Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

dvanburen

dvanburen

New member
I may be acquiring a USA Jackson Soloist humbucker guitar. Im not sure if Im going to pull the trigger but I really like this guitar after playing it. Its got JB in the bridge and 59 in the neck. This is an OK combo for me. Actually the JB in the bridge is the best Ive heard for a Jb. in other words, I think the JB sounds the best in this guitar that is has in any guitar that ive heard that pup. It really cuts but doesnt quite have the meat or nastiness that I want out of a guitar like this. this will be a straight metal guitar if I get it. Ive got a DD laying around that I may put in it. Im also thinking maybe black winters or patb pickups to go in this beast. Ive got 59/jazz neck laying around that I will probably put in the neck unless someone changes my mind. I want passive for sure. No actives. Throw me some suggestions if you will! Cheers!!
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

A new guitar doesn't require new pickups. I think a JB is probably about as good as you will do in a Super Strat. The 59 is also a great pickup.
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

I have a USA SL1 Soloist, myself, and as far as I know, it has a JB in the bridge (I keep forgetting to pull it to check when I change strings). I agree that the JB sounds decent in a Soloist, but still lacks something. I also have two Dinkys woth JBs in the bridge, but the JBs in those guitars sound a little snottier. It's almost like the neck through design of the Soloist refines the tone to the point that it makes the JB sound rather pedestrian.

I guess I would try the Distortion you have laying around, and if you like it but want an even brighter top end, then I would try a Black Winter.

As far as my Soloist goes, I'm not really sure what pickups I want to put in there. I'm leaning towards a Perpetual Burn at the moment, but I have other guitars at the moment that need pickups worse than the Soloist.
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

I have a Jackson as well. I pulled the JB/59 our of it. The JB wasn't bad, just didn't have the "umph" I need as I play a lot of metal as well. Since then I've used the big Custom, PATB-2 and now a Black Winter in the bridge. The PATB-2 is hard to beat, althoug I'm really liking the Black Winter so far as well. Either will work and both will offer you some versatility. Try the PATB though. It doesn't get enough recommendations imo, and it is a GREAT pick up.
 
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Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

Try the DD first I'd say. Worked great in my Jackson for adding a little beef in the lower mids whilst tightening the low end. Should pair nicely with the '59 neck.
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

I'll try the distortion since i have it. Im worried it will be too bright in this guitar. I really want to try black winters but im afraid they will be too bright as well. The Jb sounds ok. Im just not in love with that pickup. I guess ive decided on DD mayhem set, patb 1 and 2, or black winters. Any feedback on these pickups with this guitar would help. Thanks
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

I don't think the Black Winter's are too bright. The DD is way brighter. However, if that's a concern, the PATB-2 may be the answer. It is very balanced.
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

What kind of sound are you going for? How about an Invader for something different?
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

Full Shred worked great in my Jackson too. Had a sweeter lead tone than the DD imo. Little less hot than a JB though, but considerably tighter and smoother.
But, since you already have a DD laying around I'd still say start right there.
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

I had a distortion in a Jackson for several years when I was on more of a metal kick. I've gone back to the JB since it is more versatile. Either works well with a Jazz neck.
 
Re: Pickup Change suggestions for Jackson Soloist

I dont like the JB. Its hot and the sound is in the direction that I want, But has no low end meat at all to me and has that stupid nasally sound that just wont go away no matter what guitar I play it in. I am afraid that the DD will be too bright for this guitar and it was good to hear that the Winters are not as bright as the Distortion because I love the DD in all mahogany/rosewood but did not care for it in brighter guitars with ebony. I think ive narrowed it down to patb or the winters. I would just throw in the ole reliable custom but ive already got my les paul loaded with that and want a different flavor.
 
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