C5 Questions

[Dan-ola]

Have a couple questions about Custom 5s...

1 - I have a Yamaha AES620HB(semi-hollow, Les Paul shape), has a JB in bridge and Yamaha alnico in the neck. The JB rocks but I am having an urge to change to Custom5 bridge and Jazz neck - what would I gain if I am playing blues, classic rock, and some 80s rock mixed in with King's X?

2 - I have an ESP 400 Strat (62 reissue, maple neck, unknown body) that has a JB in bridge and Texas Specials in the mid/neck. I am almost set on Fat 50s to replace the TS and again the C5 sounds like it might be a better match for the Fat 50s - opinions? Other option is to match the Fat 50s with either a Twangbanger or Fralin SP43 and leave the full-on rock to the Yamaha, using the Strat for blues, cleans, and "crunchy" rock only.

Amp used with both is Crate V58 (just got it - wow, what a sweet little amp!!)

Maybe I should have gone with 2 seperate posts

Dano

 

[dd12939]

Re: C5 Questions

1) I don't have a whole lot of experience with the JB, but what I remember is that it doesn't have a whole lot of low end, and has a big crunchy upper mid section. The C5 has quite a bit of low end and is more focused on lower mids and highs. If you're looking for vintage plus some kick, it should be pretty good. I had one in my SG for a few years and it treated me well. I just made it into an A8 and I love it too - a more modern flavor with a lot more pointy mids (in a good way). I don't have any experience with the guitar or the neck pickup you refer to, so I am going on my experience with SG and the stock pickup and a 59n. The Jazz was brighter, clearer and more articulate than either of the others. It has a nice snap when played clean, and fattens up nicely when you put the gain on. I wouldn't say it's a "classic" tone, as I don't hear it as a standard neck-bucker type tone, but I absolutely love mine.

2) I've never had a C5 in strat, though I could see it working well. IIRC, Gearjoneser loves his. That said, if you aren't set on having a bucker in the bridge of your strat, you might put in a fatter s/c like the ones you mentioned and retain that more "classic" strat sound.

Good luck on the search!

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: C5 Questions

Hmmm versus a JB

I have played those Yamaha's. greast guitars, very playable for many styles. Not my preferred blues axe, but great guitar all the same.

I think the JB is more of a lead players pickup and doesn't clean up anywhere near as well as the C5. You will sacrifice some great mids from the JB, ut for blues you get a more responsive and classic tone that cleans up well, really works with your tone and volume controls. Esp. if your amp is a Marshall, Vox, or Matchless - anything similar.

If you want the king's x vibe, you will love the chunky rhythm sound.

The C5 has blassy lows and a sweet, glassy top that makes for a sweeter lead tone and great rhythm tone. If you want rude attitude, you need to look elsewhere.