JB or Custom?

[IzzyStradlin84]

Hi guys!

I am a first-time poster on this site, and I happen to be stuck in a bit of a dilemma right now. I have a Carvin X100B half-stack that is very punchy with the low end, and it absolutely hates the pickup I currently have in the bridge of my guitar (DiMarzio Super Distortion). I'd like to keep a pickup with a bit of kick in the bridge, and I've narrowed down my choices to the JB and the Custom. Therefore, I need a little bit of advice from you guys before I make a purchase. I play in a cover band that does just about anything radio rock-related, and the Carvin is a pretty high-gain head (surprisingly). I don't need a pickup with huge low end, but I definitely need something that will help me cut right through the mix of my band (two guitars, bass, drums and a lead singer with an ego you wouldn't believe!).

Also, the Super Distortion has made me a little gun shy with ceramic pickups (like the Custom), but is that just me being paranoid? I've heard near-unanimous praise for the Custom, but I want some input before I commit. The "P.A.F. on steroids" description is extremely tempting, though ...

[formula73]

I'd take the Custom over the JB. I have one in the bridge of my Hamer and it pairs up extremely well with the stocker neck 59. It really does sound similar to the stock 59b, but louder and just...bigger. More open, as they say. I don't notice much in the way of ceramic harshness, either. I dig.

[DrNewcenstein]

Most ceramics will have a bit of "fuzz around the notes", for lack of a more specific term. Given the type of music you play, I'd go with the JB as it's more versatile in guitar->amp setups (i.e. no eq pedals, etc). It's easy to dial in most radio-rock tones with a JB since most of those tracks are "conditioned for radio".

It's also not as picky as to what guitar it goes in - basswood, alder, mahogany, etc. The custom has more variance from body to body.

[oilpit]

JayBee in alder

Custom in everything else

[surface54]

Most ceramics will have a bit of "fuzz around the notes", for lack of a more specific term. Given the type of music you play, I'd go with the JB as it's more versatile in guitar->amp setups (i.e. no eq pedals, etc). It's easy to dial in most radio-rock tones with a JB since most of those tracks are "conditioned for radio".

It's also not as picky as to what guitar it goes in - basswood, alder, mahogany, etc. The custom has more variance from body to body.

ive thought this same thing but instead for the JB
The JB IS picky as to what guitar it goes in - basswood, alder, mahogany, etc.

i find no fizz in the custom SH5, none! i can finally go straight into my marshall with no boost and it sounds smooth and strong.
JB needed a reduction in the upper mids 1.6k post production, just notched a little too much in a marshall type amp, at least for my setup.
though i agree JB is the rock radio pickup. but i still think its messes up the mix, you have more bass guitar in the mix cause the JBs low end isnt there. i like more guitar and less bass.

[IzzyStradlin84]

I probably should've mentioned that my guitar is a Les Paul Studio.

[TattooedCarrot]

SH-5 Custom.

[Jeff5]

While I like the JB, I'd recommend a Custom. The JB has a very distinct sound, where as the Custom is made to have similar qualities of a PAF. In no way does it sound like a PAF, rather it will remind you of one. I'd say for getting the widest range of tones and sounding the best, or at least similar to, the widest range of songs and styles I'd choose the Custom.

[Push to Shuv]

They are both great pickups. The Custom in a Les Paul is really hard to beat, just an amazing combination. It has slight compression but is very well balanced and is a rock machine. I have never gotten along with the JB personally but a lot of people love it.

[misterwhizzy]

I went through several different pickups in my LP Studio. None of the Distortion, the JB, or the JB8 did it for me. I could see people liking them, but it didn't do it for me. There was too much high end, and something grating about it at the same time. I could never EQ out the harsh treble, no matter what I did.

I eventually got a Custom (with Alnico 8) from another member here on loan, and it was like magic. It dialed in a beefier tone that was fuller, and a little less focused in the upper mids. I returned it to him, thanked him, and ordered one for myself. That's where my bridge pickup search ended.

[Ed Hunter]

Hi guys!
I'd like to keep a pickup with a bit of kick in the bridge, and I've narrowed down my choices to the JB and the Custom. Therefore, I need a little bit of advice from you guys before I make a purchase. I play in a cover band that does just about anything radio rock-related, .

The JB is more versitile but is finicky about the guitar it goes in.
you said carvin amp but what guitar?

[Diego]

The Custom is a safer bet.
The JB's awfully picky about what guitar's going in, the Custom's easier to match.
Even more so if it's going into a Les Paul Studio like you said.
The JB doesn't always play to mahogany guitars, yet the Custom seems to be made for Les Pauls.

I doubt you'd go wrong with any of them, honestly. But get the Custom.

[Soulcrusher_X]

but i still think its messes up the mix, you have more bass guitar in the mix cause the JBs low end isnt there. i like more guitar and less bass.

spoken like a true guitarist

[whatshisname]

[Jessie's ghost]

Sounds like two different flavors of awesome to me.

[SFW]

JB. The JB will get a LOT of hate on the boards, but there is a reason that it is Seymour's best selling pickup. If you want to cut through the mix, and make the other guitarist in your band drool when you take a lead... get the JB.

[Ed Hunter]

those two YT clips are great and both sound equally good but i just want to say that each duncan will "FEEL" different under your fingers.
the JB has a real singing quality that makes soloing effortless and it feels great under your fingers, while the custom has more of a chopping quality to it. more percussive i guess is a good way to describe the custom. the custom made me work harder than the JB ever did

[IzzyStradlin84]

I am inclined to go with JB, based on the "singing" aspect, but I really appreciate you guys taking the time to explain the pros and cons of each pickup!

I originally planned on going with a '59 in the neck, but I read somewhere on this board that the JB doesn't pair as well with the '59 because of the large disparity in output between the two. Opinions?

[Ed Hunter]

I read somewhere on this board that the JB doesn't pair as well with the '59 because of the large disparity in output between the two. Opinions?

well the jazz neck is roughly the same in output as the 59n and the jazz is great with a JB. IF it really concerns you you CAN USE a 59 bridge model in the neck spot. it is the same tone as the 59 neck only it will have more output.

[Jessie's ghost]

I originally planned on going with a '59 in the neck, but I read somewhere on this board that the JB doesn't pair as well with the '59 because of the large disparity in output between the two. Opinions?

It's not that bad. You can raise the '59 to bring it closer in perceived output level, if you want. Now, if you put an A2 magnet in the '59 (like a certain spectral apparition has been known to do), then you really notice a difference in levels.