A newbie pickup question: JB & 500T

[T50]

Hello Gents,
I installed Duncan JB on my SG Std. Since Duncan advertised JB as a hot pickup, I expected it to be as loud and crunchy as the 500T on my LP Classic. Even though I installed the JB according to Duncan instruction sheet, the pickup just didn't pack much power as much as 500T. It sounds quite blend and bassy.

Does it sound like I did something wrong? Or 500T should be hotter than JB?

[rastachild]

the jb is high output, but i wouldn't be surprised if the 500t was hotter. i have a studio lp with 496t & 498t pickups that sounded amazing and very high output. i'd compare the output to that of a tone zone, which is pretty hot.

[T50]

Thanks for the reply.
What bothers me the most in JB sound is that it doesn't have the heavy crunch even through Marshall JCM2000 combo channel 3 compared to 500T. JB is definitely better at cleaner sound.

I think I'm gonna go back to the original pickups (490R/498T). My overall experience with JB on Gibson SG was not so "happening".

[buddroyce]

The 500T is a much higher output pickup than the JB. The JB also has a bit of a mid hump that some people love and others loathe. If it's not so "happening" for you, you may want to consider a Duncan Distortion or a Dimarzio D-Activator.

[LuredMaul]

The Duncan Distortion will be as hot if not hotter than the 500T.
or just swap the magnet in the JB for a ceramic one which wil give you a Duncan Distortion which is the same wind; dif mag as the JB.

[Davidmurry222]

i agree, see if you can swap your jb for a duncan distortion. its hotter and should have that crunch you're looking for. good luck

[T50]

Thanks a lot for replies, gents!!!
I'll try the Duncan Distortion. Can't wait to hear the
difference between 500T on my LP and DD on my SG