JB replacement?

[Toejam]

A Brian Moore i9f will be delivered to me tomorrow... here's the specs http://www.brianmooreguitars.com/i2000/i2000Models.asp?guitar=i9f and the stock pickups are a JB in the bridge, an APH1 in the neck, and an APS2 single coil in the middle. I've never really been a fan of the overrated JB, so I know I'll want to replace it. :grumble:
I'd like something darker/warmer in the bridge. I'm a fan of the DiMarzio Tone Zone, but I'd like to try something different for this guitar. I do have a PATB-2 in another guitar I'm not using at the moment, but I think it might be a little too much output to match up with the other pups on the guitar. Any suggestions? I play anything from old school metal, thrash, death metal, some hard rock and classic rock stuff.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: JB replacement?

I'd suggest a Custom in that guitar. For heaviness and thickness, it delivers.

If you want it more open sounding with a tight full bottom, try a C-5.

If you love the APH in the neck, consider a bridge model.

 

[Toejam]

Re: JB replacement?

Cool. Thanks! I did have a Custom 7 in a Schecter 7-string once that was really nice. I also had a C5 in my alder Charvel Star, but I wasn't much into it (it sounded a little too scooped) and replaced it with a Tone Zone. The C5 might work better in the mahogany of the Brian Moore, though.
Hell, I guess almost anything might be better for me than a JB. :lmao:

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: JB replacement?

Since you mentioned several styles of rock/metal, I think you might like the Custom the most in a Brian Moore. It'll give it the sound of having a much thicker body.

If you're a lead player, give the JB a chance. It's the right pickup for fat lead tones.
The Custom beats it for heavy chugga chugga rhythm though.

 

[Toejam]

Re: JB replacement?

Thanks again. I'm more of a rhythm player, so the Custom might be best. I guess I'll see just how the JB reacts, but I'm thinking it won't be so great since it's got that high mid spike going on and lacks low end. The only guitar I sort of ever liked the JB in was an old Hamer Special I had, but I wound up going to EMGs in that anyway.

 

[Simon_F]

Re: JB replacement?

The same pickup can sound very different from one guitar to another, so give the JB a good chance before you rip it out.

I agree, however, that the Custom would make an excellent replacement should you need one.

 

[Toejam]

Re: JB replacement?

Will do. I'm not sure what pots are in it, but I assume 500k. I guess a 250k would help to tame it as well. I guess I'll have to see what happens.

 

[DonP]

Re: JB replacement?

You know, I've only had a JB for a few months in my SL2H, but I'm really digging it. I think it depends on what you are playing through. Sounds great through the POD and a DSL100, but not so good through the Marshall Micro Stack (did you ever sell yours?)

 

[mi_canuck]

Re: JB replacement?

I like the JB in my Epi SG... using 500K pots and .022 cap with it... playing it through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe... FWIW my Epi SG (Goth model - flat black, no lacker) feels pretty beefy - it's got some good mass... feels a bit heavier than a Gibson SG faded. It really cuts through with gain/distortion turned up (great for modern alternative stuff like Nirvana, and Tool and the like)... yet plays nice bluesy/jazzy cleans real well.


peace

 

[theodie]

Re: JB replacement?

Try the JB first. Since you like the PATB-2 and you want a bit lower output, try a PATB-1 if the JB does not work out. The Custom will work well too.

 

[Toejam]

Re: JB replacement?

You know, I've only had a JB for a few months in my SL2H, but I'm really digging it. I think it depends on what you are playing through. Sounds great through the POD and a DSL100, but not so good through the Marshall Micro Stack (did you ever sell yours?)

Hey Don.

Yes, I sold the old Micro Stack in the beginning of the year. I use a THD Univalve head most of the time, or a Crate Blue Voodoo 60 head, sometimes my old Valvestate 2x12 combo in my living room with my Boss GT-8 or a Tech 21 Trademark 300 head. I guess the JB is bound to sound good through some of my gear. LOL

 

[Toejam]

Re: JB replacement?

Try the JB first. Since you like the PATB-2 and you want a bit lower output, try a PATB-1 if the JB does not work out. The Custom will work well too.

The PATB-1 may be a good idea as well! I'll give the old JB a shot, though, just to see.