Echotone, SD JB Bridge & Jazz Neck??

[sjturbo]

I picked up an Echotone Aztec Gold and would like to swap pu's. I am thinking a JB bridge and Jazz neck. Anyone tried this in same or 335 clone?
Any suggestions for pots and caps also?

 

[blueman335]

Re: Echotone, SD JB Bridge & Jazz Neck??

Nice score on the Echotone, I have one of those Aztec Gold's too. Why did they stop making them?

JB's are notorious for sounding poor in many warm-toned guitars, like mahogany woods and semi-hollows. It can bring out some annoying characteristics. It's a controversial PU that has many fans and many detractors. A much better choice would be a Duncan C5 or C8 (C5 with an A8 magnet). In the neck, I'd put a '59N. The JB/Jazz set is made for bright woods and bright guitars, and is not all that versatile.

I wouldn't replace the pots and toggle unless you're having trouble with them. If you don't have experience in swapping PU's in a hollowbody, let me know and I'll give you some tips. I've done a bunch over the years.

 

[sjturbo]

Re: Echotone, SD JB Bridge & Jazz Neck??

Thanks for the reply! I don't particularly care for the 59' sound based on the clip on the SD site. Since the Echotone is maple construction I thought that the JB/Jazz combo would work even if it is a semi hollow. But there I go thinking again without having first hand experience.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Echotone, SD JB Bridge & Jazz Neck??

The semi-hollow deisgn makes 335's on the warm side, even when they're made of maple. Not only Echotones are like this, but Sheratons and Dots too.

One of my best-sounding guitars is a Sheraton with a C8/'59N. Get compliments every time I use it on stage. If you want a neck PU that's not as bassy, a PG, Seth, or Jazz would be good. Likewise one of the Gibson PAF's with an A5 (swap out the A2 in a '57, BB, or 490R).