Irst Duncan’s… jb/jazz

S

Slickfaster

New member
After feeling lost in the jam room with my BB1/BB2 LP Standard, I purchased used JB/Jazz in nickel. I’ve heard a lot bout this pairing n was stoked to find minty and close to home and only 150$
Is this combo gonna wash my LP’s Tone away? It’s double the .K’s n V mag seems should blow my BB’s out the water.
I also found N purchased a BB3 and now not sure what to load first.. any words of wisdom would be appreciated..
I run JCM800 style amp n MXR OD.
Slash-Zakk tones are the thought.
thanks
 
Welcome to the forum!

A few things...
I never thought Slash and Zakk had tones that are remotely similar, so I am a little confused. Zakk is the sound of active pickups, while Slash uses more vintage-voiced pickups with a lot of mids. That being said, a Jazz/JB set is one that many people love in LPs, but it really depends on what you are going for. The Jazz is very clean and clear, with a lot of high end (compared to Slash's mid focused tone), and probably sounds closer to Zakk, but it doesn't behave like active pickups. A JB is a very high output passive pickup that has a lot of upper mids, but doesn't sound much like Slash or Zakk (although it has one hell of a hard rock tone into a Marshall-ish amp).
 
the bb1/2 is a vintage low output set, not bad pups. as dave said, slash uses lower output alnico 2 duncan pups, while zakk has been rockin the emgs for ever. the jb is a hotter pup, the jazz is a clear sounding pup. its a great, and classic, pairing. tell us more about "feeling lost in the jam room" and more about your rig
 
The Slash/Zakk reference is more of the “from n to” swing of what I enjoy. 80’s Sleeze Rock to Metal..Good note definition / mids @ open chord tone with Pinch harmonics n Chug on tap..
My rig is a late 90’s RedBear MK 60. Tube Lead. Not a High Gain amp but gets good saturation. 5881/12x7’s. Through v30’’s.
pedal board- CryBaby, Zakk OD, Phase 90 in front…MXR Chorus, Boss DM3 Delay in loop.
I got Explorer with 81/85. Novel but I miss the passive Complexities.. Got a Pro V with 57/BB3. That does a great job n enjoy the Tone and Heat. But I Just purchased my first LP’s. N wana get em in the jam.
One 57/57+ other BB2/BB2. 57:57+ Feels weak anemic in rehearsals.. The BB2 is my Favorite but isn’t cutting through. Warm but not enough mids.
I tried adjusting amp but can’t get the tone. Read a 10band EQ could do the trick but haven’t gone there yet… Soooo, my buddy suggested Seymour Duncan JB/JAZZ..
This is where I sit..
Wanting to get my LP’s set up to rock.,
I got both BB3 n JB available for installation. Received lots mixed views on FB SD Site.
*I’m Gonna Get the LP’s loaded Today.
Thought I’d Shoot the situation here for last reference . I enjoy talkin n reading bout opinions on gear befor I choose a Fix.
thanks for asking!
Happy New Years Eve!!
 
That is a better description! So yeah, the JB/Jazz is a good choice here. It should have no problem cutting through, and is absolutely not weak sounding. Start with throwing in that JB and see how you like it. Let us know what you think.
 
the JB is very particular in where it wants to sit under the strings

raise it to just 3mm or 1/8 inch under the strings

too low it is weak and muddy

too high it is bright and ice pick high
 
Ok here we go….
decided to load em myself,
these are 4 conductors for split.. not being used..
Previous owner has Red&White connected and shrink wrapped.
Also has Green&Unsheilded soldered together.
And Black Solo..
I got Black to Ground/Pot cover
Green&Unshielded to Pot leg..
Is this correct??
All sounds grounded properly touching hardware till I also contact JB and hardware..
big buzz.
Just hardware no buzz.
no metal hardware buzz..
 
Also pick up height maxed at exactly 1/8
due to spring being fully compressed by
shorter pick up legs..
Should I have cut Springs down??
 
WELP… ALL FIXED UP.
JB Chugs are Tight n Glorious!!
Note separation is solid and gets the melodic minor chord Dissonance quit nicely.
JB is Staying in..
BB3 also does a decent job but I can hear a difference in the the JB’s EQ that stands out n Hits Harder..
My First Duncan Moment..
CANT WAIT TO CRANK IT N SEE HOW IT CUTS THE ROOM MIX..

ACES!
 
I love the JB too! Would love to hear your thoughts on how you like it with the band.

I play Death Metal with mine, and I love how it pulls it off.
 
I've run the JB and the BB3. I am currently still using a BB3 in a Les Paul.
I don't love a certain high end freq in the BB3, but it's a pretty good pup. I like the JB a little more.

Congrats sir on swapping them out and figuring it all out. It's a blast comparing tones and pickup nuances.
 
I don't now if I'd call it "ideal". It's different for everyone.

I have my JB's set at 2.75 mm away from the last string, 2.5 mm away from the first string.
 
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