Jon Moore Custom

JS MOORE STRAT SET
RWRP
Cloth Wire
Potted

DISCLAIMER!!!!
It may look as tho, if you look at the dates of my reveiws that Ive dumped half a dozen on here at once...However, Ive bought my sets over the past year and a bit, and promised to leave reviews. But you have to understand Im a guitar player and builder, not a typist. So Ive done all these at once. I hope this leave a good testament to how happy I am with these pickups as an end result!
Cheers
Chris

I did a custom David Gilmour Black Strat clone.
Maple Neck
Alder Body
Fender Parts

Im unsure of what the outputs were k wise.
I tested this set thru a Hiwatt, with a Rat and Delay.
To be fair, I tested this rig with other guitars..and something was amiss.
This build had to be authentic to the original tone, not just looks. The sound minus having Davids Hands, had to be Gilmour.
His guitar had original 68 or 70 middle and neck p/u and a custom wound duncan SD-1 in the bridge.

A asked Jon to build a set with Gilmour heavily in mind.

Upon Trying them out they did posess the qualities I had asked for.
The output was extremely even and warm, with a nice amount of punch. Not hot, not too cold, just right. Bass was warm and round, yet authoritative, mids were solid, and the treble smooth. Nothing harsh at all.

The neck pickup I didnt like the sound of, Because it sounded like an SD-1, which I never liked either. But the Customer who took this guitar loved it.
In front of the Hiwatt it covered all the bases, as a Black Strat
should, enough so for a traveling tribute band...or even Gilmour in a pinch.
I'd like to stop leaving 10's for Jon but I cant think of an area to ding him. I put these in guitars and people smile.Enough Said!!
While I write this, theres a new tele set in the mailbox!!!!

JS MOORE STRAT SET
I asked for a late 50's set
This was the recomendation from Jon,
"I would think a 50's type of wind . Alnico 2, all roughly the same output. Bridge a little higher maybe. RWRP would be up to you but it will prevent stratitis."
Alnico 2
Potted
RWRP
Staggered Poles
Cloth Covered Wire

I Custom Built a 57' strat clone for a customer.
Maple 1 Piece neck, Alder Body,Tobacco Burst,Fender Trem
CTS Pots.
Customer wanted that thin janggly stratty sound.
I needed to hit this first shot. On a deadline.

Output was great, matched perfectly.
All wound to around low 6k's
As with late 50's strats, they were balanced but not hot at all.
These pickups were extremly tonal.. the bass mids and treble were all represented and balanced. Leave all the knobs un the guitar up and it was Chili Peppers,Surf,Country heaven.
If you listen to and Peppers or follow Fruciante, this is a sound that he has and uses often, clean, mildy driven strat. Chimey and
Pure. A much different beast than a SRV type set. This is the Cool
jazzy set. The neck pickup however, with a little drive..goes back to the old school blues...even a bit of Gilmour
Customer approved, thank god...He still brags about it!

Again, jon is great to deal with.
Im confident enough now that I'd just tell him to wind something for a 68 tele and he'd nail it. Heck, if he didnt he'd rewind it till he got it.
This was a simple build with a complex sound,these p/u's hit the mark for a late 50's strat

JS MOORE Strat Set-I asked Jon To Channel SRV--If you love SRV Read On
"Alnico 5 high 6k's to mid 7k" were the impedences he gave me
Reverse middle
Cloth wire
Cream Covers
Potted

See if you can figure where I was going....
Maple neck, Rosewood board, Ash Body,Sunburst,Black Guard........
I wanted a SRV-ish strat. Thats where these pickups landed.
I asked Jon, to solve my problem of the F3nder Texas Specials, and that nasty midrange honk that I find they have. Theyre hot, but not real pleasant at times.

