JB/Jazz replacements in RG

ArmyGuitar

ArmyGuitar

New member
When I first started, the JB/Jazz combo sounded good, but now that I have a good tube amp, and some decent effects its not sounding so good anymore. I have a lower end Basswood RG3EX1, but I love how it feels and plays. I have a BO loaded EC-1000 and a 57 Classic loaded Explorer coming. I attempt to play Classic to Heavy Rock/Metal(heaviest being BFMV,Stone Sour, and similar) But mainly I like the typical AC/DC, Ozzy, and that list. Then your modern stuff, WolfMother, Airbourne, Alterbridge, and similar. What can you guys reccomend.
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

Try an A8 magnet in your JB ('JB8') before you pull the plug on it. It's rapidly becoming very popular here.

As for the Jazz, not a lot you can do, it's kind of a bland PU. I'd sell it and get a Duncan '59N or PGN.
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

I'll second the AlNiCo 8 swap in a JB. I'm running a JB8 in my RG5EX1 and I happy with the sound.

But that's what I like. You might be after something different. What are your main complaints with the sounds you're getting out of the JB and JazzN pickups right now?
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

blueman335 said:
Try an A8 magnet in your JB ('JB8') before you pull the plug on it. It's rapidly becoming very popular here.

As for the Jazz, not a lot you can do, it's kind of a bland PU. I'd sell it and get a Duncan '59N or PGN.
Click to expand...

Is this an easy upgrade, or should a Tech do it? Can I get some info on the mod.
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

search the forums for a thread called "Air Mod"
I incorrectly described a magnet change with photos and step by step instructions
instead of the famed "Air Mod"
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

I tend to like DiMarzios in Ibanez guitars. For some reason they just work. I'd looking into the Air Norton & Air Zone combo, or a pair of PAF Pros. At the moment, I have a PAF Pro and a Tone Zone in my RGT220A. I like the TZ, but I may go with another PAF Pro in the bridge just for a more balanced palette of tones. We'll see...
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

I have a JB in my RG2 and it sounds great
it is a bit picky over its height adjustment tho

for mine its

1.37mm high E
3.37mm low E

EDIT
that is with the E's Fretted at the 24th fret
 
Last edited:
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

ArmyGuitar said:
Is this an easy upgrade, or should a Tech do it? Can I get some info on the mod.
Click to expand...

There's many old threads here about swapping magnets, with video instruction. Easy to do, no skill required, takes 15 minutes (including loosening strings and retuning), and only costs a few dollars. Addiction FX on eBay has a large assortment an ships internationally.
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

The A2 mod works well if you have a bright guitar or amp. With a basswood body you may be in for mud city though. I'm not a fan of the A8 at all... so I'll let others thry to sell you on that mag...
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

SFW said:
The A2 mod works well if you have a bright guitar or amp. With a basswood body you may be in for mud city though. I'm not a fan of the A8 at all... so I'll let others thry to sell you on that mag...
Click to expand...

My JB2 is in an LP Studio, and sounds fantastic. Rich, full, powerful, raw. Admittedly, A8's aren't for everybody, but they've seen a huge surge in popularity the last couple years. There's something appealing there.
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

Hard to go wrong with C5/PGn or one step up, the Custom/59.

If you want balls and tone, those two dish it out.
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

blueman335 said:
My JB2 is in an LP Studio, and sounds fantastic. Rich, full, powerful, raw. Admittedly, A8's aren't for everybody, but they've seen a huge surge in popularity the last couple years. There's something appealing there.
Click to expand...

THe JB2 is a good pickup. I have one that keeps making the rounds in my guitars. Basswood is a funny creature though... sometimes what's supposed to sounds good in it doesn't. As far as the A8... I get the appeal. It's everything on 10 for the pickup. I just don't care for it. I had a JB8 and just couldn't bond with the mag. To me it seems to really lack dynamics. YMMV though.
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

JB8 is definitely "on all the time", it's pretty raw, awesome once you get control of it, but more of a metal pickup than anything. The JB2 has lots of mids, some people don't like that, especially if they are used to the standard JB and aren't actively going for the mids. It seems to like mahogany (I've only had it in mahogany), but I'll bet it's even better in alder or ash, in basswood it might be too mushy, but I think a stock JB would be too loose for basswood too.

I hate to do it, but I'm gonna recommend trying the unoriented A5 if you're gonna try a mag swap, it seems to be a good balance of the two.

Other than that, Custom maybe?
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

I dont know if it will help, but my amp is a Class A 15w hand wired amp and my RG has a quilted maple top. Thanks for all the input so far!
 
Last edited:
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

Have you thought about a Suhr SSH+? I just looked at the specs on your guitar, and think that the SSH+ might be exactly what you're looking for.
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

blueman335 said:
Try an A8 magnet in your JB ('JB8') before you pull the plug on it. It's rapidly becoming very popular here.

As for the Jazz, not a lot you can do, it's kind of a bland PU. I'd sell it and get a Duncan '59N or PGN.
Click to expand...

I agree with the 59 in the neck
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

SFW said:
Have you thought about a Suhr SSH+? I just looked at the specs on your guitar, and think that the SSH+ might be exactly what you're looking for.
Click to expand...

Ill look into it thank you for the advice. Im also intrigued by the Crunchlab/Liquifire I have read several forums with them in RG's and so far nothing but praise
 
Re: JB/Jazz replacements in RG

Cruchlab baby! I got one sitting on my desk. In about a week it will be in and I will have experienced the crunchity crunchiness. I really like the name Crunchlab. It just makes me want to crunch the **** out of something...probably my guitar strings.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top