SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

[FuelGTRX]

I'm getting another Les Paul to add to my rig and I'm considering trying differnet pups in it than what I have in my current LP. Right now I have a JB/'59 combo going. How does the Custom compare to the JB in an LP Standard?

Also, what would the Custom go better with, a Jazz, '59, or APH-1 neck humbucker?

 

[midnite_man]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

I'm getting another Les Paul to add to my rig and I'm considering trying differnet pups in it than what I have in my current LP. Right now I have a JB/'59 combo going. How does the Custom compare to the JB in an LP Standard?

Also, what would the Custom go better with, a Jazz, '59, or APH-1 neck humbucker?

I play a JB in a Schecter C-1 Classic which is a mahogany solid body archtop guitar, and will soon be using one in a Gibby LP Studio with a Jazz in the neck, but from what I can tell from playing the C-1 the JB has some righteous highs and is rich in sound. I think it'll sound even better in a Les Paul due to the density of the guitar body's wood compared to the C-1. I use a Custom in an Epi LP Standard I have, and it has more bass and mids to it's tone, and is chunkier. I love that pup in that axe, and use it with a Pearly Gate in the neck. That guitar can seriously rock! I've thought about trying a Jazz with that Custom, tho, and think it would sound very cool.
Having a Jazz in the neck of the C-1, IMO the Jazz goes best with the JB but you couldn't go too wrong with a '59 instead. They're pretty close in sound but I think the Jazz is a little clearer than the '59 for more articulate guitar playing.
Without a doubt all four pickups work great in a Pauly and I would imagine you could mix and match 'em in different combinations without a problem.

-Bob

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

I love my custom, it has a lot more warmth and voice than the JB. More low-mids, more PAF like attitude. Think AC/DC, GNR, Aerosmith.

As for it's mates, I've tried all three of those, and they all work well. I like my hot APH-1 the best, but that's MY personal taste. If you want a nice twang combined with a nice full bottom end, the Custom/59 will love ya. If you like a bit less bass but a similar top, you'd like the custom/jazz. If you're looking for a nice smooth sound with a bit of a bite on the e and b strings...JOIN ME.

Custom/aph-1

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

I really like the Jazz/Custom combo in my LP(Custom)!
They're the only p/ups I've had in it since they were installed about 3 yrs ago.
I had a JB & a Custom off an eBay pkg deal,did some reading & decided on the Custom,for a little more "thud".A friend of mine has a JB in his all mahogany/older LPC,he's gotta keep the tone control rolled back a little.
I had the Jazz from a guitar I got in a pawnshop,so figured I'd put it to good use!
I've got a 59n in my Dean '79 r/i,I like that a lot,too!Since you've already got a 59,why not try a Jazz?It's a little clearer/toppier,both get the "bloop" tone well!!!59's a little throatier,but the Jazz likes the tone control more,IMO!

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

The JB can be a great pickup in the right guitar. However, in my experience the upper mids of the JB can sometimes conflict with a mid heavy guitar...like a Les Paul.

The Custom would have a far more balanced eq curve (IMO) in a Les Paul...if it's voice was in fact naturally mid heavy. Any of the neck pups you mentioned would go well with the Custom...the Jazz having the most clarity. I happen to love Slash's tone in an LP, so I'd go with the APH II.

Just my $.02...it's whatever works best for your ears.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

The Custom has more of a badass growl!!

It's got a tighter bottom end, it's raw and more aggressive sounding, and it feels a little more compressed. I love it!

About the neck pups to choose from....I've played through the APH1 and the 59 with a Custom and both work exceptionally well. I've always felt the 59 had a little more balls to it with a larger bass response. Both are smooth as hell and will work great in conjunction with the SH-5.

 

[papersoul]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

Don't forget about the C-5 in your quest as that is a nice in between pickup.

My current favorites are the Duncan Custom, Rio Grande BBQ, and Duncan C-5. More and more I am leaning toward lower output pickups and the JB is just way to hot for my taste. I like to be able to go gorgeous clean to all out mean in the bridge.

 

[FuelGTRX]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

Don't forget about the C-5 in your quest as that is a nice in between pickup.

My current favorites are the Duncan Custom, Rio Grande BBQ, and Duncan C-5. More and more I am leaning toward lower output pickups and the JB is just way to hot for my taste. I like to be able to go gorgeous clean to all out mean in the bridge.

I've tried the C-5 in a LP before and I din't like it that much. It doesn't have enough mids for my taste.

 

[midnite_man]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

The JB can be a great pickup in the right guitar. However, in my experience the upper mids of the JB can sometimes conflict with a mid heavy guitar...like a Les Paul.

Jeff,
How would a JB sound in a guitar like a SG?

-Bob

 

[RACER X]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

Custom/Jazz, nice combo. But if you want to ROCK, DD/DD or DD/59 will KILL !

 

[FuelGTRX]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

Jeff,
How would a JB sound in a guitar like a SG?

-Bob

I think it would sound great. I had a JB in PRS Santana SE a few years ago and I think the JB goes well in all mahogany bodies. It sounds full and rich in those guitars.

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: SH-5 Custom vs. SH-4 JB in a Les Paul

Custom/PG is my favorite Les Paul combo. I use others too, but the Custom/PG is my "old faithful" combo for a Les Paul