Jon wound these,shipped them and again i was pleased..
Now, I had Texas Sp's in there, so you cant say its the guitar.....
These pickups had all the shimmer and shine and low end snap and grunt that I counld hope for, the bridge posistion took me from all the way from Pride and Joy clean power to Blistery Solo-land with a little bit of distortion. The neck position gave me Little Wing and Lenny with strange accuracy. So even for the naysayers, the combination of guitar and pickups worked. If thats your goal is the SR V sound, Get a similar guitar and These Pickups. Ive got this guitar lent out right now, and Im goin to have trouble getting it back! These pickups give a strat authority,a real stand up and strut kind of quack.

Again, Jon will lead you to where you ask to go.
I wish he was a machine and could ship me sets within days, but then I'd lose what I love most about these pickups, the quality.
I'm a builder, with good success. I honestly attribute a good portion of the tone I get from my instruments to these pickups.
Now I should hit Jon up for an endorsement....or at least a free set!!
Never worry with this guy.....

Pair of Passive Humbuckers,Zebra,Reverse Zebra
4 conductor for coil tapping
Alnico V
Set was comparable to SD Jazz+JB combo.
Solid and screw pole pieces

Installed in a hand built PR# Clone, Mahogany body, Thick Maple Cap, Rock Maple neck, Tonepros Bridge.
The Jazzier pickup in the neck, and the J#ish one in the bridge.

The output level was perfect. The Neck p/u was wound to about 7.7k and the bridge to 16k ish. Coil Tapping on both led to near tele ish spank witht the vol rolled to full, but nowhere near the tele ish tinny ear piercing treble, just good spank. The volume rolled off a tad gave good clean chime, and very bluesy thick snap.People may say that the guitar is what makes the sound....well..then Jons pickups picked that up perfectly. Easily, I could use this guitar for covering Brad Paisley to Black Label society. Tight solid bottom,great mids and pleasant treble.

These pickups were for a custom build, where the customer was dead set on using Dunc@ns. I managed to sway him, and he would never use any other than Moores now. THey will be in his next build.

J S MOOR CUSTOM JIMI HENDRIX STRAT SINGLE COIL PICK UP SET ( LEFT HANDED)

VINTAGE FENDER SPEC

HOME MADE STRATOCASTER
FULL REPLACEMENT
WANTED SOMETHING DIFFERENT BUT GOOD AND CUSTOM MADE BY SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY GETS INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF A PICKUP FROM TEH GROUND UP. SOMEONE WHO CARED WHAT WENT INTO IT

OUT PUT LEVELS ARE EXCELLENT, HANDLES EVERYTHING FROM BLUES TO METAL EFFORTLESSLY. DOESN'T BREAK UP AT ALL, NEVER LOOSES ITS SHAPE. AND CLEAN SHE IS AS GENTLE AS A LAMB. I PLAY BLUES MAINLY AND I CANT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE TONAL QUALITIES AND RANGE OF THESE PICKUPS. i WANTED VINTAGE AND THATS WHAT GOT, I WOULD PUT THESE ON A PAR WITH LACES " HOLY GRAIL " SET. SHE DEALS WITH HENDRIX PERFECTLY, SRV EFFORTLESSLY, AND MUDDY WATERS LIKE SHE IS STRAIGHT OFF THE DELTA

IF YOU STOLE THESE, I WOULD FIND YOU AND TORTURE YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND YOU TO GET EM BACK, AND EVEN THEN I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE TO KILL YOU SO YOU DIDNT DO IT AGAIN.
PLAYING : 14 YEARS
WHATS TO HATE?
WIPES THE FLOOR WITH KENTS, TONE RIDER, STANDARD FENDER, AND FIGHTS WITH LACE ( MIGHT EVEN WIN)
LOOK NO FURTHER, THESE PICKUPS ARE BUILT BY ONE MAN WITH PASSION AND THAT PASSION IS QUALITY. IVE DONE SEYMOURS, FENDER, EMG, LACE, AND ALOT OF OTHERS. THESE ARE THE ONLY ONES i HAVE ACTUALLY GOT EXCITED ABOUT DUE TO MY COMMUNICATIONS WITH JON, ALWAYS GETS BACK TO YOU IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION AND IF YOU ARE JUST VAGUE WITH YOUR ORDER ( VINTAGE HENDRIX SOUND WAS MY ORDER DETAILS LEFT HANDED) AND HE DELIVERED.

