Re: Difference bwtn Custom and JB soundwise?
Punch: The custom has more punch. It's a thicker sounding pickup and tends to emphasize the low mids while the JB emphasizes more of the high mids (which can sound nasally in some guitars)
High Gain: They both work well under high gain, although the Custom is ballsier while the JB is a little more 80's hair metal.
Singing Leads: The JB sings and the Custom screams
Sustain: They have similar sustain. It could be argued that the JB might have more since the JB's Alcino V magnet has less pull on the strings than the Custom's ceramic. The difference is really negligible.
Cleaning Up: The JB takes the edge when it comes to cleaning up. It's a little chimier sounding when clean while the Custom tends to be a little sterile.
Versatility: They're actually both pretty versatile pickups, although most consider the JB to be the ultimate pickup for versatility.