Sh4 or Sh14

[DonLduk]

Hi all.
Im looking for a new pickup to put into my ltd V-350's (24 frets, rosewood board, mahogany body, set neck, locking trem) bridge. (the neck's already figured out, the Sh2).

I play a lot of megadeth, but Im not limited on it since I want to play some slash, petrucci and laiho stuff. Among the options given by the tone wizard in different cases (fixed bridge metal gives me the JB, locking trem metal gives me the Dime and the SH12, and locking trem Hard rock gives me the JB and the Sh14). Out of those options, the one that I think will do it for the variety of stuff I want to play are the JB or the Sh14. Ive had experience with the JB, and I would consider it again, but also I want to try something new, so my choice would be the Sh14.

What can you comment on this?

Thanks in advance.

[jeremy]

the sh14 has more bottom than the jb, less mids, and a little less output. the tone is more scooped, like an exagerated paf. a very cool pup

[3'scompany]

Of my experience with the two, I'd say go with the SH-14. I've used both and while the JB was ok, I really love the custom5. Just seems to have a lot more character and beef. The JB just seemed to lack any real greatness.

[fab.regnaut]

For metal like you're doing the sh14 is not a good idea ; it is too scooped in the mids , or you can try it and if you don't like change the alnico5 magnet .

[fenderiarhs]

i have tried the c5 (sh 14)in a maple neck strat(sh 14) and i did not like it mainly because of the lack of mids the guitar sounded "empty" and when playing with bass and drums i got lost in the mix.........considering the axe you are going to put it in (mahogany body/set neck) i am sure it's going to sound much fuller than it did in my strat.................It has less output than the JB and more prominent bass..........Well, i've said that before....a JB with the bass responce of the C5 and a little bit more output would be my No1 pickup in my wish list..............................

[fab.regnaut]

you just described a Custom8 ...

[Gearjoneser]

The Custom 5 sounds better to my ears than the JB, 59, PG, APH, Invader, Distortion, Dimebucker, Screamin Demon, and Fullshred.

It sounds different, but equally good, as the CC, Custom, Seth Lover, Antiquity, and probably the C-8, which I haven't tried yet.

The C-5 has a similar EQ as a soft U on a stereo graphic EQ. I like the mids on the C-5 because they're neutral, so your cleans will sound better, and all the mids are dictated by the amp and wood. What I like the most is the tight percussive bass and natural highs like a 59 has.

[Reckless Abandon]

mustaine uses a jb

[OlinMusic]

If you want slashing leads go JB

I you want versatlity and a great chunk to your rhythm go Custom 5

[sac]

JB or DD will get er done.

[D-EJ915]

*Cough* EMG 81 *Cough*



I'd go for the DD since it's most like the 81 which sounds awesome in mine.

[DonLduk]

ok. Its very interesting to read what everybody has to say about this.

given the characteristics of the Sh14 in this thread, and the kind of sounds I can get out of it, and considering that ive already used the JB before, I think i will go for the JB again, mainly because Ive always found myself reducing bass in my amp settings (not too friendly with bass).

in general, with the guitar ive used the JB with, (bolt on, basswood guitar with rosewood board), I dont use more bass than 3 1/2 really in the amp. The general EQ i work with is something like Bass 3, mids 2 or 3 and Highs 4. Ive gone as low as bass 2 and mids 3 and highs the same 4.

altough as fenderiarhs said, the V.350 will give me a much fuller sound with the C5 (giving a neutral mids pickup great mids) therefore the JB may give me mid spikes (giving a mids pickup even more mids...). I have to dig a little bit more and hear clips.

[hamerfan]

> have tried the c5 (sh 14)in a maple neck strat(sh 14) and i did not like it mainly because of the lack of mids the guitar sounded "empty" and when playing with bass and drums i got lost in the mix.......<

Hey thats me. But in my other guitar - Hamer studio (LP special construction) it was punchless as well. Now I got some Alnicos 8 and put into the Custom - it is now great with everything that i wanted. More alnico comparing to the ceramic Custom and much more mids than the Alnico 5.

[PearlyHellhound]

I now play through Orange Rockerverb, Marshall Vintage Modern. With LPs and Custom 5/'59 combo is character. But I do agree Custom 5/'59 is not meant for hard rock to metal leads. Can do rhythm real easy though.

[blueman335]

Of my experience with the two, I'd say go with the SH-14. I've used both and while the JB was ok, I really love the custom5. Just seems to have a lot more character and beef. The JB just seemed to lack any real greatness.

+1, another vote for the C5.

[misterwhizzy]

I think you may want the Duncan Custom SH-5. If that doesn't work, try an Alnico 8 in it. Swapping magnets is cake. Don't be scared if you've never done it. A baby could do it.

[Maynardo]

Duncan Custom SH-5 if versatility is more important, Duncan Distortion if metal is more important

[51501984]

I would hope in the last six years the OP found a pickup

[crguti]

[Jessie's ghost]

Hellhounds on your trail, boy!