Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
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Davey
Goliath of Tone
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
IMO an all mahagony guitar w/ ebony fingerboard is an ideal place for this pup to be. it tames the heights and adds more warmth to it. i think this pup can bring any amp to shine.. it's best suited for heavier music styles, but it sounds great doing it all, split or full
i have it in an alder body, mahagony neck w/ rosewood fingerboard and it sounds faken awesome. the heights are a bit screechy sometimes, but i learned how to avoid it =)
IMO an all mahagony guitar w/ ebony fingerboard is an ideal place for this pup to be. it tames the heights and adds more warmth to it. i think this pup can bring any amp to shine.. it's best suited for heavier music styles, but it sounds great doing it all, split or full
i have it in an alder body, mahagony neck w/ rosewood fingerboard and it sounds faken awesome. the heights are a bit screechy sometimes, but i learned how to avoid it =)
kaknight
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
I had this pickup in a semi-hollow body guitar (epiphone sheriton), and it didn't really sit well for me. It seemed to suck the bass response out of my guitar and had too much crispness in the top end.
Faced with this, my first solution was to put in a 250k pot (as recommended by SD and many forum members). This took a bit off the top, but didn't do anything for the bottom end. As my guitar is supposed to sound warm and full of bassy richness, I felt that this guitar really didn't suit it well.
The pickup has huge harmonics and high output, however, and I feel that someone looking for a pickup to enhance those features, and willing to sacrifice some of the bottom end this pup would be a great solution. My final solution was to put an Alnico II magnet into this pup (switching out the stock AV). This backed off the top end quite a bit and gave the guitar a much more warm tone.
I had this pickup in a semi-hollow body guitar (epiphone sheriton), and it didn't really sit well for me. It seemed to suck the bass response out of my guitar and had too much crispness in the top end.
Faced with this, my first solution was to put in a 250k pot (as recommended by SD and many forum members). This took a bit off the top, but didn't do anything for the bottom end. As my guitar is supposed to sound warm and full of bassy richness, I felt that this guitar really didn't suit it well.
The pickup has huge harmonics and high output, however, and I feel that someone looking for a pickup to enhance those features, and willing to sacrifice some of the bottom end this pup would be a great solution. My final solution was to put an Alnico II magnet into this pup (switching out the stock AV). This backed off the top end quite a bit and gave the guitar a much more warm tone.
WITH FULL DISTORTION
F. Hails Railsologist
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
Hails guys, my review of the JB humbucker.
Well. i had it in my Stratocaster guitar with brazilian Woods
Body - Marupá, Neck - Marfim, fretboard 22 jacarandá da bahia.
well i tuned it in B and in C.
the pickups really lack its Bass, but the overal tonal qualities of this pickup are great.
good output, excelent mids and highs for soloing and overal CRUNCHY.
excelente solid tone for CLEANS.
in the bridge, of course.
with E tuning guitars, it could be a little bit BRIGHTY . BUT nothing that a good pedal/amp setting will not fix.
Q
Hails guys, my review of the JB humbucker.
Well. i had it in my Stratocaster guitar with brazilian Woods
Body - Marupá, Neck - Marfim, fretboard 22 jacarandá da bahia.
well i tuned it in B and in C.
the pickups really lack its Bass, but the overal tonal qualities of this pickup are great.
good output, excelent mids and highs for soloing and overal CRUNCHY.
excelente solid tone for CLEANS.
in the bridge, of course.
with E tuning guitars, it could be a little bit BRIGHTY . BUT nothing that a good pedal/amp setting will not fix.
Q
RG 2570
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
I had the JB in my guitar which is a ibanez RG and for me it had a bit too much upper mids and not enough lower mids. had real good harmonics and was rich sounding i also found it for my stlye of lead playing it sang TOO much, what i mean is that when playing fast 64th note runs it was not stacato enough the notes mushed toghether, the JB would be more orientated for a bluesier style but for the fast rip it out stacato shred it was just not my perfect pup
looking into the custom which is hear is more low mid less singing orienated
I had the JB in my guitar which is a ibanez RG and for me it had a bit too much upper mids and not enough lower mids. had real good harmonics and was rich sounding i also found it for my stlye of lead playing it sang TOO much, what i mean is that when playing fast 64th note runs it was not stacato enough the notes mushed toghether, the JB would be more orientated for a bluesier style but for the fast rip it out stacato shred it was just not my perfect pup
looking into the custom which is hear is more low mid less singing orienated
JALIN
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
If you are into heavy-toned music then this is your pickup. I put one of these into my Les Paul custom and it just made it come alive. Yes it is heavy in the mids, but there is bass there to, you just have to adjust your amp to suit this pickup. I`m running this into my Mesa Single Rectifier and it does Tool, Deftones, Metallica, to name a few, just fine! This is the prime rock pickup of the 80`s and is still living up to that name today.
