JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

[voggin]

Just picked these up to put into my SE Singlecut. I know it's a bit of a bellybutton pair, but I was getting myself so confused from reading different things about different pickups and pickup combos, I thought I'd start with these and go from there (never done a pickup mod before, might as well start with a classic pair).

The pickups that came in the SE aren't bad, so I'm going to stick them in an old Yamaha SBG 200 I've had lying around. Nice guitar, REALLY bad stock pickups.

Being a noob to both this forum and mods, I thought I'd update this now and then to let other noobs know how this pair turns out, the strengths and weaknesses, etc. Then maybe I will understand pickups, magnets, etc. better. Modding appeals to the tinkerer in me, and I like the idea of taking cheaper guitars and upgrading them. I couldn't bring myself to rout a Fender or Gibson, but a PRS SE or a Squier is another thing.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

Is your SE Singlecut all mahogany or does it have a maple cap?

I recently installed Lindy Fralin P90s into a PRS SE singlecut Soapbar guitar. I cannot stress too strongly how well suited P90-style pickups are for this model of electric guitar.

My suggestion is that you install the Duncan HBs in the Yamaha. Feed the PSE SE a pair of P-Rails in Triple Shot mounting surrounds.

 

[voggin]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

Funny you should mention that. I was thinking about Prails for the Yamaha!

The SE has a maple cap, mahogany body.

I have a feeling a lot of pickups will be going in and out of these two guitars until I find the right combos.

 

[wolf5150]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

Don't waste money trying stuff, do a bit of research 1st.

What styles do you play and through what rig ?

For my PRS CU22 I settled on a JB with a PGn.

Fantastic rock combo. :sword:

 

[voggin]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

I agree about the research. I basically came down to either Prails or a classic HB combo.

It's sort of funny, when it comes to styles, I mainly play blues and bluesy rock, but I've always loved a sort of 80's rock tone. Right now I'm playing through an old Fender tweek pro junior, and a Hughes and Kettner Blonde ss 40 watt, although for jamming, etc. I've been fortunate enough to have a pal lend me a Blues Deville. I like (and hope to obtain) something like that, as I like the modern options of newer tube amps, but I still like a more moderate/older sounding gain.

Speaking of which, I played a new 40 watt Marshall (I can't remember the name, but it's based on a Hendrix song, purple haze or something) I think it's made in India. And it had a very trad sound, but with the modern pre-amp setup.

For whatever reasons, body chemistry or my personal touch, I get the blues tones I really like (other than with my strat, which is my #1) with 80's style guitars/pickups through that kind of amp. When I play the traditional pairs for that sort of thing (SG and old marshall) it sounds more like a jazz fusion vibe. I know that probably makes little sense, but it may have something to do with the very light touch/ pick attack I've developed over 20 years on the rosewood neck strat/small tube pair. To get a normal HB sound, I need a somewhat hotter pickup (not emg territory, though)

 

[wolf5150]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

I'd definitely try my suggestion.

I found the JB's sweet spot to be a bit lower than suggested.

4/32 bass, 3/32 treb .. perfect.

The PGn is just a joy to use and I usually HATE neck humbuckers.

 

[voggin]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

I'd definitely try my suggestion.

I found the JB's sweet spot to be a bit lower than suggested.

4/32 bass, 3/32 treb .. perfect.

The PGn is just a joy to use and I usually HATE neck humbuckers.

Thanks for the tip on the height of the JB. That might explain the widely different opinions on that pu.

I also generally play .010s. Any suggestions re: how that guage might influence pu height, etc?

 

[charlesypsi]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

You might also want to look at this thread:

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=201894

 

[Dr.K]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

Here's another good thread:

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=125205

 

[wolf5150]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

my settings are based on 10's mate. Enjoy.

 

[voggin]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

Excellent posts and advice, as I've come to expect here at SDUGF.

I'll report back on my experiences...my local shop is pretty good about pu trades, so a $20 loss on an experiment won't kill.

Voggin

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

Sounds like the JB/Jazz is a great place for you to start, if the standard SG though a Marshall doesn't give you the tone that you want. I'm betting that you will like the JB quite a bit. I've never really cared for the Jazz, a little bright and a bit sterile for my taste, but lots of people really like it....tone is so subjective.

If you decide you don't like one or the other, you can just let us know what you don't like about the pickup (too hot, too bright...whatever) and we can steer you in the right direction. Hell, half the fun is trying out different pickups and sounds to find what your personal sound is. Once you go through a few pickups, you'll be able to play a guitar and know what SD pickup to start with on your tone quest from experience.

 

[Kalish]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

I have that exact guitar, with that exact combo.

The stock magnets were good, but the JB was a little harsh with A5. I swapped it for a UOA5 and it's a keeper.

I am not that happy with the Jazz, but that would be just my personal taste. It's a great combo for that particular guitar!

 

[voggin]

Re: JB/Jazz for PRS SE Singlecut

Thanks, everyone. They go in next week. Fingers crossed.