Is the Custom what I'm looking for here?

[Dave Z]

Currently have a JB in the bridge of a SG...I like it a lot--good palm muted power chords, so I like the bass, great for soloing with OD or distortion. I think it does well for bluesy stuff as well.

The JB I find has a sweet clean tone, though has a definate character. It is a good balance to the guitar I have loaded with '59s.

Only one thing that bugs me is the highs in the JB are more middy, not a lot of 'glass' on the JB. So I would like to see something with about the same output & bottom end, but with a *bit* more highs & a bit less upper mids. Tried a Screamin Demon but found that was a bit shrill for me.

I'm wondering if the Custom would work here?

I tried the C5 but found the thing a bit muddy when used clean in this guitar - not much glass at all, I was very disappointed with it....compared to a '59 sounded like it had a blanket over it.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Is the Custom what I'm looking for here?

install a push/pull pot in the SG so you can split or switch it between series and parallel.

the Custom isn't really glassy. In fact, to my ears, it's fatter sounding than the JB.

 

[chill]

Re: Is the Custom what I'm looking for here?

Hey Dave Z, hit me with an email, I just installed a Custom into my Artist if you want to give it a listen. It sounds like a big LP, slight mid dip, good top end cut without being lazerbeam bright, good sustain, pretty punchy. It was clearer than I thought it would be and has a bit of that "open" sound to it.

 

[koolkat]

Re: Is the Custom what I'm looking for here?

You may want to consider the Jazz. It's got more "glassy" sounding highs than the JB without as much of the upper-mids. I'm not sure if the Custom would work for you being that it's a thicker and more aggressive sounding pickup, but chill's description is dead-on.

 

[koolkat]

Re: Is the Custom what I'm looking for here?

Also, you may want to make sure you're using 500K pots. Lower values may sometimes stifle the treble response somewhat.

 

[Dave Z]

Re: Is the Custom what I'm looking for here?

Hi y'all, yep I have a splitter & the JB does sound pretty good split. I'll play with that a bit more. I'm remembering it is a bit dry. And yes, 500K pots are in. Chill, figures I'd run into you here! Maybe I'll drop by for a listen. BTW the guitar room is beginning to come together, running electrical later this week.

meanwhile I'll give the SD mp3s a listen...

 

[chill]

Re: Is the Custom what I'm looking for here?

Yep, I figured there aren't too many Dave Z's in the pac NW who have the same axes and pups...right on re the room, I'm starting soundproofing soon too, probably starting with the basement windows.