What Humbucker and single-coils for me?

[MrFlexx]

I'm thinking of getting a Seymour Duncan JB for the bridge position in my ESP Standard Vintage Plus, but I have some questions regarding the pickup and what single coils to pair it with.

I really like the JB and already have it in multiple guitars. However, sometimes I find the top end a bit too harsh or ice-picky, especially on the high strings. Is there a good way to smooth it out without losing the JB character? Or is there another pickup with a similar feel but a slightly smoother high end? Maybe the Custom 5?

I tend to prefer lead tones over rhythm, and I sometimes feel the JB works better for rhythm than for lead.

I mainly play in the styles of George Lynch, Warren DeMartini and Dann Huff, and I know they’ve all used the JB during the 80s.

For the single coils (HSS setup), I’m looking for something that can deliver:

• nice, clear Strat-style cleans (Dann Huff / Michael Thompson type tones)
• but also enough output and midrange to sing and sustain for high gain lead playing
• great string separation and articulation

I really like the Bare Knuckle Trilogy Suite, but I want to keep this guitar all Seymour Duncan.

I mainly use a Splawn Quick Rod 100 and an ENGL Artist Edition 100 Blackout.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Rex_Rocker]

The Custom 5 is brighter than the JB.

I don't find the JB to have a lot of high-end, personally, but if you still find it problematic, what I would suggest is maybe using 250K pots to smooth it out a little. Or change the magnet to A2 if you already have the JB.

Or maybe look into the RTM if you like Warren DeMartini's tone. And Quarter Pounds. He uses those as well, I think.

 

[MrFlexx]

The Custom 5 is brighter than the JB.

I don't find the JB to have a lot of high-end, personally, but if you still find it problematic, what I would suggest is maybe changing the magnet in the JB to A2 to smooth it out a little if you already have the JB. Or 250K pots rather than 500.

Or maybe look into the RTM if you like Warren DeMartini's tone. And Quarter Pounds. He uses those as well, I think.

Oh, so it's actually brighter!? Is it also harsher? It's the harsh I don't want and from what I've read the highs are smoother sounding, but I actually don't know as I've never tried one out.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Oh, so it's actually brighter!? Is it also harsher? It's the harsh I don't want and from what I've read the highs are smoother sounding, but I actually don't know as I've never tried one out.

To me, it is brighter and more attacky. So yes, I suppose. But it's also not as focused in the high mids as the JB, so maybe that's what's coming across as harsh to you from the JB. Personally, I don't find either harsh, but I do prefer the JB. If anything, I find the JB the smoother of the two.

Some people here like the JB with 250K pots. I think you'll like it if you generally like the JB, but just want to smooth it out some. The Custom 5 is a very different tone profile, so I don't find it to be "like a JB but smoother" whatsoever, if that's what you're looking for.

Maybe even consider the DiMarzio Tone Zone or Breed too.

 

[MrFlexx]

To me, it is brighter and more attacky. So yes, I suppose. But it's also not as focused in the high mids as the JB, so maybe that's what's coming across as harsh to you from the JB. Personally, I don't find either harsh, but I do prefer the JB. If anything, I find the JB the smoother of the two.

Some people here like the JB with 250K pots. I think you'll like it if you generally like the JB, but just want to smooth it out some. The Custom 5 is a very different tone profile, so I don't find it to be "like a JB but smoother" whatsoever, if that's what you're looking for.

Maybe even consider the DiMarzio Tone Zone or Breed too.

I did consider a Holy Diver, but with taxes and import it would cost as much as a full HSS set of Duncans. Maybe I should try the 250K just to see how I like it