More output for a king V

[Thrash it up]

I acquired an used KV2 with JB/JB combo in it. This axe sounds great, the JB has the right balance of mids in this guitar even if the guitar sounds a lil too bright but that's not my problem.
Well let's face it, even if the sound is very articulate and well balanced it's a bit weak and if I add more gain, I loose the articulate sound instead od getting more output.
Due to the already bright tone, I was thinking that a Distortion wouldn't match this guitar (I am wrong?). So I read the livewires mustaine were some king of JB/Jazz with more output. What do you think of it? Has enyone has ever try it?

 

[BloodRose]

Re: More output for a king V

Hi! Welcome! (I know you arent brand new, but I havent said hi yet!) King V? Cool! I dont know about the mustaine Livewires, but I hear its a killer pup and Dave used them in V's alot. So if you like his tone...

I dont think the distortion is over bright, but my experience was in a mahogany guitar.. So, we'll let others put in thier input. Id run one in a V tho and think that would be pretty killer.

 

[Varg]

Re: More output for a king V

Ceramic mag in the JB?

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: More output for a king V

Ceramic mag in the JB?

Good idea, if he can find a big ceramic.

 

[KBliss]

Re: More output for a king V

What are u using for amplification? I put an Alnico 8 magnet in my JB in a Charvette: since it was beefier, i could dial less gain, thus it got ch-ch-chUNKy chords & cleaner leads. Easy & cheap $wap to do.

 

[Varg]

Re: More output for a king V

Good idea, if he can find a big ceramic.

Why a big ceramic?

I do wish I'd kept that thick ceramic mag I had in the cheapo pickup a couple of years ago.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: More output for a king V

My friend has two King Vs, In one he has a Dimebucker paired with a PAF Pro and the other has the El Diablo paired with the PAF Pro....I really think the El Diablo might be the perfect pickup for the Kings, cleans up nicely, not too bright, plenty of output, and it absolutely kills even with the slightest bump on your amps gain channel.....

 

[Grindspine]

Re: More output for a king V

Ceramic mag in the JB?

A.K.A. Duncan Distortion...
--------------

How about a much easier solution, have you adjusted the pickup height? That can make a big difference in output and brightness.

The Mustaine Livewires are pretty much just an active JB/Jazz set. You could get roughly the same effect by adding one of the Blackouts preamps to your guitar's volume knob.

Another option is the Seymour Duncan Alternative 8. I *think* it's a similar wind to the JB and Distortion pickups, but it has an Alnico 8 magnet that is a little stronger. It tends to lower the resonant peak of the pickup a hair too. I have heard the Alt 8 described as a "JB on steroids."

 

[metalmachine]

Re: More output for a king V

i love the distortion in maple neck thrus. but if you i find even a jb to bright and want more output i strongly strongly recommend the alternative 8

 

[Thrash it up]

Re: More output for a king V

Thanks for all the replies. The better way is of course to test but it seems that giving a try with the distortion is finally worth it. Since my guitar has the complete passive electronic, I'll try the alternative and the DD first.

Thanks

 

[blueman335]

Re: More output for a king V

put an Alnico 8 magnet in my JB... it was beefier, i could dial less gain, thus it got ch-ch-chUNKy chords & cleaner leads. Easy & cheap $wap to do.

+1. Don't buy more PU's until you've tried another mag or two.