DONT READ ANYMORE REVEIWS, STOP HERE, GO TO HIS WEBSITE AND TALK TO HIM, TELL HIM WHAT YOU WANT, GIVE HIM THE MONEY AND WAIT FOR THEM TO ARRIVE. BEST INVESTMENT YOU EVER MADE IN YOUR GUITAR!
IN FACT I GOT A GORDON SMITH AND A TELLY THAT ARE GOING TO GET OVER HAULED PLUS THE TELE IM BUILDING WAITING FOR A SET TO GO IN TO EM ( CANT WAIT TO HEAR IT). IN FACT IM OFF TO SEE WHAT HE CAN DO WITH A TRIPLE TELE CONFIGURATION

2 Humbuckers
1-neck mismatch 7.2 kohms
2-bridge mismatch 8.1 kohms
nickle covers

Used in an epiphone dot (335 copy)
replacing the stock pickups (which were great, just not enough clearity)

output is meduim-just right

playing through a fender super champ xd and a peavey classic 30

very balanced tone with a touch less mid on both, and more trebel on the bridge. I play an epiphione dot (335) and I have played a Gubson 335 with the classic 57' pickups. The gibsons sound nice, but do not hold thier own compared to these. My epiphone now sounds better than the Gibson version of my guitar. And with a proper set up will play almost like one too.

The clarity of these things is amazing. The neck position especialy. Think rich sounding humbucker with the brightness of a horn. I also installed a "volume kit" from stewartmcdonald.com which helps retain the trebel when the volume is rolled back, but only on the neck position becuse l like the trebel roll off on the bridge.

If I had another guitar I would definately put the neck pickup in from jon moore. He was very nice to work with. I recieved the first set of pickups from him and was not happy with them at all. I took a chance and sent them back for a rewind. The second set I got nailed exactly what I wanted. This process did take time (a month or so) and I did have to install, the uninstall, then reinstall these in a hollowbody guitar. No easy task!! but in the end it was well worth it. If you want you own sound don't buy a prefabricated pickup that just anyone can have. Get the sound you want out of your instrument. Jon Moore can help.

Pickup features: A-3 mags, scatterwound, unpotted, unbalanced coils
Impedence or other specs: neck, 7.75K. Bridge, 8.3K

Model of guitar or bass: Kevin Bolinskey custom built semi-hollow
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Had them made for this guitar
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Any that are in to great one and great value
You musical style(s): Blues, CC, Pop, wee bit-o-jazz, country, Ambient, atmospheric stylings
Reason for pickup change: Had a tonal idea in mind for a new custom built guitar. My somewhat lofty expectations were greatly exceeded with an exceptional guitar and equally exceptional pickups.

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: anotehr follow up to my prior posts now that I've had several months to bask in the glorious, lush tone these pickups provide.
I'm so impressed by the tone of these pickups. With the incredible guitar, it is match made in tone heaven.
While I have not compared other pickups in this guitar with the Moores, ( for once, I will not mess with perfection! ) I can honestly state these pickups sound incredible for many, various styles of music. I could see a stone jazzer falling in love with the tone of these things and how they respond. A blues player would dig the touch sensitive aspect and how they respond to every little subtle nuance....bends, slides, slurs, soft picking....digging in....from the lush, fat clean tone to the incredible note bloom when playing with a bit of dirt. A country player would appreciate the clarity and dare I say...TWANG>>>!!!
As stated many times before, I dig so many fine pickups. Dimarzio VV PAF's are great as is the Classic PAF....Duncan Seths and Antiquities are hard to beat. Lollars simply RULE in my book. So many excellent, tonefull offering out there for the consumer. That said, I would be hard pressed to find a better sounding, more complex and detailed pickup that these. I'm set on guitars, but find myself looking for a few others just so I can have Jon wind me some new pups. It's an addiction for sure, but better than the alternatives!
Seriously, if you are in the market for a nes set of pups for your Lester, need a bucker for the neck of yor tele or just want a change in one of your bucker equipped guitar...do yourself a flavor and contact Jon. you can thank me later!

