newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

[vbf]

Hi everyone, this is my first post so please go easy on the newb. I will be replacing the pups in my Gibson Les Paul and am sold on the 59 in the neck but am hoping to tap into y'alls expertise for a bridge pup. I play in a contemporary Christian band and definitely need some crunch and my experience using a JB in the bridge has been positive. But I'm looking for something with about the same output (high) but a tad bit warmer but still get good crunch and sustain without going overboard (I don't need metal/shred). I play a mix of rhythm and lead. I guess a good reference point for sound is Trans Siberian Orchestra-type distortion. I will also be playing it some clean so need a nice, balanced sound too. I primarily play though a modified Blues Jr that has a nice shimmer and brightness to it, thanks to new tubes and an Eminence Texas Heat speaker. The Custom 5 was recommended but Seymour Duncan doesn't have any sound clip as they do for their other pups.

Thank you in advance...vbf

 

[uOpt]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

Both of these can be very harsh. The coils carry some momentum, the Alnico doesn't compress like ceramic does when you play harder and the A5 has lack of warm mids. '59, C5 and JB all suffer from this.

In a Les Paul you'll need a rig that smoothens things out.

The C5 does have a soundclip, but it's screwed up.

 

[CaughtLikeFire]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

my experience using a JB in the bridge has been positive. But I'm looking for something with about the same output (high) but a tad bit warmer but still get good crunch and sustain without going overboard (I don't need metal/shred)

JB with an A2 magnet or regular Custom (SH-5). magnet swaps are easy to do - no de-soldering - and magnets only cost ~$5. You can make your regular JB a JB2, or make your Custom a C5, C8, or Custom Custom simply by swapping the magnet.

the Custom is still hot, but you can tell it's not quite as hot as a JB.

I personally would go for a regular Custom in an LP. It's surprisingly not harsh for a ceramic mag pickup

 

[Diocletian]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

I don't know what a Christian band sounds like so can't really help. The Custom 5 to me just sounded, through my rig anyway, like "Back In Black". Nailed that tone perfectly.

Funny you mention TSO - I only just heard about them yesterday because one of them toured with my favourite band Jethro Tull.

 

[vbf]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

I don't know what a Christian band sounds like so can't really help. The Custom 5 to me just sounded, through my rig anyway, like "Back In Black". Nailed that tone perfectly.

Funny you mention TSO - I only just heard about them yesterday because one of them toured with my favourite band Jethro Tull.

A Christian band sounds like a good ol' fashion rock band...but with different lyrics. While there have been a few heavy metal Christian bands, most are of the pop/rock variety. Here's a few examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NawddLbdqLA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54L_OWKsLBs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyApOr4vFTw

 

[Jay 77]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

A Christian band sounds like a good ol' fashion rock band...but with different lyrics. While there have been a few heavy metal Christian bands, most are of the pop/rock variety. Here's a few examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NawddLbdqLA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54L_OWKsLBs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyApOr4vFTw

You forgot Stryper!

 

[Diocletian]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

Not my thing, thanks anyway. If it's just like a rock band why not just call it that?

Never mind. For what you want I think a JB or Custom 5 will both be great. The Alnico II Pro bridge is also great for that kind of thing IMO.

 

[DonP]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

You forgot Stryper!

Stryper ROCKS!

 

[blueman335]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

In my experience, the C5 is much better than than JB, less harsh & shrill. You can warm either PU with an A8.

 

[scottish]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

i also do a lot of playing through a modded blues jnr. it might just be my taste, but ive always found the 59b to be the perfect bridge humbucker pup. it can get plenty nasty when you need it but its one of the best clean or slightly OD'd bridge buckers.

Id take it over the jb or c5 anyday.

 

[jimijames]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

Do you absolutely need it to be high output? I've got a 59/custom hybrid in the bridge of my les paul, and it's warm, but with great definition, and singing sustain. Although I have a different amp, so Your mileage may vary.

edit: Plus, making a 59/custom does require soldering, but seeing as making that hybrid was the first time I had used a soldering iron means that even if you don't have any experience with them it's possible, and actually pretty easy.

 

[vbf]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

Do you absolutely need it to be high output? I've got a 59/custom hybrid in the bridge of my les paul, and it's warm, but with great definition, and singing sustain. Although I have a different amp, so Your mileage may vary.

edit: Plus, making a 59/custom does require soldering, but seeing as making that hybrid was the first time I had used a soldering iron means that even if you don't have any experience with them it's possible, and actually pretty easy.

I don''t absolutely need a high output but like the sound of one. I like the sound I get from a high output pup when using low to moderate OD. Having said that, however, the 59's do sound good.

 

[papersoul]

Re: newbie question - JB vs. Custom 5 - or other recommendations

Both of these can be very harsh. The coils carry some momentum, the Alnico doesn't compress like ceramic does when you play harder and the A5 has lack of warm mids. '59, C5 and JB all suffer from this.

In a Les Paul you'll need a rig that smoothens things out.

The C5 does have a soundclip, but it's screwed up.

I am surprised you say this. AVs are very popular in LPs and have worked for years. A Les Paul and GOOD tube amp should have good, warm mids anyway to fill in the hole. You can also have problems with AIIs in an LP with too much midrange or a lack of balance depending on the pickup. With the AV, A 300k pot can do wonders in the volume slot, maybe warm up the mids.