Seymour Duncan Antiquity II Jazzmaster

Pickup features: Single coil
Impedence or other specs: 8.49K (neck)

Model of guitar or bass: 90's CIJ Fender Jazzmaster
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock CIJ pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Antiquity I for JM in the bridge
Artists using this pickup: i don't know... me.
You musical style(s): indie, jam rock with reggae roots
Reason for pickup change: I changed the out the stock pickup because it was harsh sounding, it was weak output, and squealed when I tried to do leads. The Antiquity offered softer sounds and better overall quality, so I jumped on it.

Perceived output level: This pickup is certainly hotter than my CIJ, and it definitely has more emphasis on lows and highs. The stock pup had highs but no mids or lows. The Duncan puts the JM right where it needs to be tonally. I have a good middle position sound and the neck is just so full sounding. Plus, I don't get abrasive tones like use to either.
Tone: I think because it is high and low balanced it is less bright and more hi-fi sounding. I guess, if that makes sense. It just sounds even and like a good JM.
Sonic evaluation: I use this with a Custom Vibrolux Reverb, so bright and abrasive were the last two things I needed in my setup. Don't be mislead, as this pickup has high end presence, but not any of the shrill frequencies inherent in the stock pup. This may have to do with the fact that the low end is equally emphasized in the frequency. I think for distortion it does best to be on the lighter side, as it really sounds good when it is cleaner. You see, that's why I bought the Antiquity I for the bridge (read my other review). I can do my harder material there (middle position too) and leave my lead and cleaner stuff on the neck pup. The combination is amazing, and if you're into rock and roots tone, then I suggest mixing the two for a good balance of sound. You'll still have a classic JM tone, but instead of having just a surf/clean sound, you'll have a good rock tone, as well. I mean, I don't do surf, but the clean sound is vital to my reggae and roots blends... anyway.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Think radiohead meets built to spill and phish. For the style of rock and reggae roots, this pickup is not only ideal but also vital. I can do just about anything I want from clean to hard rock. Yes, these pups are built to handle a lot.

Comments: I love these two pups combined, but I can't say how each would sound in its respective place. I haven't tried them seperately, and I guess part of my approval comes from the fact that these two pups work really well together. I can say that the neck sounds 100 times better than it did stock, and that I no longer feel worried about my tone being good. Until the switch, I hated my cleans, but now I'm finding new way to incorporate them because the tone is so full and deep sounding now. Very smooth. Yummy. Together the tone is amazing, and the lead channel has become so much more useful to me. The rhythm is okay, but I only use it sparingly, or in jazz runs. It's a little less muddy but I haven't really done much with it yet.

Pickup features: Single coil
Impedence or other specs: Neck - 9.72K Bridge - 8.65K (I installed them opposite because of K's)

Model of guitar or bass: Japanese Market only 1996 "66" Jazzmaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Japanese Jazzmaster pickup
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Pop, rock, country, surf...
Reason for pickup change: Originals were not "Jazzmaster" sounding.

Perceived output level: These are slightly hotter than my original 1960 Jazzmaster pickups.
Tone: These are crystal clear, high fidelity tone machines. Smooth, no shrill treble.
Sonic evaluation: I use a Fender Deluxe Reverb Amp, POD effects when needed.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play live gigs which require covering styles of: Classic rock, country, pop, standards...

Comments: I'm 53 and have been playing for over 40 years. I've owned 100's of guitars over the years and always come back to Jazzmasters. These pickups, to me, are the same as being able to buy a real vintage Fender pickup without the high price. I've compared these to Fender AV Jazzmaster, Japanese Jazzmaster and my real 1960 Fender Jazzmaster pickups. The Duncans are as good as any and better than all but the original 1960's. The tone is big, powerful, soulful. If you really like a clean Fender surf sound, nothing comes close.I was surprised that they came with the higher resistance rating on the neck pickup. Because of this is I did install them in opposite positions and have a nicely balanced pair. They are reverse wound to give the hum cancelling effect when both are on.
Surf's up!

Pickup features: Wide wound single coil pick ups
Impedence or other specs: Neck 9.13K / Bridge 9.39K

Model of guitar or bass: 1996 MIJ Fender Jazzmaster
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock MIJ Jazzmaster pick ups
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): I play Instro Surf mostly but I do Blues, Jazz and other stuff as well.
Reason for pickup change: The Stock MIJ Jazzmasterpick ups are not correct for the Jazzmaster sound, they are wound like Stratocaster pick up and lack the typical sound where the Jazzmaster is known for. The are also not waxed, making them extremly microphonic and thin, shril sounding.

Perceived output level: The SD Antiquity II are a bit hotter then the stock pups, but because of their different construction there is no use in comparing the two. The SD pup output is just right for this instrument.
Tone: The tone is unbelieveable. I was very dissapointed with the Antiqiuty I's for the Jazzmaster (Alnico II magnets) but the Antiquity II (Alnico V magnets) have that tone!
Sonic evaluation: I use a 1964 Fender tremolux on a 2x12 repro (DIY) Bassman cab loaded with 1972 Eminence alnico magnet speakers in a closed back configuration.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For instro Surf, they are the best. They sound like the original Jazzmaster pups with an edge. They have a bit more body then the current Fander AV RI Jazzmaster pups.

Comments: I wish I bought these sooner and never looked at the Antiqiuty I range of the same manufacturor. The Antiqiuty II"s make your Jazzmaster sound like those early "Ventures" albums. Just thesound I was looking for. Nice dark(er) mids, enough treble without ice picking and sweet bass respons. They make you MIJ Jazzmaster sound like a true vintage Jazzmaster without having to shell out the big bucks