Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

[RichardFX]

I completed these recordings after trying a few different bridge pickups for my guitar. Because I was unable to find many tests to listen to myself before choosing some bridge pickups for my guitar, I wanted to leave my results here for others.

I admit I am not the best player before any criticisms there, however I did include a variation of playing styles, and used the same conditions for all pickups, so that you can compare the sounds easily.

notes:
-Bridge Pickup Tests only
-Amp models are default settings, recorded with the exact same conditions. The main variable apart from pickups was the amount of painkillers that I had taken for a spider bite, so apologies for the playing, I just had time to do the recording tests while I had time off work.
-1994 RG470 MIK (basswood body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard) is modified with a Gotoh tremolo which will have more tone than the stock TSR-II. Noisy Ibanez output jack replaced with a Fender one.
-D'Addario Pro Steel Regular Light Gauge strings 0.46 to 0.10 EPS510
-Recorded with Cubase and Amplitube X Gear (Extreme Gain and Metal Rev) and Amplitube Metal (Metal Heavy St1 and Metal Heavy St2). Monitored with effects to record, recorded clean and applied effects/amp models after recording.
-PC was my custom build Intel i7 3.2Ghz, 6GB Corsair Dominiator-GT RAM 1600MHz DDR3 (3.4gb usable in 32 bit OS), Creative XFI Elite Soundcard using Creative ASIO set to 2ms to reduce crackle on 1ms setting, GTX480, DFI X58 DDR3 motherboard, HDDs:WD Raptor 160gb and a WD data 2x500gb RAID 0. Virtually no CPU or RAM usage during recording.
-Recorded at 44KHz 16 bit .wav format, rather than 96k 24 bit (mainly so very replicable at home for most PC users).
-All pickups are in the bridge position at the same height.
-I realise they were an SH version rather than the correct TB version. When I replace with TB version, I can compare later.

IBANEZ INF2

RG470 IBANEZ INF2 Amplitude Metal Heavy St1

RG470 IBANEZ INF2 Amplitude Metal Heavy St2

RG470 IBANEZ INF2 Amplitude Xgear Extreme Gain

RG470 IBANEZ INF2 Amplitube Xgear Metal Rev



DIMARZIO TONE ZONES

RG470 DIMARZIO TONE ZONES Amplitude Metal Heavy St1

RG470 DIMARZIO TONE ZONES Amplitude Metal Heavy St2

RG470 DIMARZIO TONE ZONES Amplitude Xgear Extreme Gain

RG470 DIMARZIO TONE ZONES Amplitube Xgear Metal Rev



SEYMOUR DUNCAN SH-JB4s

RG470 SEYMOUR DUNCAN SH-JB4s Amplitude Metal Heavy St1

RG470 SEYMOUR DUNCAN SH-JB4s Amplitude Metal Heavy St2

RG470 SEYMOUR DUNCAN SH-JB4s Amplitude Xgear Extreme Gain

RG470 SEYMOUR DUNCAN SH-JB4s Amplitube Xgear Metal Rev


SEYMOUR DUNCAN Blackouts ABH-1

RG470 SEYMOUR DUNCAN Blackouts ABH-1 Amplitude Metal Heavy St1

RG470 SEYMOUR DUNCAN Blackouts ABH-1 Amplitude Metal Heavy St2

RG470 SEYMOUR DUNCAN Blackouts ABH-1 Amplitude Xgear Extreme Gain

RG470 SEYMOUR DUNCAN Blackouts ABH-1 Amplitube Xgear Metal Rev

*I realised a few weeks afterwards there was slight clipping occurring on the ABH-1's due to the increased output volume of the pickup, as I kept the input levels the same for all of the tests. The first part of the test with the powerchords was the only part that clipped though.


Just listen to how each of the four pickups sound with your prefered amp model. I hope that it isn't confusing with all of the different amp models there too.

I admit that I am not the best player, and was unwell during these recordings, it was more the pickup sound I was testing.

What do you guys think? Which pickup(s) do you prefer and for what reasons?

 

[IanBallard]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

I have to say, the JB stands out as "richest" tone overall.

 

[Mosher Zone]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

The JB is the best to my ears but i thought the Blackouts sounded really similar to it.

In order:
JB
Blackouts
Dimarzio Tone Zone
Ibanez INF2

 

[Puck]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

To my ears the JB sounds pretty good with all amp modelings and settings, the Tone Zone with most. The AHB-1 sounds rather bland overall (never understood all the hype about them) and the INF2... well, it´s an INF2.

By the way, nice work RichardFX!

 

[RichardFX]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

Awesome guys, thank you for your time listening to the samples and time to leave your opinions That is cool, seems the JBs win hands down hey.

My opinions were similar. For me, I loved the JB 4s too. They have a great tone, bright but still warm and smooth. They have a nice sound palm muted too. The ToneZones felt a little muddy and darker. Having only just installed the Blackouts, I am yet to comment, however to me so far they feel very energetic and smooth, and still have that nice Seymour Tone. My tests didn't do the squeals justice, however these Blackouts sound great for artificial harmonics. I must say I am loving them, and might do another test soon to do them more justice.

Thanks for the nice work comment Puck, I appreciate it. I was proud of myself keeping the variables constant. Too many pickup tests on the internet don't leave anything to compare it to, and since everyone has personal amp setting preferences, it was hard to know what was the amp or pickup in most tests.

