looking for a comparable pickup

[squiredogs]

I am still looking for a bridge pickup to put in my '92 LPP standard. I'm replacing a Jackson j-50BC and I would like to take out the JE-1200 active mid boost circuit to get rid of battery hassles.

I was looking at the wrong stuff - I assumed it was a high output distortion pup, as I got into them through my old charvel model 4... But info on the jackson stuff is scarce. I did some old thread searching, and it seems that the j-50BC is a "vintage ceramic" model, somewhere in the vicinity of 8.6-8.7K resistance.

I'm looking for a similar drive level, but would like some clarity without adding brightness. I'm thinking A2, but I don't know squat about pickup specs. I thought maybe the Burstbucker 3, or maybe a custom shop seth lover, wound to 8.7 and potted.

I want uncovered, either black or double creme. Can I pull the covers off of the burstbuckers or seths? Do I need a higher resistance to keep the same output when changing from ceramic to A2?


Dan

 

[Zerberus]

Re: looking for a comparable pickup

The J-50 BC would be closest to a ´59 or Seth with a ceramic magnet, there is no production pickup from any company that effectively "captures" the tone of the mid-late ´80s Jackson Preamp/ PUP combos

Know also that removing the preamp will significantly lower the output of the pickup, you may find yourself buying a booster-pedal soon afterwards

I´d say that the JB or C-5 may get you on your way, but I´m pretty sure that you´d end up glad there´s a 21-day warranty that let´s you get a new one if you missed the first time

BTW, if you take out the J-50 and JE-1200, drop me a PM, I´ll take them off your hands for a fair price

 

[squiredogs]

Re: looking for a comparable pickup

Thanks - I have always had trouble trying to replace the jackson setup. I've done the Duncan Custom, Dimarzio Tone Zone, Super Distortion, and a couple of others. I think you're right - I may have underestimated the output that comes from the preamp. It seems that there is always a little boost, even with the boost rolled all the way back. I like some things about each pickup, but the boost makes leads soooo easy! I felt like I was struggling to play lead and cut through on rythym without the boost.

I always ended up putting the jackson set back in - and since I don't do the work myself, It's always costed me a ton. That's why I may just keep everything as is, and mess around with new pickups ina new guitar.

If I do take them out and leave them out, I will absolutely PM you. I'm surprised to find another fan of these. I have them in 4 guitars - LP, custom made one of a kind Chandler Explorer (awesome) a custom strat, and my Model 4. They do make my Marshall JCM900 (and before that) my solid state Marshall sound good. And I've never been in a "metal" band, just distorted 90's alternative stuff -

What do you put the Jackson stuff in? Are you doing metal, or other stuff?

 

[Zerberus]

Re: looking for a comparable pickup

My Preamps are all in Jacksons or Charvels of the appropriate era, except for one JE-1500 that I´ve got lying around as a spare. I use those, EMGs(@ 18v), or Duncans (predominantly Duncans). I´ve used Duncans with the preamp before as well, The Dimebucker blew everything away in my Model 6, but the original J90C is clearer and tighter. Albeit a bit duller, I may have to try the Distortion in that axe.

As far as what I use them for, check the clip in my signature