PATB-1b match that's not the PATB-1n?

[Mononoaware]

The PATB bridge is new to me. I'd like to match it with something fairly hi-fi/modern in the neck (Ibanez SA, thin mahogany body, 25.5). I'm hoping for full cleans and good string separation .The 59n in this guitar is a bit too beefy, wooly, and old-school. I'd like something a little drier, if that makes sense?

I've got my eye on the Jazz, Screamin Demon, and Full Shred, but I'm likely missing other good ones. Assuming an actual used PATB-1n is going to be tricky to find, what other more "conventional" humbuckers have worked for you?

 

[ItsaBass]

PATB-1n is the right pickup for what you describe, and not hard to find IME. Any Duncan Dealer should carry it, or be able to order it. It's not that different sounding than a regular PAF style neck pickup – just a little clearer when played distorted. I use a pair of neck models on my G&L Ascari. Sounds great in both positions.

 

[ColeJustesen]

I have three guitars with Parallel Axis humbuckers in the bridge. Two of them have the matching neck humbucker, and I think it is a perfect match. My third has the stock Habanero pickup that matches pretty well. While I wouldn't call the neck pickup hi-fi, I think it sounds like a Jazz and a '59 blended while having the cool complexity of the parallel poles. If you want a Parallel Axis neck, I don't think it would be hard to find...

Cole

 

[eclecticsynergy]

JazzN would seem to be the obvious choice. But the Demon is great in neck position.

I agree though, the PATB-1N is perfect. Seldom see 'em for sale used - once people try one they won't want to replace it.

 

[Artie]

Another vote for the PATB-1n. It is, in fact, the perfect match for the PATB-1b. I may even have a spare. Let me look.

 

[Despair]

You ought to be able to get the wool under control by dropping the pickup under the wound strings and adjusting screw poles for balanced volume, and possibly also switching to shorter screw pole pieces. A lot of professional guitarists like 0.75" screws under the wound strings, particularly in neck pickups.

Sentient is another excellent neck pickup. Mix of the good qualities of the '59 and Jazz, but a bit hotter. Good for a variety of neck lead tones and cleans.

PATB-1n is also the obvious match for a PATB-1b or PATB-3. But less common used. People who try them seem to usually like them.

Any of the other pickups should be less woolly than a '59.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Artie, I'm interested in a spare PATB-1n if you find it laying around. If you have any interest, clear out an old PM or two, and send one to me.

 

[Artie]

If you have any interest, clear out an old PM or two, and send one to me.

I'm trying to figure out how to do this, with the new software, as we speak. I even posted this question in the "Off Topic" forum. Back atcha soon.

P.S. There's a funny "glitch" in the new forum software. It doesn't matter who posts last in this thread. eclecticsynergy gets credit for it on the "Pickup Lounge" front page.

P.S.S. It's also saying there are only two responses.

 

[Mononoaware]

Thanks for the input. I'd definitely snap up a used PATB-1n if it were to come along at a decent used price. I might have better luck finding a used Jazz or SD, though.

Hadn't considered the Sentient; for some reason, I always dismiss that one because the name seems silly to me. I'll take a look.