If I had worked out Cubase better beforehand, I would of just imported those sound files from http://www.seymourduncan.com/comparetones into an audio track, and just ran the VST amp models over them. However I started the tests before realising this. For those who don't have the luxury of VST effects, at least they can listen to my tests if they want to here the sounds with different amplifier models and sounds over them, rather than just clean.

The good thing about having these tests though, is that I can replicate them in a mahogany RG3120 soon, and hear the differences the wood makes on the pickups too. One wouldn't be able to do that from the Tone Comparison Chart.

All future tests will be in the RG3120, as I have replaced the standard pots, caps, output jack in my RG470 with the electronics that came with the ABH-1 Blackouts which aren't suitable for passive pickups. Luckily I bought a Liberator yet to install in my mahogany RG3120 which will make future testing easier. Ideally I would like to be able to swap between the ToneZones that it came with, and when I can afford them, a set of TB JB4s and Duncan Distortions. So more tests to come :wink:

I might look into the TB vs SH myth too, simply because I can, as already accidentally own an SH version. Some people swear there is a difference, others not. In my opinion on the one hand even the bottom E-string is the same distance from the pickup pole piece, however on the other hand the end pole position is also closer to the A-string which may pick up some sound there. I had bought the SH JB4 model by mistake, even though realising I needed the TB model, I overlooked this when purchasing, as loved the dark blue colour choice in this SH I bought. Eventually I will resell the SH version, replace them with a TB version, and do a test with the same conditions. I am curious but in no hurry as just finished these modifications.

Awesome to hear you guys love the JBs too. They certainly have withstood the test of time hey. Anyway I have more tests to come, as it will be easier for me with my new Liberator. I am quite enjoying these tests, my only restraint is money to buy more pickups. I can't resist saying, Seymour if you read this, I would be happy to test any of your pickups if you want to throw a couple this way :wink:

 

[stewg]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

Hi, i have a tip for you, this is what i do when comparing pickups. I use audio analysis plug ins to look at the frequencies on a chart to see what areas (hz and Khz) the pickup has excesses or lacks in. Try Voxengo Span. Also could you mail me your clean DI's of each pickup so i can reamp? thanks
I own the Tone Zone and agree with you on the darkness. I was comparing it to a Duncan Designed yesterday and the Designed sounded more lively and spanky

 

[Mosher Zone]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

Too many pickup tests on the internet don't leave anything to compare it to, and since everyone has personal amp setting preferences, it was hard to know what was the amp or pickup in most tests.

I know, you go onto YouTube & it says pickup test & it's some guy shedding away, what's the point, that pickup aint going to sound like that in my guitar with my amp etc. The JB is a great pickup, i have it in my main live guitar & it cuts nicely.

 

[RichardFX]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

Cheers guys, sorry I have been away, I have been a bit unwell lately.

I know, you go onto YouTube & it says pickup test & it's some guy shedding away, what's the point, that pickup aint going to sound like that in my guitar with my amp etc. The JB is a great pickup, i have it in my main live guitar & it cuts nicely

Haha yeah I found it hard to find a decent test when I was deciding to buy a few months ago, so thought I would put a test up here for others. The JB is an awesome pickup I agree. I am enjoying this ABH-1 too I must say.

Hi, i have a tip for you, this is what i do when comparing pickups. I use audio analysis plug ins to look at the frequencies on a chart to see what areas (hz and Khz) the pickup has excesses or lacks in. Try Voxengo Span.

Hey that is a good idea, and thanks for the program names, I will look into that. I noticed a difference in the wave formations in Cubase with the volume response while recording. What you suggest takes it to a new level, that is really cool, I didn't think of that. I have seen charting of intensities at different frequencies used for animal call signals at university. I had Audition, so tried charting the .wav to look at the intensities as represented by colour at the different frequencies after what you said. They looked quite similar at first glance, however I might try the program you suggested too, thanks, I am curious.

 

[NT02]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

Nice little comparison, thanks for posting. I found this thread because I'm looking for pups for a new basswood Ibanez. I have to say, I'm surprised at how 3D and well balanced that JB sounds, especially after reading all of the comments about how a JB doesn't do well in a basswood guitar. I might have to pluck the JB outta my G&L and pop it in the Ibby for a trial...

 

[RichardFX]

Re: Pickup Tests - SH JB4 vs Blackouts ABH1s vs ToneZones vs Ibanez INF2s in RG470

Awesome mate, glad if it helped. Yeah I read people compain the JB4 can be a bit 'honky' in basswood, however I couldn't get any of the unpleasant sounds people complained about even when I tried. I am love the treble and edge the JB4s had, while still being warm and smooth. I dislike what I played in the tests now, however least there are several riffs/licks to comapre the sound on.

stewg, give me a little time with those clean samples, I realise I have to go back to the project, and remix the guitar files with no effects, as didn't have the clean ones on hand. Also I tried Span as a VST plugin briefly, quite interesting. I found Cubase had a spectragraph analysis built in too, will play with some more.

***Sound Test Problem****
Ok the very BIG problem with my sound tests, is that the sound CLIPPED during the first part of the recording tests for the ABH-1's. I set the levels so that nothing clipped, however didn't realise the output of the active ABH-1s was a little higher. I will double check, but from memory the clipping was just in the first riff. Sorry guys, I will get back in and fix that over the next few months, and rerecord the ABH-1s.