If you are into heavy-toned music then this is your pickup. I put one of these into my Les Paul custom and it just made it come alive. Yes it is heavy in the mids, but there is bass there to, you just have to adjust your amp to suit this pickup. I`m running this into my Mesa Single Rectifier and it does Tool, Deftones, Metallica, to name a few, just fine! This is the prime rock pickup of the 80`s and is still living up to that name today.
midnite_man
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
I use a JB in my Schecter C-1 Classic (comes factory installed), which has a mahogany body and neck. The JB is a great pickup for solo work, and blends nicely with a Jazz neck pickup (also comes factory installed) for rhythm playing. The Jazz brings the JB back to Earth for a smooth landing.
The JB in this model guitar doesn't have much in the bass-tone department, but has nice depth in the mids and highs. Combined with a nice tube amp and a distortion pedal such as a Boss DS-1, or RAT (as Jeff Beck uses) it screams! Use a wah pedal with all that and you get some downright nastiness.
The Jazz and JB also come from the factory with the coils split. When played split, the JB has a great twangy tele sound to it, great for some country pickin'. Nice versatility.
I'm not trying to plug Schecter products, but at least with one guitar they made the best move possible at the factory by putting the SD JB/Jazz pickup combo in the C-1 Classic, and not to mention a SD JB/'59 set of pickups in their C-1 Artist and Blackjack models. Cheers to Schecter!!
Too bad more guitar manufacturers don't follow suit!
The JB rocks!!! :headbang:
I use a JB in my Schecter C-1 Classic (comes factory installed), which has a mahogany body and neck. The JB is a great pickup for solo work, and blends nicely with a Jazz neck pickup (also comes factory installed) for rhythm playing. The Jazz brings the JB back to Earth for a smooth landing.
The JB in this model guitar doesn't have much in the bass-tone department, but has nice depth in the mids and highs. Combined with a nice tube amp and a distortion pedal such as a Boss DS-1, or RAT (as Jeff Beck uses) it screams! Use a wah pedal with all that and you get some downright nastiness.
The Jazz and JB also come from the factory with the coils split. When played split, the JB has a great twangy tele sound to it, great for some country pickin'. Nice versatility.
I'm not trying to plug Schecter products, but at least with one guitar they made the best move possible at the factory by putting the SD JB/Jazz pickup combo in the C-1 Classic, and not to mention a SD JB/'59 set of pickups in their C-1 Artist and Blackjack models. Cheers to Schecter!!
Too bad more guitar manufacturers don't follow suit!
The JB rocks!!! :headbang:
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AmpliFIRE
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
The JB is my favorite SD pickup for the bridge position. It's very well balanced and sounds amazing for both lead and rhythm playing. The mids are very sweet and the harmonics can't be beat. I have tried the JB in several guitars and feel it sounds best in a solid body mahogany guitar. The 59 neck is the perfect match for this pup!
The JB is my favorite SD pickup for the bridge position. It's very well balanced and sounds amazing for both lead and rhythm playing. The mids are very sweet and the harmonics can't be beat. I have tried the JB in several guitars and feel it sounds best in a solid body mahogany guitar. The 59 neck is the perfect match for this pup!
TwilightOdyssey
Darkness on the edge of Tone
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
I have the JB in the bridge of my Rock Legend: Alder body, AAA birdseye maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, Floyd Rose trem. I love it! It sounds warm, and just plain HUGE! It cuts through the mix great, and isn't hyped anywere in the frequency spectrum. Getting pinched harmonics with it is a bit tougher than the Screamin' Demon (my fave SD pickup), but it's really versatile, and sounds great clean or distorted through all of my rigs (Marshall JCM800, Rivera Knucklehead K100, Engl Preamp/Marshall EL 34 100/100 power amp, 1980's Lanye Pro-Tube 30).
