From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

[efishta]

My guitar is a mahogany body and neck LP style guitar, although lighter. It's a Dean Evo Phantom/Noir.

My first pickup change was to JB, which I liked for a while, but I think I made myself like it more than anything. That annoying high end did not sit well with me, but it made for some nice, chunky power chords when playing metal, which is most of what I like playing.

I decided to go all out, have it set up professionally and change both pickups and settled on a 59/CC combo for a dramatically different tone. I did get the dramatically different, but I miss the hell out of the tighter and more aggressive JB. (I know some don't think JB has tight bass, but though this guitar/amp combo, I liked it, just not for high string adventures)

So, upon more reading it seems that a Custom 5 is closer to what I like, and I'm wanting to do a magnet swap, but have a few questions:

1. How would a ceramic magnet fit in this particular pickup? (the Custom winding) At least as compared to a JB?

2. I've essentially decided to get an Alnico 5 magnet, but does anyone have experience with the Custom and an Alnico 3 magnet?

3. Any magnet swap recommendations for the 59 neck, to perhaps better match a Custom with an Alnico 5? (A C5 in other words)

4. Where the heck do I find these magnets to buy and be sure that they have the proper dimensions to fit the pickup perfectly? I don't see any on SD's website, but it there one you all have experience with?

Thank you all.

 

[jimlp]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

My guitar is a mahogany body and neck LP style guitar, although lighter. It's a Dean Evo Phantom/Noir.

My first pickup change was to JB, which I liked for a while, but I think I made myself like it more than anything. That annoying high end did not sit well with me, but it made for some nice, chunky power chords when playing metal, which is most of what I like playing.

I decided to go all out, have it set up professionally and change both pickups and settled on a 59/CC combo for a dramatically different tone. I did get the dramatically different, but I miss the hell out of the tighter and more aggressive JB. (I know some don't think JB has tight bass, but though this guitar/amp combo, I liked it, just not for high string adventures)

So, upon more reading it seems that a Custom 5 is closer to what I like, and I'm wanting to do a magnet swap, but have a few questions:

1. How would a ceramic magnet fit in this particular pickup? (the Custom winding) At least as compared to a JB?

2. I've essentially decided to get an Alnico 5 magnet, but does anyone have experience with the Custom and an Alnico 3 magnet?

3. Any magnet swap recommendations for the 59 neck, to perhaps better match a Custom with an Alnico 5? (A C5 in other words)

4. Where the heck do I find these magnets to buy and be sure that they have the proper dimensions to fit the pickup perfectly? I don't see any on SD's website, but it there one you all have experience with?

Thank you all.

I generally like an A2 magnet in the 59 neck, it gets rid of some of the boomy low end and evens it out a bit. An A4 is not bad either but A2 works best for me, this in a mahogany body guitar. Here is a link for magnets from another thread http://stores.ebay.com/Addiction-FX...15QQ_sidZ893066175QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

 

[Aceman]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

Ceramic in a CC? oooh - you just re-invented the Custom. Big bottom, scooped mids, great highs. Heavy all day / all night. Excellent choice! Very different than a JB. Better bottom (bigger/tighter) less mids, highs will scream more.

Let me suggest this though - you may not have the CC adjusted for best use:
#1 for bottom - which a CC has, it is just loose and the mids are HUGE comparatively. Change the bass screws out for screws with shorter length, or use hex screws like those in a full shred. That will really tighten up the bass.

#2 then, be sure to raise the treble screws up. The highs are just there, but they are really fat, and again, obliterated somewhat by the mids.

Just some CC tweeks that many find awesome.

Still, I think going to a Custom will be more metal period. But you might tweek the CC into a really cool place.

 

[IanBallard]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

Of course, "metal" is subjective. I actually would prefer a Randy Rhoads middy tone over some of the contemporary "scooped" metal tones. To me, a throaty "AWW" is tougher-sounding than a scooped pickup distorted all to hell. But that's just me.

 

[surface54]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

i have found after going through the ALT8,JB,JB8,CC that putting the A8 mag in the C8 was the best thing i could of done. it's like a JB in leads, like a ALT8 in power. best of both worlds and has the full range to dial in your own sound also. its just the perfect passive imo.

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

I was able to play with two different jacksons through the same amp a while ago. The jacksons had the same specs, except one had a JB and the other had a Custom (like your CC, only with a ceramic magnet).

The custom was a lot darker and thicker. I was surprised by how good the JB sounded (because all recordings I've heard of it have been kind of jangly and bright), but the amp was dialed in for the JB.

When I toyed with a C5, it sounded bright and bassy (like a very tight, more ballanced 59 -- in the neck I think the bass end of the 59 is overpowering).

 

[Roddy]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

Try putting an Al II magnet in your JB...I did that to mine and it was a huge differene in tone, but I play Blues/Rock...no Metal.
I've put AL II's and III's in my 59 necks...they sound great that way..In my Al Pro II neck, which was muddy, I put an Al III in that and it fixed the mud issue

 

[Gforce9]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

A lot of good mag suggestions here....I will throw in an un-oriented AlNiCo 5 (UOA5) magnet for the Custom. Keeps the big bottom of the A5 and adds some nice mids. The A8, from what I gather, would do this, but make it even fatter as opposed to vintage-y like the UOA5 would. Lots of options.......

