I Need Some Recommendations

[BlueSky]

For some reason every guitar I buy recently comes with the typical 59/JB set. I have no issues with the 59; it sounds great, but the JB is another story. The guitar is a Jackson SLS3, which is made of mahogany, has a super thin strat like body, and an ebony board. For one it sounds far too thin(I have 10 gauges right now so I'll prolly need to get a thicker set on there,) I'm using this pu for high gain but about the only suitable sound it nails is this 80s metal tone, which is not what I'm looking for. What I need is a very modern sounding hot pu that sounds full, and heavy, but can still cut through for lead work as well.

Honestly I personally prefer Dimarzio's, but I'm open to all brand suggestions. Here's a list of PU I've already had: Dimebucker, SH5, Tone Zone, PAF Pro, EMG 81/85.

 

[oilpit]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

You need a Duncan Distortion...
JB vibe with more gain and grind

 

[dr. ad]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

a DD would probably do the trick, but that set-up sounds pretty bright
in the interest of taking a bit of high-end out while keeping the gain flowing i'd be tempted to try a PATB2 and put the JB in the neck?

heavier strings alone won't do much on their own, especially in this instance IMO
so you may as well keep the 10s on unless you're tuning down heaps

 

[BlueSky]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

Definitely bright. I've heard DD's also tend to have that 80s metal tone. I realize string won't do the trick alone, but I had 12s on there before, and it helped. I'm keeping the 59 in the neck.

 

[blueman335]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

Before you buy another PU, try a different magnet in the JB. I've been a JB-hater for years, but just tried one with an A2, and it sounds pretty good; more mids, a fuller sound, and doesn't have that annoying spike they're known for. 'Work with what you have', and you may just get what you want. If not, then you can lay out the cash for another PU. No point in searching for something when the solution may be in your hands right now. If you need an A2, let me know, I have some spares.

 

[Diego]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

You should try a regular Duncan Custom if you want something chunky, clear and modern.

If you go the Dimarzio route, you should try the D-Sonic. It's voiced in a more modern way, moreso than most Duncan products which are more vintage. That one is amazing for tight riffs. Not really an 80s sound.

 

[Diocletian]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

If the JB is bright, the DD will be too.


Other than that, I got nothin'.


But try lowering the poles. Might help a little.

 

[Invader09]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

Try an Invader ! Not too bright, nice bass, great gain !

 

[Mark Le Comte]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

Maybe a super 3.

 

[MattPete]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

Custom

 

[jimlp]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

Maybe a super 3.

This

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

Wow lots of different recommendations here. To me, what you're describing points to the Alternative 8. It is not a JB wind or wire, so it's not like a JB8, but its different from the JB in a lot of the ways you've mentioned.

 

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

i don't know the EMG's but it seems to me the common thread in your pickups is that they are hotter variations on the PAF sound. That's why they can all do 80's fine. What you are looking for is a bigger break with the vintage PAF midrange crunch Try the Dimarzio Evo 2, or the Seymour Duncan Invader. At any rate definitely look at ceramic magnets.

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

if your guitar is sounding thin and you've got an a5 magnet in the bridge, then i'd also say that swapping over to an a2 magnet would be a step in the right direction. a2 magnets are way fat and smooth, which may be what you need in a bright guitar like you've got. if that doesn't do it, then listen to frank and get an alt.8 as that pickup is hot, thick and dark with good clarity on top which may also work well.

 

[Aceman]

Re: I Need Some Recommendations

I really like the Super3 suggestion.

Does it have to be high output? - try an A2P

Or go with Bluemans A2 JB