First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

T-Bone-BBQ

New member
I'm rebuilding my Carvin Bolt Kit guitar I got back in 2000. It has a one piece mahogany body and maple neck/fretboard. I decided to try a JB with an A2 after doing some research. I wanted something with more output and more aggressive than in my other guitars and thought I'd give the JB(A2) a shot. I'm still working to get the guitar finished as I need to have my guitar tech re-do the volume/tone pots, but so far I'm seriously impressed. I've tried a JB before and it just wasn't for me. It had too much fizz in the high end, but having the A2 magnet in there seems to have helped a lot. Still plenty of highs to cut thru, but it's almost like turning the presence on an amp down a little just enough to get rid of the really high/bright frequencies. It still retains most of the output and is still plenty aggressive sounding, but in a different, more mellow way and so far I love it. I've teamed it up with a '59 in the neck on the guitar and can't wait to get the better electronics in and get back to playing this at gigs.

Bolt-new1.jpg

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Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

i like the a2 in the jb as well. it still has a fair amount of the jb character but shifts things in a direction i like
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

Never tried an A2 in one, but I do have one with an RCUOA5 in it that I really enjoy.

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Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

It'll be a while before my band has another gig, but the next practice we have I'm taking it to get a feel for how it does in the mix with a full band. I think it'll be fine. I was surprised that it actually cleans up pretty well with the volume rolled back. I was afraid it might be too high output, but it does pretty good. So far I just love the ballsy tone it has without being fizzy like my previous experience with a JB.
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

If ya put a A4 in the neck, you would have the perfect set. 2 of SD's most popular pickups with the 2 most popular mag swaps. I had a rough cast version of this set in my Epiphone Plus Top that I gave the "historic" treatment.
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

See, I didn't like the A2 in a JB. But I think it is the wind I don't like. I think the JB just doesn't work for me, because no matter what magnet I try, I am not happy.
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

yeah, like i said it still sounds like a jb to a large extent but is more pleasing to my ears with the a2. the jb sure isnt for everyone, regardless of magnet, but neither is a pearly gates
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

I really like the A8. Makes it kinda halfway between a JB and a SuperD, or a Distortion and a SuperD in my opinion.

Little more/tighter bottom, little less midshipmen's, little rounder highs with no pierce.....Mmmmm. Using in an All Mahogany Cadillac.
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

I've really grown to like the JB(A2) so far. The more I play it the more I like it. :)
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

If you want a real monster, go for a JB with a double thick A8 and ceramic flanking magnets. It roars like a champ, but don't just take my word for it, ask my neighbors!
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

If you want a real monster, go for a JB with a double thick A8 and ceramic flanking magnets. It roars like a champ, but don't just take my word for it, ask my neighbors!
I'd like to try one like that, but with a UOA5.

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Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

My JBA2 first impression was it sounded like a loud Whole Lotta Humbucker. Great rock pickup. Among the best. Then after running through the paces, I decided it sounds more like a Pearly Gates or Distortion with the tone permanently rolled down to 6.
 
Re: First time trying a JB with an A2 magnet...

The JB with an A2 is very similar to the Warren DeMartini CS model (I didn't say it was the same), and I've also hear it is Seymour's favorite. I had one direct mounted in a maple body/maple neck "super" strat with a Floyd and it sounded amazing.
 
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