Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

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WingerManiac

New member
Hi guys, I´m looking for the best bridge pickup for my Jackson SL2H Soloist. The guitar is Alder/Maple/Ebony, neck thru and with Floyd Rose. Amp is Peavey 6505+ and music style is basically Hard Rock / Hair Metal. I use quite a lot of distortion and can´t find a pickup that matches what I´m looking for. I want a fat, punchy, biting sound that is articulate but not "ceramic harsh". Also, I like to use a lot of mids which seem to make it even less articulate. So far my favorite pickups are the tb-11 custom custom and the ´78 model. However, both could be more articulate under heavy distortion IMO. I think the neck thru construction is preventing a lot of that bite and attack I´m looking for.

Is there any pickup that would suit what I´m looking for? I have been gathering a lot of information and I think the TB-15 Alternativ 8 could be great. What do you guys think? Thanks for your help!
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

Have you tried a Custom? (It's the original "Custom" wind, like a Custom Custom but with a ceramic magnet.) It's a very easy ceramic to listen to; I find it very articulate without being harsh. True to the company's description, it really is like a PAF on steroids -- high-octane, Ivan Drago steroids.
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

Thanks for your help! Yes I´ve tried the Custom and found it not very articulate. However, it´s been quite a while and maybe I should listen to it again! I was just reading about the C8 and maybe that could be a good choice as well.
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

Try an A5 magnet in the CC first. If not you might try the 59/Custom Hybrid or even a plain old 59.
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

Full Shred?
Screamin' Demon?
(I assume you've tried the JB.)
Distortion?
Dimebucker?
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

I know that they have ceramic mags, but it sounds like you might like a Distortion or a Black Winter. The distortion is known for it's midrange growl, but if you're looking for a little more top end than the Distortion, go with the Black Winter.

I have a BW set in my JS Series King V and they have no problem doing nice sparkly pristine cleans, classic stuff from old school AC/DC to Guns N Roses, and more modern Metal tones, all depending on the amp & settings of course. They don't sound harsh either.
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

Thanks for the replies. From my experience pickups with low DC resistance are not what I´m looking for, because they get muddy under high gain.
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

I have tried the Distortion before and it sounded very sharp and sizzely to me. Great rythm pickup however!
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

WingerManiac said:
I have tried the Distortion before and it sounded very sharp and sizzely to me. Great rythm pickup however!
Click to expand...

Ok. Another one to consider would be the Screamin' Demon. I have one that I've had in a couple of my guitars. It's very tight, articulate, has it's own distinct midrange growl, all while having a PAFish vibe, and holds together well under high gain.
 
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Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

WingerManiac said:
I was just reading about the C8 and maybe that could be a good choice as well.
Click to expand...

That would be my first choice for high output and 'fat, punchy, and biting.' The C5 and Screamin' Demon are bright and don't have a lot of mids, doesn't seem like what you want. Likewise the JB has a lot of high-end and isn't a 'fat' sounding PU.
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

Hey blueman335, thanks for your comment! I´d like to try an C8 but I never have swapped a magnet before. I know (theoretically) how it´s done but it would be a lot easier if Seymour Duncan sold them directly! What do you think about trying the Alternativ 8 first? Are they similar in sound?
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

My first suggestion for your guitar would have been the JB. but once you said fat and punchy, it ruled out the JB. My Suggestion is to put an alnico 8 magnet in that custom. IF its still not fat enough for you, put a ceramic mag in it for the regular custom. OR a big ceramic mag for even fatter and warmer tone
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

Hey dvanburen, yeah I think I really should give the C8 a try. It´s a shame it´s a "build it yourself" pickup, even though so many people like it.

One more thing: A tone that I REALLY like is Reb Beach´s sound. I know he uses totally different gear than I do but maybe it´s helpful.
 
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Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

If your looking for articulation and can hold up well under gain I'd say a Full Shred. Outside of Duncan I would say look at Bill Lawrence or Bare Knuckle pups. Bill Lawrence are priced cheaper then duncan while Bare Knuckles are super expensive but both makers make very articulate pups.
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

Rockstar216 said:
while Bare Knuckles are super expensive but both makers make very articulate pups.
Click to expand...

BKPs are a handmade boutique pickup that's a few $ less than a Duncan handmade custom shop model. So the pricing is comparable.

Shoot Tim an email to explain what you have and what you are looking for to see what he would suggest.


Sent from my armored battle station using Tapatalk
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

5150s love EMGs, and they should work very well in a Soloist. Out of passive Duncans, I'm pretty sure the Full Shred is a good match for your guitar and fits your goal very well.

I remember a JB in another american Soloist being all farty & mushy. In bolt-ons however, the JB usually sounds ace.
 
Re: Pickup recommendation fpr Jackson Soloist

vinta9e, it came stock with a JB and I agree with you... JB´s work in bolt-on guitars but not in the soloist. Furthermore, I´m not an active pickups guy. Now to the Full Shred: I had one years ago and it did sound very articulate but not full enough. I like strong mids and bass. I don´t care much about treble. From what I understand, the C8 or the Alternativ 8 should be perfect. Anybody tried a Alternativ 8 in a Soloist?
 
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