Let's talk JB
- Thread starter solspirit
- Start date
Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
I like the Air Norton.
I've also had the '59N work well, but I prefer the Air Norton with the JB. I bet it pairs well with the '59B as well.
I also tried the Duncan Distortion Neck both with its stock ceramic magnet and with an A5 swapped it, but I didn't like it as much.
Honestly, the JB being right at the bottom of high output or towards the top of medium output opens up what it pairs well with output-wise.
I've also had the '59N work well, but I prefer the Air Norton with the JB. I bet it pairs well with the '59B as well.
I also tried the Duncan Distortion Neck both with its stock ceramic magnet and with an A5 swapped it, but I didn't like it as much.
Honestly, the JB being right at the bottom of high output or towards the top of medium output opens up what it pairs well with output-wise.
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Masta' C
Well-known member
Jazz Bridge (not the regular Jazz Neck) and Screamin' Demon are both really good pairings. If you want more of a bright and tight "bridge" style tone in the neck position, the SD Alpha is a solid choice for that.
I'd also consider a '78 for neck duty alongside a JB bridge. Although I haven't tried that specific combo personally, I know the PATB-3 pairs well with the PATB-1 and that's a fairly similar combination to the '78 and JB.
The DiMarzio Liquifire gets overlooked, but is an awesome neck pickup for a hotter bridge. Air Norton is another common pairing with DiMarzio's JB-ish pickups, as well, though it's not my personal favorite.
On a side note, Scott Ian and a few other artists have used a JB in both positions with good results. Not really any different than sticking PAFs in both positions like many players do, just gotta mess with the pickup heights a bit.
I'd also consider a '78 for neck duty alongside a JB bridge. Although I haven't tried that specific combo personally, I know the PATB-3 pairs well with the PATB-1 and that's a fairly similar combination to the '78 and JB.
The DiMarzio Liquifire gets overlooked, but is an awesome neck pickup for a hotter bridge. Air Norton is another common pairing with DiMarzio's JB-ish pickups, as well, though it's not my personal favorite.
On a side note, Scott Ian and a few other artists have used a JB in both positions with good results. Not really any different than sticking PAFs in both positions like many players do, just gotta mess with the pickup heights a bit.
Chistopher
malapterurus electricus tonewood instigator
A Distortion Neck
jmiller475
New member
59 but I've used a Phat Cat bridge and really liked that combo
Lucius Paisley
Well-known member
Another JB.
I had a big dilemma whether to buy 59 or Air Norton. Ultimately I couldn't find any 1:1 comparisons anywhere so I chose 59. Do you have such comparisons?
Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
I do not, sorry. I don't have a '59N at hand anymore. I sold that guitar.
Honestly, either pickup is nice. The Air Norton is darker and smoother, but it's also not as bassy. IMHO, the AN sounds nicer distorted, especially higher up the fretboard, but the '59 sounds nicer clean, but also has some cool distorted sounds. They're close to the same output levels too.
weepingminotaur
Well-known member
59 in the neck.
marcello252
Well-known member
imho alnico II pro for ever, it pairs well with that jb mid high spike
Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
FWIW, I don't think the 490R would be a bad pickup to pair with the JB either.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Welcome to the Pickup Lounge Sol! we forget you might actually riff.
Now - what do you mean by "pair" because without knowing that, no one should even contemplate answering. \
Do you mean "match the tone curve but quieter/less output?" That could be a pair
Do you mean "fill in or balance the sonic holes when both on?" That could be a pair
Do you mean "provide something for rhythm in the neck while the JB does leads" or vice versa?" That could a pair
So my official useless answer in - depends on what you want to do.
For example - no one would say a T-Top "pairs" with a Distortion. Yet that is exactly what is in my #1, because I want to play very different things on the neck than the bridge, and don;t use the middle with that guitar.
But, my choices would be Jazz, 59, or another JB depending on the guitar, amp and musical style of interest. Or a Duncan Distortion Neck with an A5 mag swap.
Now - what do you mean by "pair" because without knowing that, no one should even contemplate answering. \
Do you mean "match the tone curve but quieter/less output?" That could be a pair
Do you mean "fill in or balance the sonic holes when both on?" That could be a pair
Do you mean "provide something for rhythm in the neck while the JB does leads" or vice versa?" That could a pair
So my official useless answer in - depends on what you want to do.
For example - no one would say a T-Top "pairs" with a Distortion. Yet that is exactly what is in my #1, because I want to play very different things on the neck than the bridge, and don;t use the middle with that guitar.
But, my choices would be Jazz, 59, or another JB depending on the guitar, amp and musical style of interest. Or a Duncan Distortion Neck with an A5 mag swap.
