Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

[Perry go round]

One of my band-mates have this guitar, a Yamaha AES620 semi-hollow body. He allways says that the bridge pickup is fantastic (Seymour Duncan JB), but he hates the neck pick-up (a Yamaha humbucker pickup with an Alnico V magnet). It is true that it doesn´t sound any great.
So, I was thinking that maybe a new neck pick up could be a good birthday present for him -in 2 months-, but I am not sure which model will be the best one for his guitar to match with the JB bridge in a Semi-hollow mahogany body, with a maple top, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and a TOM bridge. As the bridge is a JB, and the current neck pickup is an Alnico V, I was thinking that maybe another Alnico V would be the best choice. Among those in the SD catalogue I was thinking either in the Jazz or the '59. But I am not sure which one of those will be better or even if there would be better options out there. For example, I am not sure if an Alnico II could be also a good pair with the JB.
In the place where we rehearse most of the time there is Peavey V12 and a Marshall solid-state amp which I think is a 100-W, but not sure wich model. Sometimes we change rehearsing space and I am not sure which amp he has at home.
Any advice?
The guitar looks like this:

 

[koshikas]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

jazz or A2P or a seth

 

[Perry go round]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

I´ll take a look at those, thanks!

 

[jmcorey]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

That is the best of the Yamaha AES models in my opinion. I personally would get rid of the JB too, but if he likes it, I would get the Jazz. Goes with the JB really well.


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[Perry go round]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

Yes I think that the JB has too much treble for that guitar, but he likes it, so I will try to go just for a neck. Everybody seems to agree in the Jazz.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

Always loved that guitar but never owned or played one. The Jazz with JB is pretty much a classic combo. Or the 59 with the JB. Some find the 59n to be too bottom heavy or even muddy. Depends on the guitar and the rig. Personally, I'm a fan of the 59 neck, but again, it depends.

 

[jtougas]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

A Pearly Gates would also work very well in the guitar... Don't know how it'd balance against the JB, though.

 

[Perry go round]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

So, reading all your comments it seems that the jazz is the "safer" choice. I think I will go for that one. Is true that I'd like to try the PGn, as it seems to be a great neck pick up, but maybe for another guitar later on.
Thanks to all for your comments

 

[JohnnyGuitarCA]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

I recommend starting with a Jazz neck model. If that doesn't work out, Duncan has the 21 day exchange policy.

 

[Perry go round]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

That sounds great. I think it is decided: the Jazz.

 

[jimijames]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

My first recommendation, if nothing but sound quality was at issue: the Seth lover.

Jazz is a great choice too though.

 

[Xiaoma]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

A Pearly Gates would also work very well in the guitar... Don't know how it'd balance against the JB, though.

I know I may be a bit late to the party, but I have exactly that same guitar, and a Pearly Gates (neck) sitting on my desk.
I was going to replace the stock Yamaha Alnico 5 today or tomorrow, but need to record some samples of the stock one, so I can compare it later.

 

[tabeck5]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

Go with the SD Jazz, you can't go wrong with that one.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Neck Pickup for a Yamaha AES-620 HB?

One of my band-mates have this guitar, a Yamaha AES620 semi-hollow body. He allways says that the bridge pickup is fantastic (Seymour Duncan JB), but he hates the neck pick-up (a Yamaha humbucker pickup with an Alnico V magnet). It is true that it doesn´t sound any great.
So, I was thinking that maybe a new neck pick up could be a good birthday present for him -in 2 months-, but I am not sure which model will be the best one for his guitar to match with the JB bridge in a Semi-hollow mahogany body, with a maple top, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and a TOM bridge. As the bridge is a JB, and the current neck pickup is an Alnico V, I was thinking that maybe another Alnico V would be the best choice. Among those in the SD catalogue I was thinking either in the Jazz or the '59. But I am not sure which one of those will be better or even if there would be better options out there. For example, I am not sure if an Alnico II could be also a good pair with the JB.
In the place where we rehearse most of the time there is Peavey V12 and a Marshall solid-state amp which I think is a 100-W, but not sure wich model. Sometimes we change rehearsing space and I am not sure which amp he has at home.
Any advice?
The guitar looks like this:
View attachment 62178

Beautiful guitar man! Love the shape of the f hole!