To JB or not to JB?

DrRGFever · #1 08-10-2008, 12:17 AM

I have noticed that most Ibanez players, pro or not, usually use Dimarzio pickups. I use them as well but I was thinking about giving the Duncan JB a shot to see if it could replace my Tone Zone in the bridge position. Was wondering if there was any reason most Ibanez users play Dimarzio? Does the JB not work well with Ibanez guitars? Curious...thanks for input you guys!!!

-Rhaab · #2 08-10-2008, 12:44 AM

It wouldnt matter if the guitar is by ibanez, most rg's are basswood so that would be the problem if there is problem. I think most players use it cause only the best players play the best pickups? lol. I chose dimarzio from seeing vai, satch and other guitarists use dimarzio. And another reason which is shallow is I don't like the seymour duncan logo on their pickups. I do want to try their pickups at some point, but I also like how dimarzio focuses on mids and bass and duncan is more treble it seems.

CityofBlindingLights · #3 08-10-2008, 01:32 AM

ugh, DiMarzio elitists...

Pickups are all subjective to tone, it doesn't matter what some big-shot player uses in his or her guitars. What tone do YOU want?

toneboy · #4 08-10-2008, 01:43 AM

In general, Duncan does tend to lean towards brighter pickups and Dimarzio goes for bass and midrange. I agree with that.

I recently replaced a JB with a Tone Zone. I found the JB to be a bit clearer than the Tone Zone but it also sounded thinner too.

mi2tom · #5 08-11-2008, 12:18 AM

I like JB as well actually. But I still got that crazy attitude which says in my ibanez only dimarzios LOL! But seriously I really wanted a JB as well, I might get a jackson or so and install a JB in it

Crazy_Guitar · #6 08-11-2008, 07:06 AM

JB rocks!!!

I have 3 JBs! Love it!!!

zepsongs · #7 09-24-2008, 01:28 PM

I had a JB in both an ESP EC-1000, thought it sounded weak & a Jackson SL1 which I liked but thought it needed a little extra so I looked at the SD Distortion.

Had a TZ in the bridge of my RG1570 but didn't like how it sounded with the Air Norton. Swapped pups for a SD Jazz(n) & a SD Distortion(b) Definitely an improvement. I Just installed them this week. The Jazz sounds clear & articulate with some warmth, not too much distortion just enough. Very versatile wish the harmonics were better but still love the sound. The SD Dist is just brutal. A beast. Harmonics fly off it much more than the TZ for me. Sound wise compared to the TZ it doesn't have as much bass and more treb, slightly bright but once I get it properly adjusted and EQ'd I should be able to take care of that. Definitely hot & lots of distortion but I feel that once properly set it should be killer. Feels like it could get away from you if don't keep good control over it LOL.

For me, the perfect bridge pup would be a something equal parts TZ & SD Dist. Any suggestions?

**Ayrton** · #8 09-24-2008, 01:45 PM

I have a JB in a mahogany Charvel, and I plan to leave it for now. The only complaint I hear with the JB is the highs can be a bit bright. In a darker guitar it seems to do better, or use 250k pots with it.

The JB is still Duncans most popular seller, so give it a shot.

djohns74 · #9 09-24-2008, 03:07 PM

I've tried several Duncans and several DiMarzios and, while I won't attempt to quantify my experience of the tones of each, I have definitely preferred the tone of all of the DiMarzios to all of the Duncans, with the possible exception of the Tone Zone, which I really didn't like at all. That said, the JB is also my least favorite Duncan that I've tried after having acceptable experiences with the Custom Custom and the Distortion in the bridge position and the Jazz in the neck.

As mentioned, though, it's all subjective and plenty of players like Duncans and JBs in particular, so it would be foolhardy for anyone on an Internet forum to honestly steer you away from giving it a try.

Foulacy · #10 09-24-2008, 04:54 PM

In my experience you can never go wrong with a JB. Perfectly balanced pup with plently of output.

Crazy_Guitar · #11 09-25-2008, 01:55 PM

The new J-Customs have Seymour Duncans.
Also, there is a new line of Ibanez/Duncan pickups.

As far as the JB, it's an AWSOME pickup! (I have 3 of them...

)

LuredMaul · #12 09-28-2008, 02:20 AM

I have an RG321 with Jb/Jazz combo............this is where the JB shines "in mahagony".

It also works for something different in a bass wood guitar but you will get ALOT of presence in the highs albeit very organic airy highs.<----this freaks some ppl out.

I like the JB/Jazz better than an Evo/Evo setup in basswood.
I find that the Evo2 is actually a better sounding Duncan Distortion too as both these are very close in tone. the Evo2 being tighter and slightly thicker.

kotornut · #13 09-28-2008, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Rhaab

And another reason which is shallow is I don't like the seymour duncan logo on their pickups. I do want to try their pickups at some point, but I also like how dimarzio focuses on mids and bass and duncan is more treble it seems.

The Dimarzio Cruiser, Fast Track 1 and 2, Chopper, TZ single, Air Norton Single etc. All have the Dimarzio log on them.

I think bith pickup brands are good, and both will do equally well in good guitars. Yes, different sounds, but good nonetheless. SO why not JB it up.

Shreddy Krueger · #14 09-28-2008, 03:40 AM

I'll agree about the treble on the JB, personally I thought it was one of the better bridge pickups I've ever used to my ears, but it was in a neck thru mahogany Schecter...

I've also always tried DiMarzio in my Ibanez's...dunno maybe it's subconscious as well
;]

However, albeit a bit bright for my taste, I thought it was a really great bridge pu.
Great cleans & clear leads.
Pretty much perfect for everything IMO.

Out of curiousity...

Anybody who's tried the D Sonic 7 think it sounded kinda JB-ish or was I smoking crack that week?

j.arledge · #15 09-28-2008, 04:11 AM

i tired the jb jazz set in one of my guitars , and i am just not a duncan fan. HOWEVER a friend of mine got the mustaine livewire set which is based off the jb jazz combo only in active form. WOW those pickups kick some ass. I installed them in an alder bodied jackson.

I can say that seymour did a really good job on the livewires and i would certainly try the blackouts without second guessing myself.

I absoultly love dimarzio and have played them from the time i learned how to swap pickups and do wiring, however i have to hand it to Duncan for making some awsome active pickups.

I could definatly see myself buying duncan actives in the future.