is the most sensitive to the wood of the guitar. It shines in a bright wood. Imagine a new production JB. Now imagine a little more 'character' or 'dimension' and a softer high end.
The IM1 is focused and more like 5150 or 0U812. Go play a striped EVH with a Frankenstein Pickup and you'll know how it sounds.
The JB Ant sounds about like a JBJ but it's a new product. Go to my website and click on 'comparisons' to find a recent article comparing the different JB versions. If I couldn't find a JBJ, I'd go with a JB Ant.
Incidentally. I don't find the RTM to sound like classic Ratt as much as an old JB...which is what Warren and Robbin were using. So...I think the JB Ant would be closer to classic Ratt, unless you find an 80s JB.
I have all 3.
Of them, I think the RTM is the most sensitive to the wood of the guitar. It shines in a bright wood. Imagine a new production JB. Now imagine a little more 'character' or 'dimension' and a softer high end.
The IM1 is focused and more like 5150 or 0U812. Go play a striped EVH with a Frankenstein Pickup and you'll know how it sounds.
The JB Ant sounds about like a JBJ but it's a new product. Go to my website and click on 'comparisons' to find a recent article comparing the different JB versions. If I couldn't find a JBJ, I'd go with a JB Ant.
Incidentally. I don't find the RTM to sound like classic Ratt as much as an old JB...which is what Warren and Robbin were using. So...I think the JB Ant would be closer to classic Ratt, unless you find an 80s JB.
Silence Kid
New member
Re: Antiquity JB vs. RTM/IM1
Slight OT: I like your reviews of the various JBs; love the JBJ in my guitar as well. Ever plan on writing up the HB-102 for comparison as well? I've been meaning to do a same-guitar test one day so my ears can know for sure, but they seem to at least be in the same ballpark, which is admirable for a cheap pickup.
Slight OT: I like your reviews of the various JBs; love the JBJ in my guitar as well. Ever plan on writing up the HB-102 for comparison as well? I've been meaning to do a same-guitar test one day so my ears can know for sure, but they seem to at least be in the same ballpark, which is admirable for a cheap pickup.
darthphineas
New member
Re: Antiquity JB vs. RTM/IM1
Thanks for asking. No immediate plans to dive into the "Designed" end of the pool.
Thanks for asking. No immediate plans to dive into the "Designed" end of the pool.
Re: Antiquity JB vs. RTM/IM1
Thanks for the replies. The Ant JB already sounds quite brght in this particular guitar, so I guess I'm leaning toward ordering something with more warmth without losing the JB upper mid cut
Nickel covered HB102s was actually the bridge & neck pickup in my first electric guitar. I "upgraded" to Duncan USA SH-4 and find the SH-4 to be a lot more aggressive. That was before there was any discussion about different magnets & construction used in different eras of duncan JB.
Thanks for the replies. The Ant JB already sounds quite brght in this particular guitar, so I guess I'm leaning toward ordering something with more warmth without losing the JB upper mid cut
Nickel covered HB102s was actually the bridge & neck pickup in my first electric guitar. I "upgraded" to Duncan USA SH-4 and find the SH-4 to be a lot more aggressive. That was before there was any discussion about different magnets & construction used in different eras of duncan JB.