I play what you would call Power/Progressive Rock: speedy yet melodic. Think NWOBHM, old Fates Warning, etc.
I have the JB in the bridge of my Rock Legend: Alder body, AAA birdseye maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, Floyd Rose trem. I love it! It sounds warm, and just plain HUGE! It cuts through the mix great, and isn't hyped anywere in the frequency spectrum. Getting pinched harmonics with it is a bit tougher than the Screamin' Demon (my fave SD pickup), but it's really versatile, and sounds great clean or distorted through all of my rigs (Marshall JCM800, Rivera Knucklehead K100, Engl Preamp/Marshall EL 34 100/100 power amp, 1980's Lanye Pro-Tube 30).
I play what you would call Power/Progressive Rock: speedy yet melodic. Think NWOBHM, old Fates Warning, etc.
msplines
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
In mahogany LP types, great cut and crunch in the bridge, singing leads at the mid and top and a light tight bass but peaky with it. When you are at the top end it stabs and wails with satisfying fat quality, but drops off towards the bass end of the fret board unless you use palm mutes. I liked it in the bridge, but I LOVED it in the neck position, split for cool single coil sound and HB for fat bastard blues and roaring rock. So nice I went and bought a spare "just in case".
In mahogany LP types, great cut and crunch in the bridge, singing leads at the mid and top and a light tight bass but peaky with it. When you are at the top end it stabs and wails with satisfying fat quality, but drops off towards the bass end of the fret board unless you use palm mutes. I liked it in the bridge, but I LOVED it in the neck position, split for cool single coil sound and HB for fat bastard blues and roaring rock. So nice I went and bought a spare "just in case".
fenderiarhs
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
Duncan Jeff Beck(overall 8.5/10)
Not many things to say about this one.It is a classic.I don't think there is a guitar player that hasn't tried one.Perfect for soloing....a little bit less perfect for chords.One of my favorite pickups.I don't have many bad things to say about this one but i shall point out what i would like it had(maybe a custom shop pickup???)This pickup needs more low mids and just a touch more bass.That would be the best pickup in the world.
Bass: 6
Low mids:5.5
Hi mids:8
treble:7.5
Duncan Jeff Beck(overall 8.5/10)
Not many things to say about this one.It is a classic.I don't think there is a guitar player that hasn't tried one.Perfect for soloing....a little bit less perfect for chords.One of my favorite pickups.I don't have many bad things to say about this one but i shall point out what i would like it had(maybe a custom shop pickup???)This pickup needs more low mids and just a touch more bass.That would be the best pickup in the world.
Bass: 6
Low mids:5.5
Hi mids:8
treble:7.5
Zerberus
Baron Von Shred
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
Great pickup, cuts through a mix real well and is unbelievably versatile, anything from Jazz to Metal. And you can split it for even more versatility, the best Duncan to split IMO, as close to a strat as it gets
The tone: Bright and thick, with a bit of a looser bass response and a nice upper mid "honk" that adds to the great Harmonics.
Great pickup, cuts through a mix real well and is unbelievably versatile, anything from Jazz to Metal. And you can split it for even more versatility, the best Duncan to split IMO, as close to a strat as it gets
The tone: Bright and thick, with a bit of a looser bass response and a nice upper mid "honk" that adds to the great Harmonics.
BluesNRock87
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
very good bridge pickup, in a all maple H-S-H guitar. very versatile pickup. some say it lacks bass, but after a day you wont notice. you may have to adjust ur amp a bit, but the pickup is deffinately one of the best, if not the best bridge pup. great mids, overall great tone, good clarity, responds well to effects and tube amps. great for lead work
very good bridge pickup, in a all maple H-S-H guitar. very versatile pickup. some say it lacks bass, but after a day you wont notice. you may have to adjust ur amp a bit, but the pickup is deffinately one of the best, if not the best bridge pup. great mids, overall great tone, good clarity, responds well to effects and tube amps. great for lead work
B
benji657
Guest
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
ok, time for my review!!^^
my JB currently sits in the bridge pos. of my alder bodied, rosewood/maple necked fender strat.
My main style of music is punk.
