TB4 JB or TB5 Duncan custom

[tomjut]

Hi guys!

My original plan was to buy an TB-4 JB, but since the distributor in Sweden is out of stock on it, and I'm in a bit of a rush I had to choose something else.

I have now ordered the TB5 duncan custom, do you think this was a good choice?

What I want from the pickup is high output without the tone being overly distorted. I want relatively clean sound when not using dist, and a somewhat powerful sound when using dist. A good compromise between the two elements if you will.

All I have to compare with between the 2 are the soundclips on SD's homepage, but that doesn't really say a lot I guess.

Anyone here who have tried both and can give me a heads up on what to expect, or other suggestions perhaps?

 

[theodie]

Re: TB4 JB or TB5 Duncan custom

I think the TB-5 is actually a better choice.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: TB4 JB or TB5 Duncan custom

I also prefer the Custom to the JB, at least at the bridge. IMO the JB is the perfect neck Pickup. But based on what you´re looking for, the custom may be right up your alley. But we´d need more information to say anthing specific.

Things like:
What guitar is it going in
What amp are you using
What kind of tone are you going for (namming artists really helps here when possible)

Things like that... there´s a lot more to tone than just pickups

 

[tomjut]

Re: TB4 JB or TB5 Duncan custom

It's going into an Ibanez S540FM, and it will replace a DiMarzio Tone Zone. The Tone Zone is alright, but not really "my" sound. I need a more "real" sound if you know what I mean.

At the moment I'm only playing through my PodXT to either my stereo, computer or headphones. I will buy a real amp later down the road, but this is it for now.

 

[theodie]

Re: TB4 JB or TB5 Duncan custom

The TZ reminds me of a muddy JB. It is loose like the JB.

I assume the Ibanez is basswood and I will admit I dont have much expereince with Basswood and what I have played of it, I do not like. With one exception (Peavey Wolfgang)

 

[Manachild]

Re: TB4 JB or TB5 Duncan custom

i think s's are mahogony actually.

And i currently have the same pup in my rg at the moment, and i find it horridly flabby on the low E string (the tonezone that is) bass is too loose for me.