JB replacement for the bridge

koolkat

New member
Hello all.

I've been using the JB in the bridge position of my Godin LGT guitar (H-S-S) for the past couple of years and am considering a replacement. I love the clarity of the tone that I get out of the JB, but I'm looking for something with a little more...balls. The bottom end of the JB is very clear and smooth, but a little too flat for my tastes. I'm looking for something with a punchier bottom end. The JB also has this annoying, piercing sound in the upper registers that I can't dial out no matter what amp I play it through.

After doing some research, it looks like the Duncan Custom might fit the bill.

Any suggesstions?
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

Hey koolkat; Welcome to the forum. Others will be along that can give better advice than I, but I had some of the same issues as you with a JB in my Genny. I replaced it with a Custom 5, and couldn't be happier.

I liked the JB, I just like the C5 better. ;)

(My Genny is HSS also.)
 
Last edited:
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

I'm with artie,
Same story, liked the JB but wish it has more balls. Tried the Custom and liked it but after trying out an A5 magnet in it I never looked back! I recommend the C5, it has a huge bottom end and a nice vintage vibe to it while remaining very clear and defined.
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

Try either Custom or C5, just swap the magnets if you want. The C5 is a lot more vintage sounding.
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

koolkat said:
Hello all.

I've been using the JB in the bridge position of my Godin LGT guitar (H-S-S) for the past couple of years and am considering a replacement. I love the clarity of the tone that I get out of the JB, but I'm looking for something with a little more...balls.
Any suggesstions?
Not to sound like a smart ass but are you kidding?
The JB has a balls to the wall sound already :smack:
Bro i have zakk LP with emg's and man i have to be honest the JB has ballls to spare.
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

Man, I've never had an issue getting tons of balls from my JB. I have one in the bridge of my alder Rock Legend and it SMOKES!! It has plenty of low end extension!!
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

TwilightOdyssey said:
Man, I've never had an issue getting tons of balls from my JB. I have one in the bridge of my alder Rock Legend and it SMOKES!! It has plenty of low end extension!!

I agree! :) i wonder sometimes about those that say they need more balls from thier JB????
is it the axe they are using it in?????
i have mine in a LP BB axe and man she RIPS!
I love the JB and think that it has a perfect amount of balls and output?
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

welcome KoolKat

mind telling us what amp you are using? might help us help you

also, have you tried raising the JB closer on the bass side and lowering it on the treble side ... just a touch ... don't over react ... just a half turn of the screw at a time

just a thought

i have a JB in one guitar and a C5 in another and love them both

good luck
t4d
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

Listen and compare your guitar others accoustically , then choose the p-u to balance the natural EQ of your guitar ; same p-u in different guitar won't sound the same , so by what you and the others say about the JB your guitar could be bright , then a C5 could work .
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

I'm currently running my guitar through a Peavey Classic 50 4x10 (all tube). Sonically, the JB is about 80-90% of the way there for what I'm looking for and I've had it in my guitar for the past 6 years or so. The lack of punch is definitely noticeable for me, especially comparing it against the stock Godin pickup I had in this guitar (although it lacked the definition and harmonics that the JB has).

I'm basically looking for the JB with a little more "oomph" and a tad less brittleness in the upper registers.
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

koolkat said:
I'm currently running my guitar through a Peavey Classic 50 4x10 (all tube). Sonically, the JB is about 80-90% of the way there for what I'm looking for and I've had it in my guitar for the past 6 years or so. The lack of punch is definitely noticeable for me, especially comparing it against the stock Godin pickup I had in this guitar (although it lacked the definition and harmonics that the JB has).

I'm basically looking for the JB with a little more "oomph" and a tad less brittleness in the upper registers.

have you considered a EQ?
seriously the JB is a hell of a pup that will do what you want but i think that maybe some would prefer more bottom which i feel can be achieved with a outboard eq?
 
Last edited:
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

WICKED LESTER said:
I agree! :) i wonder sometimes about those that say they need more balls from thier JB????
is it the axe they are using it in?????

I think that's exactly right. Mine was in a basswood bodied Tele-clone, but the main thing was, it was mated with a pair of Quarter Pounds. The poor thing just couldn't keep up. :laugh2:

Custom 5 did the trick. ;)
 
Re: JB replacement for the bridge

Nightburst said:
I'm with artie,
Same story, liked the JB but wish it has more balls. Tried the Custom and liked it but after trying out an A5 magnet in it I never looked back! I recommend the C5, it has a huge bottom end and a nice vintage vibe to it while remaining very clear and defined.
I'm with burst who's with artie:)
As I am typing now, I just finished installing C5 into my carvin neckthru with TOM bridge( maple neck thru alder sides w/ ebony board aka no-trem soloist). It rocks. period. I fell in love with C5 two years ago when I dropped one into my ibanez talman with maple bolt-on alder body. Just like what's been said, deep firm bottem, smooth mids and singing highs. Now I have C5 in my carvin, the sustain is longer and the bottem is broader. the mids and highs are just so clear and emotional. harmonics are much better the stock carvin bridge pickup.
C5 is by far my favourite bucker ever!
 
Back
Top