SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

[Blille]

The title says it all. I have an ash tele that I use exclusively for Jazz. I have flat wound 12s on it and play through a 5e3 Tweed Deluxe clone. I currently have a tele Alnico II in the neck but want to move to a humbucker.

In terms of tone I would like something warm and "woody" think Ed Bickert. Some of my favorite tones were with an A2Pro in a 335 and a dogear p90 (also with A2) in a hollowbody so I feel I'm set on the pickup being alnico 2. I have a 59 lying around but it's a bit thin for me.

I would love to hear your opinions about the following neck pickups for my application based on your experience:
o SD Alnico II pro
o SD Antiquity (btw, is the difference with the above just the ageing process?)
o SD 59 with an A2 mag
o Lollar Imperial
o Vintage Vibe (Pete B) Charlie Christian in humbucker format (i.e. CCH)

Thanks!

 

[Clint 55]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

I used the Alnico 2 pro hb for jazz in my epi es335 and it was great! Super warm, bassy, and mellow. Yes the 1st time I heard it I even remarked to my teacher how it accentuated the woodiness of the guitar. I wouldn't recommend the Antiquity, it isn't warm it's actually kind of midrangey and harsh. It doesn't sound like a jazz pickup at all. The Alnico 2 should be a good fit.

 

[Blille]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

I wouldn't recommend the Antiquity, it isn't warm it's actually kind of midrangey and harsh. It doesn't sound like a jazz pickup at all.

That's disappointing but good to know from the specs I couldn't tell.

I used the Alnico 2 pro hb for jazz in my epi es335 and it was great! Super warm, bassy, and mellow. Yes the 1st time I heard it I even remarked to my teacher how it accentuated the woodiness of the guitar. I wouldn't recommend the Antiquity, it isn't warm it's actually kind of midrangey and harsh. It doesn't sound like a jazz pickup at all. The Alnico 2 should be a good fit.

Definitely leaning towards the Alnico 2. It's also the cheapest

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

The APH-2n Slash neck pickup is extremely good!

I like a clean sound for chords and play a lot of jazzy things.

Got my own playing style of course, but I've learned a lot from Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Wes Montgomery, George Benson...you get the idea.

You can get the APH-2n with or without a nickel cover.

It's a terrific pickup for blues, jazz or rock.

Of course, the APH-1 is also excellent. As is the Antiquity, Seth Lover and Pearly Gates.

I've owned, used and liked them all.

But right now, I'm loving the APH-2n.

 

[LtKojak]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

The Duncan Co. makes p'ups for Jazz with the Benedetto brand.

For a plank of wood like a Tele is, for that Jazz vibe, I'd use an A2-modded '59n and make sure the cap used in the tone circuit is a 0.0047 pf.

HTH,

 

[jeremy]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

ive never heard an antiquity sound harsh although i dont know if its the best choice for jazz on a tele.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

ive never heard an antiquity sound harsh.

Agreed.

Isn't it supposed to be an old/aged/relic version of a Seth?...essentially a little more mellow?

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

Agreed.

Isn't it supposed to be an old/aged/relic version of a Seth?...essentially a little more mellow?

The Antiquity is definitely a little more "mellow" than the Seth. I've had them in the same guitar. First the Seth and then the Antiquity. I went back to the Seth because it was a little brighter and at the time I preferred that. However, it was a hard choice because both were excellent.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

The Antiquity is definitely a little more "mellow" than the Seth.

I could have gone with "soft" or "round", but was trying to avoid terms that are too nebulous and might prompt another de-railed thread. haha!

 

[Blille]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

The APH-2n Slash neck pickup is extremely good!
I like a clean sound for chords and play a lot of jazzy things.
Got my own playing style of course, but I've learned a lot from Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Wes Montgomery, George Benson...you get the idea.

That's great. I assume it's not very different from the normal Alnico II Pro.

The Duncan Co. makes p'ups for Jazz with the Benedetto brand.

For a plank of wood like a Tele is, for that Jazz vibe, I'd use an A2-modded '59n and make sure the cap used in the tone circuit is a 0.0047 pf.

HTH,

Yes, but afaik Benedetto is really focused on archtops yet I have like you said a "plank of wood"

I actually have a 59 lying around. You think swapping the magnet could get me in a ballpark similar to the pickups I mentioned above?

ive never heard an antiquity sound harsh although i dont know if its the best choice for jazz on a tele.

