Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Yep. I really think it is an obvious difference though because an A5 DD maintains its fizz that the JB simply doesn't have.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Ok then. I could be wrong, but MY 1979 Seymour-made JB and MY 2010 JB sound different in the same guitar; and MY Duncan Distortion DDJ and my 79 JB (SWD) have distinctly different character/signature, enough that, based on my limited experience swapping magnets, I don't believe I could get them near-identical with alternate mag swaps. But I could be wrong.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

You could save a lot of hassle and time by replacing your JB for an Irongear Dirty Torque, which is a JB clone with a lot tighter low end. I have the JB Trembucker in my Strat and find the tone outstanding. I just adjust my Amp settings to suit my tastes.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Ok then. I could be wrong, but MY 1979 Seymour-made JB and MY 2010 JB sound different in the same guitar; and MY Duncan Distortion DDJ and my 79 JB (SWD) have distinctly different character/signature, enough that, based on my limited experience swapping magnets, I don't believe I could get them near-identical with alternate mag swaps. But I could be wrong.

There is the chance that your JB's magnet may have degaussed a bit over the years.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

more likely the older jb has a rc magnet and the newer one has polished
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Pleased Apples to Frank Falbo. We have been schooled.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

I like stock JB tone in full maple guitar (kramer etc).
My fender is alder, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. If I use ceramic magnet and 1M pot I will get similar tone?
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

I like stock JB tone in full maple guitar (kramer etc).
My fender is alder, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. If I use ceramic magnet and 1M pot I will get similar tone?

No. When you change one thing in a guitar, it affects multiple things that you did not intend. This makes it darn near impossible to replicate the tone of one guitar as a DIY project.

For example, if you adjust the pots to alter the high end, it also changes your bass response. And changing the magnet from A5 to ceramic also affects the texture of the tone as well as the eq curve.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

I tried the DD and JB both with A5s and they did sound the same. I'd be interested to see the thread where it was resolved.

Yep. I really think it is an obvious difference though because an A5 DD maintains its fizz that the JB simply doesn't have.
Subsequently, someone from Duncan confirms they are indeed the same. What does that mean for those who were incorrect? Does it mean it was a placebo? Their ears fooled them? Their recollection of the other pickup was flawed? Or could it also be they were just hearing the smal differences that can manifest themselves between two of the same model pickup?
If this can be explained by day-to-day variation between pickups off the assembly line then I don't know how Duncan could remain in business.
 
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Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

FWIW, here's my experience with the DD=JB debate:

I always thought the Distortion and the JB are related. I see them as being more similar than different. Sure, the DD has a bigger yet tighter bass and grindy raspy highs, but they're not miles apart to my ears. They're both compressed, high-mid focused, high-output pickups to me.

That being said, though, I had the same experience as some of you when swapping an A5 into a DD. It didn't sound quite like JB, it sounded like a DD with an A5 magnet.

JMO.
 
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Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

That being said, though, I had the same experience as some of you when swapping an A5 into a DD. It didn't sound quite like JB, it sounded like a DD with an A5 magnet.
So I leave this post with no additional information than I started, but I will advise you all this:
1. Those of you who are adamant that the JB and Distortion/Invader use different coils need to pump the brakes and realize you might be wrong.
2. Those of you who are adamant that the JB and Distortion/Invader use the same coils, see instructions in #1.
LOL. I could do this all day.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Let's try to behave and respect each other here, please.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Greg, it's possible for people on forums to have reliable findings. That is the purpose of forums. Your premise that you can write off all statements which you choose to be "anecdotal" is incorrect.

Anecdotal - not necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.

Research - the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Think the Op's question has been answered in several ways:
Spend the $10 and swap a ceramic in, give it a listen, if you like it problem solved (the Distortion pickup part of the question is tangential and really unnecessary);
Send $10 on a rough cut A5 to recover the original JB characteristics. Again give it a listen;
Try another pickup like...several recommendations provided.
Bottom line OP it is your ears that have to make the final call.
 
Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Greg, it's possible for people on forums to have reliable findings. That is the purpose of forums. Your premise that you can write off all statements which you choose to be "anecdotal" is incorrect.

Anecdotal - not necessarily true or reliable, because based on personal accounts rather than facts or research.

Research - the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
The thing is I don't see very many new conclusions being made, to be honest. If you declare someone as having "tin ears" why not post actual test samples, A, B, C and D (JB5, JBC, DD5, DDC) to see whether others agree with you. Likewise, others should submit samples A-D and you try to figure out which is which. To me that better qualifies as "systematic investigation of sources to establish fact."
 
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Re: Duncan JB magnet swap to ceramic.

Or you can do what I do. Ignore their post, and their conclusions and go about your own life. Unless of course you're scrapping for a conflict. Which is also fine. You'll probably find one.
 
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