-outstanding voice for leads. (i guess because of the mid-peak)
-very easy to get pinch harms with. it has this mid peak that some people find annoying. However, if the mid peak were to disappear, than the JB would have no character.
-some say it doesn't do it for Palm Muting. I find that once i have the correct settings, this pup can "chuga chuga" well.
-sounds thick
-sounds really sparkly(for a HB) clean
-articulate under high gain. The notes aren't drowned out.
ok, time for my review!!^^
my JB currently sits in the bridge pos. of my alder bodied, rosewood/maple necked fender strat.
My main style of music is punk.
-outstanding voice for leads. (i guess because of the mid-peak)
-very easy to get pinch harms with. it has this mid peak that some people find annoying. However, if the mid peak were to disappear, than the JB would have no character.
-some say it doesn't do it for Palm Muting. I find that once i have the correct settings, this pup can "chuga chuga" well.
-sounds thick
-sounds really sparkly(for a HB) clean
-articulate under high gain. The notes aren't drowned out.
papersoul
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
I thought it had too much mids to match well with a 59 neck but I hear it works well with a Jazz neck. I need to try that in my LP. People say the JB lacks low mids and bass but in a Les Paul it should be fine and this is a pickup I NEED to try in my LP. It was nice in my Hamers. Great, great clean tone.
I thought it had too much mids to match well with a 59 neck but I hear it works well with a Jazz neck. I need to try that in my LP. People say the JB lacks low mids and bass but in a Les Paul it should be fine and this is a pickup I NEED to try in my LP. It was nice in my Hamers. Great, great clean tone.
Reckless Abandon
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
Pretty Thick, high gain. A little bright and the upper mids mafe it shrill in some guitars. Works well in mahogany. Bad mix with a bright amp and guitar
Pretty Thick, high gain. A little bright and the upper mids mafe it shrill in some guitars. Works well in mahogany. Bad mix with a bright amp and guitar
motorhead
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
I've been playing for 17 years and 16 of those years I've had a JB in one of my guitars. It's pure genius!
For the past 2 years I've had it in a solid Maple Strat with a maple neck and Ebony fretboard .... it sound great.
Too bright? No!
Still not convinced ? ... put a TBX tone pot.
Still not convinced? ... Jake E Lee recorded 'Bark at the Moon' with JMPs, an Alder Charvel/Fender Strat and a JB.
The harmonics are to die for and I've recorded almost all of my solos with a JB.
If I want to cut loose and shred this is the PU I go for .... from Zakk's harmonic pintches to clean Yngwie runs ... this is the ultimate Rock PU.
I've been playing for 17 years and 16 of those years I've had a JB in one of my guitars. It's pure genius!
For the past 2 years I've had it in a solid Maple Strat with a maple neck and Ebony fretboard .... it sound great.
Too bright? No!
Still not convinced ? ... put a TBX tone pot.
Still not convinced? ... Jake E Lee recorded 'Bark at the Moon' with JMPs, an Alder Charvel/Fender Strat and a JB.
The harmonics are to die for and I've recorded almost all of my solos with a JB.
If I want to cut loose and shred this is the PU I go for .... from Zakk's harmonic pintches to clean Yngwie runs ... this is the ultimate Rock PU.
papersoul
New member
Re: Reviews of the JB Model Humbucker
Oddly enough I have been listening closely to the pickup sound samples on the Pickup page and to me the JB sounds the best clean and dirty in the bridge........and the Jazz sounds the best clean and dirty in the neck. Again this is for my more heavy and modern style I go for these days. I was told a long time ago that it is hard to beat a JB\Jazz in a Les Paul and maybe I should have listened. In my search I've used the stock burstbucker pros, C-5, and now the Rio Grande BBQ which some say is a better JB. Not sure, but I like what i hear on the sound files page and may be looking for a JB/Jazz soon.
Oddly enough I have been listening closely to the pickup sound samples on the Pickup page and to me the JB sounds the best clean and dirty in the bridge........and the Jazz sounds the best clean and dirty in the neck. Again this is for my more heavy and modern style I go for these days. I was told a long time ago that it is hard to beat a JB\Jazz in a Les Paul and maybe I should have listened. In my search I've used the stock burstbucker pros, C-5, and now the Rio Grande BBQ which some say is a better JB. Not sure, but I like what i hear on the sound files page and may be looking for a JB/Jazz soon.
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