Agreed.

Isn't it supposed to be an old/aged/relic version of a Seth?...essentially a little more mellow?

Happy to know they could still be an option but given that the antiquities are generally more expensive the A2Pro it would need to be "better" to justify the price.

I could have gone with "soft" or "round", but was trying to avoid terms that are too nebulous and might prompt another de-railed thread. haha!

How about "organic"? :lmao: Thanks for keeping things on track


Nobody has experience with the other alternatives? The Lollar Imperial or Vintage Vibe's CCH?

 

[darthphineas]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

Happy to know they could still be an option but given that the antiquities are generally more expensive the A2Pro it would need to be "better" to justify the price.



How about "organic"? :lmao: Thanks for keeping things on track

A) nobody said this was an inexpensive hobby. lol!

B) I've only thought of "organic" as the difference between most passives and some actives.


For a better idea of some of the other brands, you might have more luck on places like MyLesPaul forum or hitting up some google results. Most of the replies you'll get here are going to obviously be more Duncan-prone.

 

[Clint 55]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

I think the Alnico 2 pro hb is a pretty good fit. It has all the qualities that you want for jazz: good bass, articulate but organic, smooth. I had it in my es335 and it was butter. I changed it to a Phat Cat to get a brighter jazz sound. I have the Seth and the Antiquity in my Les Paul and they're both class, but way more of a blues/rock vibe. The Seth is round enough that you could cover jazz by rolling off the tone if you had too but there are much better pups for jazz. The Antiquity, which I love, is pretty much a raunchy blues/rock PAF. It's nowhere near a jazz pup. It's closer to the JB than it is to the Benedetto. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n__bSH1zToQ

 

[Blille]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

For a better idea of some of the other brands, you might have more luck on places like MyLesPaul forum or hitting up some google results. Most of the replies you'll get here are going to obviously be more Duncan-prone.

Thanks, I might follow up in the jazz forum.

I'm a SD fan and I'll most likely get the APH1N but hearing from people that have played both would be helpful. I've hit google and YouTube and that's how I narrowed it down to those 4.

 

[Blille]

SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

I think the Alnico 2 pro hb is a pretty good fit. It has all the qualities that you want for jazz: good bass, articulate but organic, smooth. I had it in my es335 and it was butter. I changed it to a Phat Cat to get a brighter jazz sound. I have the Seth and the Antiquity in my Les Paul and they're both class, but way more of a blues/rock vibe. The Seth is round enough that you could cover jazz by rolling off the tone if you had too but there are much better pups for jazz. The Antiquity, which I love, is pretty much a raunchy blues/rock PAF. It's nowhere near a jazz pup. It's closer to the JB than it is to the Benedetto.

Very helpful, thanks.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

I think the Antiquity, Seth and PG would all be good choices. As would the Gibson Classic '57. I'd say that virtually every Gibson jazzer comes with the '57. They are warm and smooth. Some guys on here hate them, but you could do a LOT worse. Love them in my LP Elegant and my 335s. The A2 Gibson Burstbucker 1 could work too, but I prefer the warmer '57s.

All of the Duncan pickups seem to offer a little more string-to-string separation, articulation and definition than the '57. I have all of these, the PG is clear with a little bit of snap, or edge...which could be good, depending on your amp settings and your guitar's tone circuit. I have the Seths in a Les Paul Supreme which is a semi-hollow, and they're amazing in that guitar. Totally different character than stock and superb for jazz.

But no way would I EVER describe Ants as harsh or edgy. They have a beautiful mid-range complexity like a fine red wine. Smooth, clear, and extremely versatile.

But before I'd rout out a Tele for a neck bucker, I might check out an Antiquity Tele rhythm. I KNOW that can do jazz!

Bill

 

[LtKojak]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

Thanks, I might follow up in the jazz forum.

Then forget having any other recommendation than the '57 Classic.

I'm a SD fan and I'll most likely get the APH1N

The APH1N is good, however the A2'59n is voiced "better" for a plank of wood, 25.5" scaled instrument, and don't forget the .0047 cap.

I've hit google and YouTube and that's how I narrowed it down to those 4.

