what a shoker!!! (TB-16)

ToneFiddler

ToneFiddler

New member
actually i wanted do the Hybrid myself, since i got several 59s and a custom 5 (and a custom) laying around.
But i found the trembucker version used and since i soon or later want to try this in my super strat i opted for the TB-16 which i don't have the parts for.

Anyway, it came with a cover so I had to remove it so it fits into my LP mounting rings.
let's install this thing and heat the soldering iron and amp up!

plugging in, man this thing is middy! so the duncan chart is right!:rant:
I absolutely hate it. checked the wiring: all fine!
those folks at the duncan forum, describing this thing as bright. WTF???
not directly muddy, but bright??? come on.
the last pickup i was lil disappointed was the custom 5, also a forum bucker!!!






on a 2nd thought. this can't be right, those guys on the SD-forum cannot all be nuts?
the soundclips i've heard also don't add up to this!

i bought this 2nd hand and i've seen beforehand that the cover has been removed before.
While removing the cover i could see the tape around the coils has been messed with and didn't even look original.
Has this thing been mag swapped??? that's the most plausible explanation!
put in a roughcast A5 i got from cermag and fired that thing up again.

now we are talking!!!
phew, what a relieve and sorry for doubting you!
Didn't spend too much time with it, but clearly it reminds me of the 59 but with that extra something that makes it not just OK/good (like the 59s) but GREAT!!!
I like the 59 all around, but for heavier stuff it doesn't exactly blow me away.

so to save you some trouble! Buy new!!!

makes me wonder what was in there when i got it.
 
that was my first thought too, but since a had the gain knob on 9:00 with the unknown one, and on 10 with the RCA5 i am thinking maybe A8.
well i ripped it out pretty quick, so hard to say if it really was hotter or just all those mids made me ease off the gain to get back some more openness
pu height difference might have also been 2mm
 
I loved it right away. Great PAF EQ with a little more output- just a wonderful, versatile pickup.
 
Mincer said:
I loved it right away. Great PAF EQ with a little more output- just a wonderful, versatile pickup.
Click to expand...

I loved it right away too. I was a bit worried with the '59 being bright and thin and the Custom 5 so scooped, but my worries were unfounded. Bright would definitely be my first word to describe the Hybrid, but definitely not thin. It's pretty similar to the WLH bridge in terms of output, but with a upper as opposed to lower-mid frequency focus. I was also surprised by the effortless pinch harmonics.
 
I have an HB-16 in double cream sitting in my pickup box that I have yet to find the time to try with anything, but I am looking forward to it. Right now I have my 13.3K early 80’s Custom in my Dean Hardtail....maybe I should try the HB16 in that guitar with the Custom Shop 59’ neck w/A4 mag. It sounds like they would be a good combo.

Glad to hear you like yours so much after the mag swap.
 
well with the (correct) A5 magnet i also liked it immediately. can’t wait to give it another go!
maybe i don‘t have to give up on that guitar.

@dystrust: WLH more low mids you say?
got to give them a go soon. but i got 2 mid heavy LP which give me the hardest time. the 59, demon and now the hybrid seem to fit well.
so iam worried about the WLH being too much.

custom 5 was too compressed and sterile for my liking.
pegasus, sh-6n/SH-7 also didn‘t cut it.
dime was fun but soon got a bit harsh. the highs didn‘t bother me really, but something about the upper mids gives me fatigue quickly. i have the same problem with low output tele pickups...
 
ToneFiddler said:
@dystrust: WLH more low mids you say?
got to give them a go soon. but i got 2 mid heavy LP which give me the hardest time. the 59, demon and now the hybrid seem to fit well.
so iam worried about the WLH being too much.
Click to expand...

How did the '59 fare in your LP?

I have my WLH set in a 335, while my Hybrid is in a LP Standard. My WLH replaced a '59 which I found too bright and thin. In terms of output the WLH is a little bit hotter than a '59 with less, smoother treble, more mids (epsecially low mid), and maybe the slightest bit less bass. Coincidentally my Hybrid also replaced a '59b, and between the WLH & Hybrid I doubt I'll use a 59b again.
 
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it‘ been a while but i remember there was nothing really wrong with the 59 in that guitar. it‘s more like that i was kind of boring, nothing stood out. i never went wow or anything...

put a demon in after that and went WOW!!! i guess the deeper lowend, growl, tightness and brilliant highs where what was missing, although i moved the demon to another guitar where it also shines.

this is my testing bitch, i you will, but actually it‘s not a good one because it really likes bright pickups that are easy on the mids...

the hybrid seems to have more bass and growl which suits this guitar just fine.

the Hybrid is anything but nasal, honky or boxy, which i like.
so for this guitar the hybrid may stay or it‘s back to the demon. i am tired tinkering with this guitar.

i guess it will be down to the mids if the demon or the hybrid will fit this instrument better.

i am not too fond of the unplugged sound of the guitar, so if the hybrid doesn‘t cut it, he will get a lot more chances.

as said i have a superstrat where the hybrid will go for a testdrive soon or later.

i like to leave them in for at least a month thought
 
Mincer said:
I loved it right away. Great PAF EQ with a little more output- just a wonderful, versatile pickup.
Click to expand...

I think I need to try it! It's flown under my radar until I read this post - or maybe it just never stood out to me . But I have a guitar with a Custom 5, which I really like but I've been craving something a little more low-output and rich in flavor. The guitar has a 59' in the neck which I love - I am convinced the 59' is the richest sounding humbucker ever. I was originally thinking a 59' bridge, but maybe this hybrid would be more to my liking, as I play pretty crunchy power chord riffs. There's nothing wrong with the Custom 5, I love the sounds that come out of that thing.. but as my technique has been getting better I can't help but wonder if some added clarity from a lower output pickup would help me shine. My infatuation with high output pickups has been dying off as my technique has been getting better

Tonefiddler you will have to keep us updated on how you are liking it
 
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