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Mismatched coils, unpotted, A2 wound to 7.75K Ohms

Model of guitar or bass: Telecaster
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Custom wound single coils
Other pickups on guitar: Custom wound A5 bridge pup 6.2K Ohms, Custom Wound A5 middle pup 6.5K Ohms
Artists using this pickup: Unsure
You musical style(s): Rock/Alternative/Alt-Country
Reason for pickup change: Interested in a humbucker...

Perceived output level: Not as hot as other humbuckers I own.. but hotter then any of the singles in this guitar
Tone: Crystal clear, great definition... warm tones... slight compressed highs
Sonic evaluation: Tele>Vol>Compressor>OD1>OD2>Trem>EQ>Tuner>Twin

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This has a great tone... best humbucker I have ever heard...

Comments: This humbucker blends so sweetly with the other pickups, it's unreal. The other pickups are so glassy and wonderful, when you add the humbucker things become creamy... However, it doesn't detract or remove the bite from the bridge pickup and the sweet 'Abigail' tone from the middle... It enhances it...
If it were destroyed or stolen... I'd consider getting it again..
I've been playing for 20 years, I own 3 teles, 1 strat

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ernie Ball Music Man
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Myself
You musical style(s): Eclectic Garage Rock
Reason for pickup change: The stocks were so-so and I had read Jon's reviews. When I found his Ebay auction I pounced.

Perceived output level: Jon made these just for me and was able to nail that "wide open" output I was looking for. A5 for the bridge position and an A3 for the neck. They're responsive and clear as all hell.
Tone: The neck pickup is warm and jazzy. Great for little breakdowns with only a guitar playing. Just sooo smooth it brings a tear to one's eye. The bridge position is great for crunch and cuts right through the mix of other instruments when needed. Harmonics just absolutely sing with these pups.
Sonic evaluation: I play my Music Man through a Fender Hotrod DeVille 4x10 with a Turbo Rat and ReezaFratZitz for my crunch. Sometimes using a 2x12 cab I put together. I love this combo. Its the tone I have wanted to attain and have spent more money looking for than I care to recall. Its the first time I've physically put my guitar in my friends' hands and said, "PLAY! Listen to this s**t!" I just lap up the jealousy!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: We play garage rock with a twist of everything else we can think of. These pups ROCK! If garage isn't your cup of tea Jon can and will work with you to attain your dream tone.

Comments: I will definitely consider contacting Jon to replace ANY stock or other pickups I am not fully satisfied with in the future. If someone ripped these pups out of my guitar I'd first club them and then immediately contact Jon for replacements. I've been playing for about 12-13 years. Gone through a number of guitars and this tone is the best yet by far. Not only is Jon talented in the custom pickup arena, he is a VERY nice and accomidating guy to work with. His communication was fantastic throughout the whole process. He comes HIGHLY recommended.

Pickup features: Medium output humbucker with mismatched coils
Impedence or other specs: 11.2k full, 9.5k with tapped screw coil - came with Alnico 3 mag, switched to Alnico 4

Model of guitar or bass: 2003 Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Burstbucker #3 (8.7k) with Alnico 5 mag
Other pickups on guitar: Underwound (7.0k) Duncan Phat Cat in neck
Artists using this pickup: Just me
You musical style(s): Very eclectic - classic rock to high tech jazz
Reason for pickup change: Like others, looking for "that" sound. The Burstbucker was pretty good and I still think it's an under-rated pickup, but like nearly all pickups I've tried over the years, it has peaks and notches that prevent it from having a "complete" tone -- THAT tone.

