is JB Jr that has lesser output.

[xxRock_Onxx]

For a better context, I'll try to write a bit of background.

I have a Strat that I did not use for years since I got an SG because that's what I really wanted from the first place but I couldn't afford it back then so I had this $60 cheap Strat.

I replaced the stock PAF sounding pickup on my SG with JB + Jazz combo and I super love it! I don't see changing it in the future with anything else.

Because of sentimental value with Strat, I decided to restore. Upgrade it inside out. There's nothing stock on it anymore besides the wood. I installed locking tuners, graphtech nut and saddles, better electronics, and $30 Wilkinson hot ceramic set.

Now maybe I'm so used to my SG with JB/Jazz but I fell in love with my Strat which I never ever thought I would. I play metal, metalcore, djent, those kind of stuff that's why I had my mind set to not like Strat and single coils.

- It's cutting through
- Can do high-gain stuff just fine
- Has totally a different type of sound. I record a lot and I like options.

Since I like the JB so much, obviously it's JB Jr that might be what I'm after but here are my thoughts:

- Hot rails is totally out of the question. It doesnt sound like single coil anymore to my ears. I already have a mean sounding humbucker guitar for that kind of sound.
- JB Jr is fine. To my ears it still will not sound the same as full-sized JB because after all it's physically different and that's what I like about it, I'll still have different sound for recording purposes. I was hoping there's a tad bit less output version of this.
- Lil screamin demon sounds weak to me and tonally sounds opposite of what I'm after.
- Quarter Pounder is close but it's bassy.
- SSL-5 is close but a bit trebly.

- BareKnuckles Triolgy sounds close but I want bridge only. To me it's close to both Quarter Pounder and SSL-5.

- Dimarzio Fast Track 2 is close but is trebly.

I haven't heard of Dimarzio Injector and Dimarzio Chopper comparison on same guitar/amp on YouTube that's why I cant really tell if those might fit my needs.

Here are some others that I'm entirely not sure but I am considering:
- Lace Sensors Burgundy. It said it's fatter sounding and has 8.9k resistance. Less than JB Jr's.
- EMG stuff
- Bill Lawrence L290SL. It said it's for someone who prefers higher output, has pronounced midrange in exchange for sparkle, and similar to soapbar.

TL;DR I'm looking for JB Jr but lesser output if possible. It's like always on the edge. I dont even like vintage style SC kind of dynamics but I would like for it to breathe a little bit.

 

[TVFV]

Re: is JB Jr that has lesser output.

You could just use the neck model of Jb jr.

 

[Teleplayer]

Re: is JB Jr that has lesser output.

It seems like you had difficult time with a wide variety of strat pickups. I'd like to ask if you are using a metal amp with scooped mids or bright tone?

It may be hard to match the Strat's tone against your SG using a JB, so it seems like a difficult starting point.

 

[xxRock_Onxx]

Re: is JB Jr that has lesser output.

You could just use the neck model of Jb jr.

never thought of that. usually neck pickups are winded less right? that could be what im looking for.
how does it sound tonally though? does it has less bass to compensate for being in the neck?

Edit: searched for a bit. apparently commonly asked. based on what I read, neck should be brighter to compensate for being in the neck. Now I'm not sure I like this idea.

It seems like you had difficult time with a wide variety of strat pickups. I'd like to ask if you are using a metal amp with scooped mids or bright tone?

It may be hard to match the Strat's tone against your SG using a JB, so it seems like a difficult starting point.

I've been using mid scooped lately.

I'm not sure myself if I'm trying to match it or not.

It could be I am trying to match it because I dont like bassy or trebly but instead focused like JB sound.

But also not trying to match it in the sense that I am trying to have different sounding guitar so that if I need it, I have it.

JB Jr could actually be just that like I said. it's goal is to be JB sounding but since it's physically smaller, the tone surely should still be single coil sounding at some way (except for Hot Rails).

I already have JB that sounds like it's on the edge always. I was just kind of hoping for a bit lower output so it breathes a little cause I really dont like lower output pickups (is that what vintage is?) like stock Strat pickups.

If only I could find what Bill Lawrence L290S sounds like. Their description of it sounds too close to what I want but I can't really trust that without hearing it.

Also, I'll be shipping from a different country that's why I am too cautious about it.

 

[Mincer]

Re: is JB Jr that has lesser output.

I agree with the JB Jr here. It is great with any amount of distortion. And it is about 85% of a real JB, but that missing 15% is its own beautiful thing.

 

[Teleplayer]

Re: is JB Jr that has lesser output.

I did get the feeling you may have to adjust your rig. I didn't really understand your comment the Fast Track 2 is bright. Do you think it could be just the mids that are unusually strong, and also the output is pretty high?

 

[xxRock_Onxx]

Re: is JB Jr that has lesser output.

I agree with the JB Jr here. It is great with any amount of distortion. And it is about 85% of a real JB, but that missing 15% is its own beautiful thing.

I can't agree more. In my case though I was just hoping there's a lesser output of it so that I have both hot humbucker and moderate singlecoil guitar especially for studio purposes. I'm 99% never playing clean and when I do Jazz neck satisfies my needs very much. I love the combo so much.

I did get the feeling you may have to adjust your rig. I didn't really understand your comment the Fast Track 2 is bright. Do you think it could be just the mids that are unusually strong, and also the output is pretty high?

Oh I'm sorry about that. I'm not familiar enough with Dimarzio products. This is my first time considering them. Anyway, I was referring to Pro Track. Here's why I thought that's brighter compared to JB Jr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8mUvXG4Q-o

 

[Clint 55]

Re: is JB Jr that has lesser output.

All the single coil sized humbuckers aren't gonna breathe. You'd have to go to a vintage or vintage hot full size (or mini) humbucker for that. Could change ur pickguard.

 

[Mincer]

Re: is JB Jr that has lesser output.

You could just use the neck model of Jb jr.

That certainly has the same sonic signature but in a lower output version.