Seymour Duncan JB vs DiMarzio Super Distortion

[David Garner]

So after I posted upstream, I actually got a Super D/36th Anniversary set for that Les Paul. The truth is the JB and Super D are both awesome pickups, but very different. The JB is not as firm in the low end, or anywhere else. It’s charm lies in its ability to scream. It’s hotter and has more compression to the tone. The Super D has a hard edge to the tone, as you’d expect from a ceramic magnet, but it also has a clarity the JB can’t match.

Both are way more vintage than modern to my ears. They’ll do 80s metal as they’re known for, but both are great classic rock pickups. My main takeaway is this — if you want clarity and detail, keep the Super D. If you want more output, compression and harmonic content, get the JB. You won’t be disappointed with either one.

 

[Aceman]

I have only used both pickups in one guitar, a maple and mahogany semi-hollow that I built.

I have a JB in an Epiphany Dot Studio. Wicked fun rock guitar!

 

[Mincer]

I have a JB in an Epiphany Dot Studio. Wicked fun rock guitar!

It didn't feedback like crazy?

 

[Aceman]

There is one feedback spot in this vid - it was lead vocal Mic. (he drops it pointed at my monitor before he sings) Singer says after song. Not a peep out of the guitar at Hollywood Volume ever.

* Saw KIx Thursday night in Ft. Meyers. There were AMAZING!
** Epiphone Dot Studio Tomato w/ JB/Jazz and new Harness. $299 eBay Local pickup only in Calabasas CA. Forum bro picked it up and shipped it to me
*** Epic rock spontaneous cool at 2:16. Dizzy nails solo and killer tone. Also a JB in that Ibanez.

 

[Cynical]

The short version -- the SuperD is better for rhythm, the JB is better for leads.