Higher output JB model?

[kingdiamond]

I used to have a JB in my guitar and I liked it but I play metal and I thought it was lacking a bit in the output. I switched to a Distortion pickup, but I think it has too much mids and I don't know how to describe it but it has a "drier" sound to it, while the JB seemed to have "depth". To me the JB sounded more scooped, but it still had bite, and the lows seemed more powerful. is there something like the JB, but with more output. Are any of those active pickups worth a look?

My guitars are Jackson SL2H, Carvin X220, and ESP MH250, with floyd rose bridges. I use 009/46 strings and play mostly a whole step down (D) or standard (E).

 

[kingdiamond]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Oh and isn't it annoying that SD still hasn't put any sound samples of the active pickups on the site? They've been out long enough already.

 

[Ed Hunter]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Some consider the tone zone to be like a hotter JB. Andy L uses a stock JB as well as many other metal guys like mike amott from arch enemy,etc and they all get great output and tones from a JB. Disconnect the tone pot for more output or Maybe give the TZ a shot?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Higher output JB model?

You could also consider the PATB-1 or for even more output the PATB-2 Distortion. I have no personal experience with the PATB-2, but I love the PATB-1. Has enough output to do most metal....maybe not the hardcore stuff though. It still has nice cleans and a very smooth, sweet, balanced sound. It does everything the JB does, but with tighter lows and a little better balance across the rest of the spectrum.

The whole PATB line is really underrated.

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Higher output JB model?

My vote is for the TZ. I had a chance to play on my friend's strat that had a JB in it and it was really like a less ballsy TZ. It was more "mean" in the harmonics department though.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Higher output JB model?

buy another A5 mag, and stack them.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: Higher output JB model?

pop a ceramic magnet in there and make it a JB+

The JB should have plenty of output as it is though. I can play metal on a JB

 

[John E Rokker]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Try the Custom. It's like a cross between the JB and the Distortion.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Take your tone control out of the circuit (my favorite).

If that doesn't do it for you, the Tone Zone and PATB-1 are pretty close in tone and output, both are good choices. They have the lows like a JB, but a bit more punchy with a little better attack.

 

[SamusChief]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Why would anybody need a higher gain JB? I don't understand; If it's not enough, use a clean boost to drive the amp more. I can pla metal on an Epiphone with stock pickups with my Peavey Blazer 158. I don't really understand the need for a higher output JB...

 

[doctadre]

Re: Higher output JB model?

The Distortion is a JB with a ceramic mag, giving it a more brittle tone. JB has A5 which is scooped but gives it a little more organic tone.


I'd say try the Invader which is an over the top ceramic, or try the Alt 8, which gives a LOT of power and depth, has strong mids, but not as much sparkle on top.



Dre

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Why would anybody need a higher gain JB? I don't understand; If it's not enough, use a clean boost to drive the amp more. I can pla metal on an Epiphone with stock pickups with my Peavey Blazer 158. I don't really understand the need for a higher output JB...

I think I have an idea of what he may be looking for. Higher output could be construed as a more immediate response, a slightly bigger sound...pickup models all sound different even those that have the exact same measurable output.

The JB has plenty of output, but can be a little squishy in the low end and sluggish in the attack for rhythm, some of which depends on amps and guitars.

I have a few Jacksons and understand what he is asking for. Jacksons with the stock setup can be just a touch dull with a JB in the bridge, dropping the tone control brings more of Strat-like snap back to it while you still have the fatter lows with some thump.

Pups like the Tone Zone and PATB-1 were designed for that type of response.

FYI: A stock Epi and a Blazer 158 have no place in this thread.

 

[Dirtbagg]

Re: Higher output JB model?

From what I hear the Dave Mustaine pickups are based on the JB and Jazz with higher output.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: Higher output JB model?

The Distortion is a JB with a ceramic mag, giving it a more brittle tone. JB has A5 which is scooped but gives it a little more organic tone.