Perceived output level: Medium output - like a very overwound PAF
Tone: Terrific tonal balance with great dynamics
Sonic evaluation: I play through either stereo through two Fender Hotrods or just straight into one Hotrod, depending on the gig. I know what you're thinking and, yes, Hotrods have a lousy overdrive channel but I use a Maxon Overdrive Pro for my crunch tones.
I play with a clean tone -- which the Hotrods and nearly all Fender tube amps deliver in spades -- most of the time, and my tastes are very eclectic, from Zep, Van Halen and Buddy Guy to The Police and Pat Metheny. I also know good crunch when I hear it. This pickup works beautifully with both -- because my theory has always been (and was proven again with this pickup) that if a pickup sounds great clean, it will automatically sound great when overdriven.
The tonal balance, fullness, and versatility of this pickup is otherworldly -- it barks like the overwound PAF of my dreams, honks and sustains like Jimmy Page on Zep I, shimmers and sparkles like Andy Summers with the Police, the list goes on. Cranking up my Spin-A-Split knob on this guitar adds low-mid warmth like an extra blanket on a cold day without dulling out the top end or compromising the articulation of the upper mids. All other pickups I've tried, especially bridge pickups, now sound tonally lopsided and warped by comparison. They are too mid-scooped, too shrill, too dark, too nasal, too ice-picky, too whatever, you name it.
This pickup was an experiment. I submitted a "hybrid" pickup design (mating high-output coil with vintage output coil) to Jon back in April. The screw coil was to be 6.5k with a tap at 5.0k, the slug coil 4.5k, for a total of 11.0k. (Everything came in right on spec, except the screw coil extra wind was about 0.2k over, making the screw coil 6.7k, but this turned out to be a plus rather than a liability.) The whole idea was to:
a) See if the "hybrid" idea touted at the Seymour Duncan forum really works to give you ?vintage with balls?, and
b) Be able to get as many different tones out of this pickup so that it was like getting 3 or 4 pickups for the price of one, and therefore I'd be all but guaranteed to find at least one usable tone.
I found a million usable tones because I ended up wiring this pickup with Seymour Duncan's Spin-A-Split mod that allows you to have everything from pure single coil to full on humbucker and -- the key here folks -- EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, from overwound single coil to mini-humbucker to P90, all with the turn of a knob. The one downside is that you have to give up one of your tone or volume pots for this, so I gave up the bridge tone knob. The absence of a capacitor draining away a tiny bit of the treble (even on 10, as veteran guitar tinkerers know) then made this pickup sound a little too "slicey" on top -- but that problem was very quickly and easily fixed by soldering a 470pf (.00047uf) capacitor from the pickup lead lug of the volume pot to ground.
This pickup is very dynamic, brings out and articulates the subtleties of your picking technique and invites you to try new picking techniques, as opposed to all other pickups that tend to homogenize every attempt at getting a different attack tone. The articulation on the low E in particular is spooky. At the same time it has such a smooth, slightly compressed quality that the notes have a bloom and sustain to them, even when playing squeaky clean, instead of the usual cheap-sounding, jangly, quick-decay bridge tone that you get from most pickups in the bridge position when playing clean.
The full output of this pickup is about 11.2k but my main tone so far is with the Spin-A-Split mod set to the equivalent of a 10.5k. When playing in the middle position, I dial it back a little thinner (+/-9.5k) to get the classic BB King/Jimmy Page twang.
The combination of Jon Moore's amazingly smooth wind with this Spin-A-Split mod makes this pickup quite simply the best bridge pickup

Comments: * If destroyed or stolen, I'd order another one in a HURRY.
* I have been playing since 1977 and I have a Gibson ES-355 (Duncan Seth Lover with Alnico 5 and Custom Custom with Alnico 3) and a wonderful sounding MIM Strat with Fender Fat 50's pickups in it.
* I can honestly say I have found THAT sound.