PATB-1 vs JB

[AmpliFIRE]

Found a few old threads comparing these two, but not much info overall. Has anyone tried these in the same guitar? I've had an old JBJ in my strat for a few years. I love the pickup, but I'm itching to try something different.

Any input on how they compare is appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Masta' C]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

Output-wise, the PATB-1 sits closer to the Custom 5 than the JB.

Compared to the JB, the PATB-1 has a tighter bottom end and the upper-mid hump isn't quite as pronounced, but it still produces nice harmonics when you want them. The top end is still fairly bright on the PATB-1, but it's a little more compressed and less shrill than the JB can seem in some guitars.

 

[AmpliFIRE]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

Cool, thanks! How about the clarity? Is the PATB as thick sounding as the JB?

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

An old MJ-wound TB-4 was my benchmark for comparing every other pickup for years. I don't remember how the PATB-1 compared to it specifically, but I do remember it didn't spend long in the guitar before the JBJ went back in.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

Cool, thanks! How about the clarity? Is the PATB as thick sounding as the JB?

Not so much. I found them fairly similar but not identical.

Check out so early 90s MacAlpine, like around the Premonition album. He had the PATB set in his Washburn then.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

Cool, thanks! How about the clarity? Is the PATB as thick sounding as the JB?

The PATB isn't as compressed as the JB e.g. it doesn't overemphasize the sustain as much and the transients are way less saggy. However it is so very clear and detailed it'll paint your extended chords in high definition, down to each string's harmonics. No wonder T-Mac liked 'em.

The Parallel Axis TeethBraceBucker could be just the ticket to highlighting the resonant qualities of a particularly outstanding guitar in the hands of the right player, through the right amp. Compared to the JB, it trades muscle for sophistication, universal appeal for unique peculiarities, plug & play for tweak & fine tune.

Being one of Duncan's least appreciated humbuckers, the PATB is a niche product that undoubtedly can satisfy a small group of highly demanding users but will never match the JB's mainstream appeal. Part of its charm, I guess.

 

[SFW]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

I have used both of these pickups in my Charvel Journeyman. They sound like they are in the same tonal family. The PATB-1 sounds thicker and seems to hit the front end of the amp a little harder. The string to string balance is definitely better with the PATB-1.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MkIII Renegade]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

The PATB isn't as compressed as the JB e.g. it doesn't overemphasize the sustain as much and the transients are way less saggy. However it is so very clear and detailed it'll paint your extended chords in high definition, down to each string's harmonics. No wonder T-Mac liked 'em.

The Parallel Axis TeethBraceBucker could be just the ticket to highlighting the resonant qualities of a particularly outstanding guitar in the hands of the right player, through the right amp. Compared to the JB, it trades muscle for sophistication, universal appeal for unique peculiarities, plug & play for tweak & fine tune.

Being one of Duncan's least appreciated humbuckers, the PATB is a niche product that undoubtedly can satisfy a small group of highly demanding users but will never match the JB's mainstream appeal. Part of its charm, I guess.

It's definitely part of what drew me to it. I have a full PATB set in one of my Charvels, and it transformed the guitar....

 

[AmpliFIRE]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

Thanks guys! I do love my JBJ quite a bit. Maybe I should just stick with it...

 

[darthphineas]

Re: PATB-1 vs JB

Thanks guys! I do love my JBJ quite a bit. Maybe I should just stick with it...

Been playing JBs over 30 years, starting with JBJs. The only thing I'd put on the same level as a JBJ would be an original The JB Model. The same, but different, like with all iterations of the JB.