Duncan '59 vs JB output - how much less are we talking about?

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skiltrip

New member
I know the Duncan '59 pickup has less output than the JB, but how much less are we talking about?

If it's even a possible way to describe it, where on the volume pot (500k) of a JB equipped guitar would the 59 output be? Volume at 8? 7? 6? etc.

I've got a JB in the bridge of my SG, and with my ENGL Fireball 25 I very much prefer the guitar volume down between 5 and 7. I could just keeping using my guitar with the volume rolled down, but I'm also thinking a lower output pickup might be a better fit for this guitar, this amp, and me.

If the '59 isn't much different, what pickup would you recommend? I do like to rock the gain, but with the ENGL in particular, which has become my #1 amp, I really like how much clearer, articulate and classic sounding it becomes when giving it a softer input signal.
 
There's a considerable drop in output. The JB is hot, literal *high* output. The '59 is a very good bridge pup, but a much different animal. I prefer the EQ of the '59, but a common gripe is it needs an output boost. The JB is not lacking for output. The '59 is more of a classic scoop EQ. The JB isn't.
 
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IME the output level of a 59 is like a JB on ~6-7 maybe.

JB has a particular peak that sticks out to most players. In my SG, it didn't have so much of a peak, but the top end felt almost rolled off.

By comparison, in my SG and LP Studio, a 59 had good bottom end, nicely scooped in the middle and some top end to work with.

If that doesn't sound right for you, then if you name some bands or music you play, guys on here could make better recommendations to get those sounds.
 
That description actually sounds perfect to me. The ENGL’s mids are very thick and aggressive. I’d have no complaints about a lower output pickup that’s relaxed in the mids and might provide a little bit of extra top end. I’ve got a Spark Booster on the board for when I need to boost the input. Really looking forward now to trying the 59 in my SG Bridge!
 
skiltrip said:
That description actually sounds perfect to me. The ENGL’s mids are very thick and aggressive. I’d have no complaints about a lower output pickup that’s relaxed in the mids and might provide a little bit of extra top end. I’ve got a Spark Booster on the board for when I need to boost the input. Really looking forward now to trying the 59 in my SG Bridge!
Click to expand...

First time I tried a 59 in my SG, I was so convinced the 59 set should be the factory default pickups for all Gibsons. They are clearer and better sounding than any factory Gibson pickups. I'm ok with Gibson pickups, I can work with them and get a good sound, but Duncans just are clearer and made me want to play more.
 
Great! As a follow up, not sure in 4 conductor vs 1 conductor. I don’t do any fancy wiring. My JB is 4 conductor, only because I think that’s all it’s available in. Should I bother with the 4-conductor version of the 59 if I’m just wiring it up standard with no splitting or anything?

Additonally, is the Chrome covered pickup any different sounding or purely cosmetic?
 
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The JB has this stabby high mid thing that hits me the wrong way. I much prefer the 59 if I am playing a variety of styles. Sometimes the JB hits the amp with output, so dynamics go out the window.
 
Got to play with my drummer last night for the first time in a while, so I got to really crank up loud. . JB is still in there. And yeah, it’s a really compressed ball of tone. Very focused and punchy, but really doesn’t breath at all. Volume rolled back let the amp be less gainy, which helps, but that JB character is still there 100%. Getting the ‘59 today and putting it in. I’ll let you all know what I think in case you’re curious how it goes.
 
I really think that if you're trying to find the right tone for a guitar, a 59 is almost always a great starting point. It's good at nearly everything, and if you end up not liking it, you'll at least have a very clear and commonly understood baseline to help you pick its replacement.

Larry
 
‘59 is installed in the SG and first impressions are just wow. So many things have been fixed for me. I found my ENGL Fireball a little dark and too mid focused. Really thick in the mids. Umm… I think it was the JB. I can now turn the mids up a bit past noon on the ENGL (I used to leave mids about 9 o’clock). Also, so much brighter. I use to crank the presence and treble on the amp to roughly 2 or even 3 o’clock. Now, I’ve got the presence lower than noon. It’s sort of transformed my amp which is sort of blowing my mind. Been using the JB so long I just didn’t think anything of it.

All that being great, my core tone is much more classic and it seems to breathe now. Exactly what I’d hoped for. Gain range is much greater now with my amp. Dare I say it sounds more like a proper SG now.

Might rip that JB out of my Strat now and put a ‘59 in that one too!

Thanks for the advice everyone.
 
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