You just can't assume you'll be able to get the same tone others are getting, just because they basically don't play like you do and probably the rest of the gear used is not the one you use, so... do the math.

 

[Mincer]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

The APH-1 would be my choice, but an Antiquity would be my 3rd choice (behind a Seth). The APH-1 is a great sounding jazz pickup on any solidbody, especially with the right strings. I bet in a double blind test, you'd never know it was a Tele that it was in. The Antiquity is cleaner, clearer, and more open. It would be a great choice on a hollowbody or semi, to me.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

Every pickup mentioned should be able to do the job.

It's really a matter of the player having the jazz knowledge, the jazz chops and the gift.

Eric Johnson does a great Wes Montgomery using his Strat.http://www.veojam.com/watch/1240702932

 

[Blille]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

I think the Antiquity, Seth and PG would all be good choices. As would the Gibson Classic '57. I'd say that virtually every Gibson jazzer comes with the '57. They are warm and smooth. Some guys on here hate them, but you could do a LOT worse. Love them in my LP Elegant and my 335s. The A2 Gibson Burstbucker 1 could work too, but I prefer the warmer '57s.

All of the Duncan pickups seem to offer a little more string-to-string separation, articulation and definition than the '57. I have all of these, the PG is clear with a little bit of snap, or edge...which could be good, depending on your amp settings and your guitar's tone circuit. I have the Seths in a Les Paul Supreme which is a semi-hollow, and they're amazing in that guitar. Totally different character than stock and superb for jazz.

But no way would I EVER describe Ants as harsh or edgy. They have a beautiful mid-range complexity like a fine red wine. Smooth, clear, and extremely versatile.

But before I'd rout out a Tele for a neck bucker, I might check out an Antiquity Tele rhythm. I KNOW that can do jazz!

Thanks. Your point about string separation is key for me. I never understood why it happens but I always like it when I hear it.

I currently have an APTR-1 there, and I like it and I'm sure the Ant Tele can also sound great but I'm looking for something different. The guitar is already routed for humbucker so no problems there

Then forget having any other recommendation than the '57 Classic.


The APH1N is good, however the A2'59n is voiced "better" for a plank of wood, 25.5" scaled instrument, and don't forget the .0047 cap.


You just can't assume you'll be able to get the same tone others are getting, just because they basically don't play like you do and probably the rest of the gear used is not the one you use, so... do the math.

Well, then I may not need to check the jazz forum after all

Can you please tell me more about an A2 59n? I have a 59 lying around so I'm really open to spending a few dollars in a magnet swap to test it. I didn't think of trying because I do find them thin and I didn't think the tone I was looking for was a magnet swap away.

How is an A2 59N voiced "better" for this? Is is the winding or something else? I edited my opening post to put it as an option. My 59 is white (from a Charvel, don't judge ) so I would likely end up putting a nickel/silver cover. I already have the .0047 cap btw

I completely agree on the gear point re. hearing others. I always try to think what flatwounds and a 5e3 would do to the sounds but usually I prefer comparison tests for that reason.

The APH-1 would be my choice, but an Antiquity would be my 3rd choice (behind a Seth). The APH-1 is a great sounding jazz pickup on any solidbody, especially with the right strings. I bet in a double blind test, you'd never know it was a Tele that it was in. The Antiquity is cleaner, clearer, and more open. It would be a great choice on a hollowbody or semi, to me.

Good to hear. What is your take on a 59 with an A2 as an alternative?

Every pickup mentioned should be able to do the job.

It's really a matter of the player having the jazz knowledge, the jazz chops and the gift.

Eric Johnson does a great Wes Montgomery using his Strat.http://www.veojam.com/watch/1240702932

You speak the truth.

 

[MichYank]

Re: SD Antiquity Humbucker vs Alnico II Pro Neck humbucker for Jazz in a Tele

You can’t go wrong with either a ‘59n/A2 or the APH-1. I play jazz and have a set of APH’s in my ’76 Gibson 335. I constantly get compliments on how sweet it sounds, clear and warm, an outstanding combination. I have a ‘59n/A2 in my Heritage 575 and it just brings out the woody beauty of that guitar, very warm. Both are played straight through a Fender Princeton.

This may be off topic but if you’re playing jazz through a Telecaster, I think the conversation begins and ends with “Charlie Christian”. Just saying…