I'd say try the Invader which is an over the top ceramic, or try the Alt 8, which gives a LOT of power and depth, has strong mids, but not as much sparkle on top.



Dre

:no: no....the distortion is a JB with Double Thick ceramic mag. A JB with a regular sized ceramic is a JB+

 

[Despair]

Re: Higher output JB model?

I don't think the PATB-1 sounds much like a stock JB. It does great singing leads, where the JB more screams. Both great sounds, and it's possible to do similar things with a bit of amp tweaking, but they aren't really interchangable. The mids aren't out of control on the PATB-1, and it can do a ridiculous range of tones well. It is thicker than the JB, and actually a bit brighter, but less harsh because it doesn't have the crazy upper midrange peak of the JB (which makes harmonics & lead playing so unpredictable on the JB).

PATB-2 is closer to the JB than the PATB-1 is. Given it's an overwound take on the Distortion, with some of the harshness dialed down... It solos a lot like a JB, only with more & tighter bass. Rhythms are more like a thicker Distortion or a wider range Invader. Cleans aren't much like the JB, though it can pull off a cool cold clean if your amp has enough headroom.
The PATB-2 is a monster for thrash and has an awesome growl for riffs.

I absolutely LOVE the PATB series, thickens a floating tremelo guitar up like a Les Paul, without getting loose or farting out. The improves sustain, reduced string pull, boosted harmonic response and higher output with more usable tones on tap from the volume & tone knob are just wonderful bonuses past that.

There are some Custom Shop pickups that are variations on the JB (Bug-Sey, Warren DeMartini, and the Lynch Super-V), but most of them are hotter winds, and all are A2, which likely isn't what you're looking for, as cool a sound as it is.

Given you don't want more mids, just more grunt from the sound of things, you may just want the Dave Mustaine actives.

 

[kingdiamond]

Re: Higher output JB model?

I ended up buying a used JB on craigslist today and put it in one guitar and I like the way the guitar sounds now. The Distortion just sounds "hollow" to me for some reason. It sounded really similar to when I used to have the Dimebucker except it had less bass than the Dimebucker. Maybe ceramic based pickups just aren't my thing. I might consider getting the Mustaine livewires for my Carvin, except I would have to fit the battery somewhere and taking the back cover off every time to replace the battery might be annoying.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Motor City Afawyu.

 

[Brown Note]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Get an on-board boost. Pretty much any will suffice as long as it's one of those that do not alter tone. I've never tried the active version of JB(DM pickup), but personally I don't like how they look so a regular JB + onboard boost gets my vote.

 

[AudioWonderland]

Re: Higher output JB model?

I think I have an idea of what he may be looking for. Higher output could be construed as a more immediate response, a slightly bigger sound...pickup models all sound different even those that have the exact same measurable output.

The JB has plenty of output, but can be a little squishy in the low end and sluggish in the attack for rhythm, some of which depends on amps and guitars.

I have a few Jacksons and understand what he is asking for. Jacksons with the stock setup can be just a touch dull with a JB in the bridge, dropping the tone control brings more of Strat-like snap back to it while you still have the fatter lows with some thump.

Pups like the Tone Zone and PATB-1 were designed for that type of response.

FYI: A stock Epi and a Blazer 158 have no place in this thread.

In this case, I think going with lower output pickup may be the answer. Lets face it, in modern amps you are at full saturation around 5 on the gain knob in many cases. More amp gain or more output from the pickup isn't the answer.

If you want a tight low end and a cutting attack, a jazz or 59 might be a better choice. The amp should have all the gain you would ever need

 

[kingdiamond]

Re: Higher output JB model?

Update: I bought a set of the Dave Mustaine livewires and installed them and I like them. I haven't ever played with actives except for EMG's a while back. I love the way these sound. It sounds pretty much like my JB/Jazz combo except output is higher and overall I think some techniques are easier (e.g. pinch harmonics and tapping).