 

[Despair]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

A lot of good mag suggestions here....I will throw in an un-oriented AlNiCo 5 (UOA5) magnet for the Custom. Keeps the big bottom of the A5 and adds some nice mids. The A8, from what I gather, would do this, but make it even fatter as opposed to vintage-y like the UOA5 would. Lots of options.......

The A8 has a bottom and attack closer to a ceramic, though the upper frequencies are rolled off somewhat like the A2 (but it tends to have a little more upper midrange than A2 most of the time).

Not inherently unvintage, check out the Super 70 pickup Yamaha & Ibanez used a lot in the late 70s and early 80s.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

My guitar is a mahogany body and neck LP style guitar, although lighter. It's a Dean Evo Phantom/Noir.

My first pickup change was to JB, which I liked for a while, but I think I made myself like it more than anything. That annoying high end did not sit well with me, but it made for some nice, chunky power chords when playing metal, which is most of what I like playing.

I decided to go all out, have it set up professionally and change both pickups and settled on a 59/CC combo for a dramatically different tone. I did get the dramatically different, but I miss the hell out of the tighter and more aggressive JB. (I know some don't think JB has tight bass, but though this guitar/amp combo, I liked it, just not for high string adventures)

So, upon more reading it seems that a Custom 5 is closer to what I like, and I'm wanting to do a magnet swap, but have a few questions:

1. How would a ceramic magnet fit in this particular pickup? (the Custom winding) At least as compared to a JB?

2. I've essentially decided to get an Alnico 5 magnet, but does anyone have experience with the Custom and an Alnico 3 magnet?

3. Any magnet swap recommendations for the 59 neck, to perhaps better match a Custom with an Alnico 5? (A C5 in other words)

4. Where the heck do I find these magnets to buy and be sure that they have the proper dimensions to fit the pickup perfectly? I don't see any on SD's website, but it there one you all have experience with?

Thank you all.

Get an Alnico 8 magnet for that CC here and live happily ever after:

http://stores.ebay.com/Addiction-FX-Guitar-and-Sound

While you're at it, get a Roughcast Alnico 4 for that '59 neck to get the best magnet combo ever.

HTH,

 

[108Dragon]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

Of course, "metal" is subjective. I actually would prefer a Randy Rhoads middy tone over some of the contemporary "scooped" metal tones. To me, a throaty "AWW" is tougher-sounding than a scooped pickup distorted all to hell. But that's just me.

I agree. If your rig is tuned for where and with whom you are playing, the JB mixes well with a band and cuts through during soloing without boost. Just playing a bit higher register does it.
The "scooped" eq thing sounds great if you're playing alone or practicing.. even in recording if it's done right. But not the hot ticket for live band action unless your strictly the metal rhythm player and don't mind melting into the mix.
I'd go back to the JB and eq the highs down with the amp controls.. never know when you may need more "edge".

 

[Despair]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

Scooped is badly misused these days. A lot of people use broad mid cuts, even turning their amp's mid control to zero, which is nothing like how things were usually done in the studio or live by the bands they're flattering (and oh how they flatter by sounding so much worse...).

Properly what you want for speed metal/thrash rhythms is a mid notch, to emphasize the bass & treble bite, without totally disappearing. It's a shame graphic EQs are so much more popular than parametric with guitarists.

Most "scooped" pickups aren't anywhere near the entire problem, which has more to do with people not knowing how to get the sound in a way that works outside their bedroom.

 

[Nightburst]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

The easiest option is to swap the A2 from the CC to the 59 and the A5 from the 59 to the CC. The neck will then give you singing leads and warm cleans. The C5 bridge is good for almost anything. It's basicly a vintage modern flavoured set.

 

[Franknfilms]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

The easiest option is to swap the A2 from the CC to the 59 and the A5 from the 59 to the CC. The neck will then give you singing leads and warm cleans. The C5 bridge is good for almost anything. It's basicly a vintage modern flavoured set.

That is a great idea, do your mag swaps and it won't cost you a dime! The Custom 5 is just right for your all mahogany guitar, if you like the overall tone but feel like you need a little extra sizzle the A8 will be your next move.

As for the 59, are you sure that you even want to mess with it? I feel like it would sound pretty good in your guitar. If you really think that you need to loosen up the bass and add some mids, and give it even more of a vintage vibe then you should proceed with the A2 in your 59. I have an A4 in my 59, a little torn about it, such an amazing clean tone but all out high gain doesn't really seem like a good fit for the A4. You can't have it all, I guess, but you can keep trying.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

If you don't dig the A2 '59 and/or the C5, I recommend an A8 in your Custom for diversity, or in your JB if you only want teh br00talz. UOA5 in your '59.

 

[efishta]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

3 months after posting the question, I just wanted to share that I just put in an A8 in the CC, and after just a few minutes of playing I gotta say I'm loving it. Thank you to those who recommended the C8 - I like it better than the CC and the JB that were in there before. If I'm feeling adventurous, I may swap the A2 into the 59, but for now I like it fine. I don't use the neck pickup much at the moment.

For heavy metal (beautiful, thick and defined power chords) the C8 is great.

EDIT:

Leads and pinch harmonics are unbelievable - I am in love with this pickup. Thank you again to those that suggested this.

 

[YHWH]

Re: From JB to CC... I like it, but it lacks for metal

... the A2 mag in the CC wasn't going to cut it (no pun) for metal. Good to know an A8 has proven once again to be an ace in the tone hole. :friday: Duncan really needs to mass market an A8 in '59 or "Custom" wound bobbins w/ vintage slug & screw polepieces. Surprised that hasn't happened yet...