JB Jr. Neck Pickup Questions

[gregory]

Has anyone tried the JB Jr. Neck pickup? I've searched and read scant little about it.

I'm curious to know how it sounds in the neck in series, parallel and/or split, also, when split, how well it combines with a traditional RW/RP single coil like an SSL-2 in the middle as well as how well it compliments an SSL-2 when switching between the two, again when the JB Jr. Neck is in split mode. I understand it won't sound like an SSL-2, but am hoping for something in the ballpark.

I've read glowing things about the Chopper in the neck in all three modes and wonder whether the neck version of the JB Jr. is a competitive product. If not, what might be? Hot Rails will be too hot, and I have a feeling the Cold Rails isn't going to be hot enough, at least not the neck version.

I'm looking for something vocal and articulate with high gain, yet full sounding when run clean. Slightly compressed is perfectly OK, but I'd still like it to reward picking dynamics. It will take a little coaxing for me to warm up to the idea of using something with P.A.F. characteristics. I'm interested in replacing an SSL-6T.

 

[gregory]

Re: JB Jr. Neck Pickup Questions

After watching this video I reluctantly decided to go with the JB Jr. Neck over the Chopper based on how loud it was compared to the extremely underwhelming and relatively under-powered PAF Pro which is a pickup I have some experience with in both the bridge (thumbs way down) and neck (thumbs up). It's a shame that the neck tone that I absolutely love (the Chopper in series has it in spades) requires a hot bridge pickup, which is not my bag, especially in an HSS configuration.

Hopefully the JB Jr. will work out, but I'm not feeling very optimistic. If it doesn't work out, maybe the custom shop can create something like an STK-S6 with a ~60% coil tap (I prefer to run the tap to the output rather than shunting it to ground) so that it can sound very much like an SSL-2 and a noiseless version of an SSL-6.

 

[Mincer]

Re: JB Jr. Neck Pickup Questions

Let us know your experience with it, as it might help others. It isn't a super-common pickup (as you have noticed) and I am sure not many here have tried one- I haven't even tried one yet.

 

[gregory]

Re: JB Jr. Neck Pickup Questions

Thanks, Mincer.

A week before I started this topic, I had posted a more general topic, which got a few views but no replies:
https://forum.seymourduncan.com/sho...sized-pickups-in-HSS-for-cleans-and-hard-rock

I was thinking that instead of bumping it, I might get some feedback if the discussion was focused on a single pickup. Feedback on the original topic (which I've since edited after pulling the trigger on the JB Jr. Neck) would be greatly appreciated. I'll probably bump it a little later on in order to ask about the Li'l Screamin' Demon to replace an SSL-2 in the middle position.