JB vs Alternative 8

[MadAxeMax]

I’m trying to decide between a JB and an Alternative 8 for the bridge pickup of my guitar, but there aren’t any audio samples on the Duncan site to compare the JB and the Alt 8 directly, with the same guitar, amps settings, mics, etc.

I’m really looking for some advice from people who know or have experience with these pickups, as I don’t and there’s no audio samples of the Alt 8 for comparison.

It’s going to be for my late ‘90’s Godin LGX 2 voice, which is in many respects like a Les Paul with a 25.5” scale length. Single cut away, mahogany body, maple cap, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, tune-o-matic bridge. The neck is (good quality) bolt-on. I’m pretty sure I want a SH-2 Jazz model for my neck p/up.

I want this guitar to be pretty versatile, but really, I’ll primarily be playing modern and classic metal, and some hard rock.

I’ve read mixed reviews about the Alt 8. Some people say it’s like a fuller sounding, more muscular JB with all of the JB’s good points and none of the bad. That sounds awesome! But I’ve also read the Alt 8 is kind of sterile, lacking dynamics, harmonics life and character, and overall, not a good p/up for metal.

I also considered the Custom Custom but discounted that due to its spongy, loose sounding bottom end, and also the Duncan Distortion, but think that’s going to have more top end fizz than I want.

I love the sweet “musical” quality of the JB, but worry it might not be aggressive enough for what I want. On the other hand, I worry the Alt 8 might be too abrasive or harsh. I do want that crisp “cut” to my bridge tone, while retaining than “searing, singing” quality without being too harsh or piercing like an "icepick". (Sorry about the ambiguous terms.)

Any help or advice anyone can offer would be great!

 

[dominus]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

Duncan Custom (SH-5/TB-5, depending on string spacing) in the bridge, 59n in the neck.

 

[Rowan]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

I’ve read mixed reviews about the Alt 8. Some people say it’s like a fuller sounding, more muscular JB with all of the JB’s good points and none of the bad. That sounds awesome! But I’ve also read the Alt 8 is kind of sterile, lacking dynamics, harmonics life and character, and overall, not a good p/up for metal.

That doesn't sound right lol. I found the Alt 8 to be the complete opposite of sterile. Its a pickup with muscle that still has a warm, organic alnico quality. Its voiced well for modren styles of metal and rock. To say it is a muscular JB is not a bad description, they both have searing lead tones. But I would describe the Alt 8 as a Distortion with rolled off highs, less compression, better cleans and more bloom.

 

[brunogio]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

I think of Custom Custom for bright sounding guitars, and if this is sort of LP style, then it's not a match to me.

Custom 5 or Custom 8 sound right for the bridge. 59 or PGn are going to be fine in the neck.

Alt 8 might be nice too for the bridge but the closest I've come is a A8 490t in my SG which sounds really nice and not over the top for the classic stuff.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

Search for Surface's audio clips, he had some for JB8, ALt8 & C8. I have only used a A8 in a Detonator, but a "Distortion with (slightly) rolled off highs, less compression, better cleans and more bloom" is about right, I love that pickup.

 

[Dr.J4ckal]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

I've used both the JB and the Alt8.. I think the Alt8 feels almost similar to the JB, has the same big bass, but it is (a bit) tighter. It also sounds a bit more "harsh"/aggresive which might be good for metal.. It's a better pickup than the JB for metal IMO.. however, it lacks the sweet soft midrange the JB has.. have you considered Duncan Custom? That's what I swapped my Alt8 with, it has more tighter low end, and retain sweet midrange like the JB..

 

[Ascension]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

Also have run a JB and Alt 8 both in the same guitar. That along with swapping both an A-8 and a A2 into the JB.
The Alt is fat big and really hot. It's also smooth and warm. Think JB on Steroids. Just watch the distance to the strings as if you get the Alt too close it will kill the sustain and sound dead.
The Alt 8 is really thick but in a good tight way and is in no way harsh.
Own 2 and love um in particular for heavy stuff!

 

[Jackson Distortion]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

I think you should be good with the JB. If you play fast stuff, the bass can be loose sometimes though.

 

[MadAxeMax]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

Hmm, "a muscular JB", "a JB on steroids", ""Distortion with (slightly) rolled off highs, less compression, better cleans and more bloom", "searing lead tones", "fat big and really hot", "smooth and warm", "searing lead tones", "tighter lows".....

These are all the things I wanted to hear. I think I'm gonna have to go for the Alt 8 for my bridge. It sounds right up my street.

I had considered the Ducnacn Custom, but I thought the ceramic magnet would be a bit to harsh for my tastes (for this guitar at least).

I'm sure the JB is great and I might yet get one for another guitar, but from what's I've read here and from what I'd learned before, it sounds like the Alt 8 it what I'm looking for. & I'll be careful with the height adjust so I don't get too much string pull.

Thanks to everyone for your input.

 

[benjammin420]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

How does the Alt 8 compare to the Crazy 8?

 

[Jackson Distortion]

Re: JB vs Alternative 8

I kinda retract what I posted earlier about the JB's bass being loose. It kinda depends on your amp and/or it's setttings. :foot: Mmm. Tastes good.