PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

[Artie]

This is the "original" parallel axis bridge pup, compared to the Blues Saraceno bridge pup. This is also another "happy accident". I thought I had two PATB-1's. (I did. But I thought they were both "neck" versions.) In my mind, I associate the "1" version as a neck pup. It didn't "click" in my mind that there was a bridge version until I accidentally sold it to a forum bro as a neck pup. He corrected me, and sent it back.

So, I had to try it out. The difference is distinct. You expect a bridge pup to be bright and twangy. The Blues Saraceno certainly does have a touch of twang, (by virtue of its position), but I would describe it more as being sweet and creamy. Think "smooth".

The PATB-1B definitely has more output. And more "twang", but not in the classic Strat/Tele form of "twang". It's a very well behaved "twang", if that makes any sense. It's the perfect match for the PATB-1Bn that I have in the neck. Don't get me wrong. The Blues Saraceno was also a great match for the neck PA, but I'm digging the extra "punch" of the "1" version even more.

Sorry if I'm being long-winded here, but I believe the PAT-B series of Seymour Duncan pups to be one of the greatest unsung heroes of the line.

One of these days, I've got to try the "2" version.

Artie

 

[orpheo]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

the PATB series is one of the best pickup series I've ever encountered. Building a strat right now suited for 2 PASTK's and one PATB1/2 hybrid. prepare your mind to be blown

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

Agreed. The PATB is definitely a sleeping giant.

The "2" is the Distortion model, and if you're a fan of the Duncan Distortion but wish it had more individual string clarity and note articulation, but didn't really like the TB-6, then the PATB-2B is that perfect combination of those two. For years I would readily put an SH-6 in a Floyded guitar because, to me, the TB-6 lost a bit of the drive, even though the clarity and articulation was great. Notes didn't have that "extra sizzle" that the SH-6 gave.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

My (limited) understanding is pretty much the 1 is "JB-ish",2 is the Dist model & 3 is kindy "middy/honky"...

I've got a 2 you can check out,Artie,paired w/an old Seymourizer...

 

[BloodRose]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

Great info!! The only one of the PATBs Ive tried is the Blues Saraceno. I really liked it! I put in in a guitar that sounded good but alittle thin and it made the guitar nice and full sounding. Sadly I had to sell the guitar and the pup went with it.. Im itching to try the others, but dont really have an application. After the great things Ive been reading about the PASTK1n, Im thinking I may redo my Washburn MG130 with a set of PA's. It currently has Cool Rails neck and mid and a Custom 8 in the bridge. The only problem is, I cant decide whether I want to go with the PATB1 or 2 in it.. I liked the PATB3, but I want something with alittle more tude for this axe..

 

[Artie]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

My (limited) understanding is pretty much the 1 is "JB-ish" . . .

Hmmm . . . I wouldn't say that at all. Then again, my JB is in a twin-HB'er Tele-Gib, while my PATB's are in an LP Custom. Totally different beasts.

I've got a 2 you can check out,Artie,paired w/an old Seymourizer...

Cool. Let me know where you're playing next and I'll bring the LP along so you can check it out.

I liked the PATB3, but I want something with a little more tude for this axe..

The "1" is exactly that.

 

[orpheo]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

imho the -1 is like the custom, the -2 is like the distortion (or the jb if you use an a5 mag) and the -3 is like the '59. in those families, anyway. the -3 is wound with 42 awg, for sure, the -2 is 44. the -1 seems to be like (a slightly) overwound 43, cause it is fuller than you'd have when you use 44.

but that's speculation. To me, the tones are indeed akin to those pickups. Like; not the same or similar (like the Audi A4 is like a BMW 5 series: alike, but not the same).

 

[SFW]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

To my ears, the PATB-1B is somewhere between the JB and the C5. I've really enjoyed it in my alder body Charvel.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

imho the -1 is like the custom, the -2 is like the distortion (or the jb if you use an a5 mag) and the -3 is like the '59. in those families, anyway. the -3 is wound with 42 awg, for sure, the -2 is 44. the -1 seems to be like (a slightly) overwound 43, cause it is fuller than you'd have when you use 44.

but that's speculation. To me, the tones are indeed akin to those pickups. Like; not the same or similar (like the Audi A4 is like a BMW 5 series: alike, but not the same).

To my ears, the PATB-1B is somewhere between the JB and the C5. I've really enjoyed it in my alder body Charvel.

This is good info guys!! Ive heard the 2 akin to the distortion, but it differs in a way and I cant recall how I heard it described. I only remember is the description is something that I would like.. Its so hard to pick cuz both the 1 and 2 could be great. I like the jb and C5 too.. I may try the patb2. I have 2 MG130s, both come stock with the JB. so one will have the jb, Ill aim diff with the other..

 

[RayBarbeeMusic]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

Do the PATBs require larger routes to accommodate them? They look like the won't fit in a standard pickguard humbucker route or pickup ring.

 

[Artie]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

Guys . . . . all I know is, I'm playing the sh*t out of these. I've never had so much fun with a set of pups. I'm serious.

If I work up some courage, I'll post clips.

Artie

 

[Demanic]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

On an aside, I've seen the Fuglybucker and it makes me wonder, has anyone ever combined a PA coil with either a slug, screw or hex coil?

 

[orpheo]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

On an aside, I've seen the Fuglybucker and it makes me wonder, has anyone ever combined a PA coil with either a slug, screw or hex coil?

Yup I have. Patb 2 with stag mag (meh), full shred (delicious) and jb (good).

 

[Ashurbanipal]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

I was contemplating getting a 3 for my single hum on and off, still might do it at some point...

 

[elelpe]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

The Blues Saraceno certainly does have a touch of twang, (by virtue of its position), but I would describe it more as being sweet and creamy. Think "smooth".

Yep. Great for single pickup guitar.

 

[Synapsys]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

/like the Audi A4 is like a BMW 5 series: alike, but not the same).

Actually the A4 is more like a BMW 3 series. The A6 is indeed more like the BMW 5 series.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: PATB-1B vs PATB-3B (bridge versions)

LOL.. I think when Im ready to address the MG130, Im gonna just have to put 10 pieces of paper in a hat, half marked 1 and half marked 2 and pick one to see which I go with.. haha at least with the singles, there is no option .. haha Already got a used Ti trem block to put in it...