Seymour Duncan JB 7-String

Passive Humbucker for 7-string.

I put this in my Schecter 007 Elite in the bridge position. It is paired with a single coil in the neck position which was originally a ducan designed stock pickup but I replaced with a DiMarzio Blaze single coil. I replaced the original ducan designed bridge humbucker with a DiMarzio D Activator which I've been using for about a year. The JB has now replaced the DiMarzio and I couldn't be happier. The reason for this I'll get to below.

The Output level is very high, much higher than I expected. right off the bat it was much louder than the D Activator I was using. I have another guitar with and EMG 81-7 in it and the D Activator is louder than that thing so you can imagine what kind of output I'm talking about if you've used either of those pickups. But with the JB you also get a lot of character with the volume. The clarity is amazing with this pickup.

The problem I was having with the D Activator was that it lacked sustain, warmth and harmonics(not pinch harmonics, but rather the subtle over and undertone harmonics that exist within notes). The lack of sustain was a real problem when playing clean because I was always fighting my instrument to get the notes out. I had problems like this with the overdrive too since I don't like to drench my sound in gain. I like the clarity and growl of hot-overdrive kind of like Opeth(their live sound) or Protest the Hero. The D Activator could never quite pull off the sustain and just all around sweat tone I was after no matter what I did to the EQ on my amp.

The JB, apart from being louder, has exactly the sustain and warm punch I was looking for. The clean notes and chords sustain with a lot less effort and the overdrive is simply sweat with plenty of punch and harmonic overtones.

The tone of the JB is very balanced. It sounds like it's designed to give the high strings a rounder attack and the low strings more focus(especially important with a 7 string), kind of like a really transparent compressor but without sacrificing any dynamic qualities. After I switched I had to cut the bass a lot because the D Activator forced me to crank it to get a decent warmth to the sound.

The thing about the D Activator is that it is designed for an insanely focused attack which is only really good for cranked gain speed riffing 32nd notes. If your music is more versatile than that, the pickup isn't so great because the tone is too sterile. It might be different in different guitars but I wouldn't know.

Oh, and on noise, the JB surprised me again. Even though it's louder than the D Activator, i got virtually no feedback with OD channel. Even with my solo boost it was totally under control and that was with me standing about 10 feet away and FACING the amp. I usually get a little buzz from the wiring in the building where I practice and that was still present though I think there was a bit less of it with the JB. My other guitar with the EMG's is much more quiet when it comes to interference noise like that but, on the other hand the feedback with EMG's is completely out of control at high gain. I plan on installing shielding inside the cavities in my guitar to solve this problem.

I play Progressive Metal and I would say the JB is a perfect match. It totally has the sound I've been searching for. Probably only good for a bridge position though. Too hot for the neck.

I have been playing for 14 years and only now have I gotten the tone I've always wanted. My live set up is a B52 AT-100 half stack with a TC Electronic G Sharp, Boss NS2 and BBE Sonic Maximizer in the loop; all powered by a Furman PL Plus. Not the most top of the line stuff but its good quality for what I can afford. Even though I've been playing for a long time I've never been able to afford all kinds of top shelf equipment but just having installed this pickup in my guitar makes my rig sound like it's worth thousands more than it is. It's great for sweet clean stuff and equally great for balls out rhythm and insane shredding. Even though it's not my thing, I tried cranking the gain on my amp and scooping out the mids. The JB did thrash and black metal tones as well as everything else it does. I can really see why this is the world's most popular pickup.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: 16.4k DC resistance 5.5k resonant peak, hight output

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG2027 XVV
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio Blaze Bridge
Other pickups on guitar: Dimarzio Air Norton (neck)
Artists using this pickup: Everyone and their brother for the 6-string version. Dave Mustaine notably
You musical style(s): Rock, metal
Reason for pickup change: Liked the Blaze, but always LOVED the JB in mahogany. The RG2027 is a mahogany 7-string, so thought I'd give it a whirl.

Perceived output level: High-output, but doesn't sound overly hot and aggressive. It IS loud, but very smooth... like a warmer, smoother EMG 81.
Tone: Very even tone, real crisp bass, somewhat cut low mids, great top-end. Very punchy and tight, with a warm, smooth presence.
Sonic evaluation: Using with a Digitech GNX3 into laptop DAW and studio PA system.
The JB went in minimal trouble (had to drill 7 small holes into the body to accomodate the screw polepieces, as the Ibanez is set up for direct-mount pups. But this was pretty easy, and I was VERY careful). Alternative is to clip polepiece screws. I've heard of this, but also heard it changes the pickup's tone just a bit. Since no one sees the inside of the pickup cavity with a pickup installed...
The pickup ROCKS... sounds great, everything works fine. Just had to match wires from pickup to harness... SD black to Dimarzio red, green to green, etc.
This pickup matches up REAL well with the AN7. few observations so far...
1. Tonally, it's not a lot different from the Blaze. Sort of like its sibling. Seymour lists the JB as having scooped mids, like the Blaze. Here's what it seems.
a) The Blaze is real clean, with big scooped low mids. Excellent for clarity. The JB doesn't seem AS scooped in the low mids, maybe 75% of the Blaze. But the added top-end (upper mids, and a sort of "sparkle" the Blaze only had about 50% of) yields a net that is about equal in clarity to the Blaze, but with more presence. Almost like a Blaze with the blanket taken off the speakers.
b) The JB has a great "vocal" quality about it. Hard to describe... it's almost like what the Tone Zone has in say alder, but brighter, and less mushy. A great "cut" to the sound, but very, very sweet and smooth. I know from listening to the sound samples, the JB always had this really nice quality to it... what, a 2.5-3k boost maybe? that I just kept digging. That right there won me over. Well, it's still present in the 7-string version and in my Ibanez. Great!
c) The JB has less bass than the Blaze, maybe 15% less or so, but it's very tight. Just a tad rounder, but the net effect is actually a bit punchier, and tighter for the intricate riff stuff (Think metalcore, like Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God type riffs). The Blaze is a master here, but interestingly, I think I might prefer the JB. Smooth, but real articulate, in a way LIKE the Blaze, but different at the same time!
d) The JB seems about 10% louder than the Blaze (same distance from strings). Very clean and punchy, though, and doesn't distort the cleans.
So far, a great pickup! Splits real well... a bit more body than the Blaze used with the AN7 in "quack" position, a bit more sparkle when used with the AN7 in both-series. AND! As everyone knows, pinch harmonics are noticeably easier. The pup might be the all-time PH master. Leads cut through great... on paper, it's not as smooth as the Blaze, but it's so sweet, that it ends up being just as smooth (Alnico 5 maybe?) Speaking of Alnico, I think that's what set's it apart... it's like an Alnico 5-equipped Blaze! Less compressed and sizzly than a cermaic 'bucker, with a bit more of an organic feel.
So far, so great! I love the Blaze, and have nothing bad to say about it. It's clean, powerful, and has a sort of "bright-darkness" to it (Blaze users may know what I mean). The JB is more organic and lively, and bit more Rock to the Blaze's Metal. But for metal, sometimes that's a bit better.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock and metal. This pickup is a terrific match. But it's versatile, and would probably match with most styles.

Comments: I would defintely get this pickup again. For mahogany, this might be the best bridge pickup out there. I think this might be "the one." Everyone seems to think the Air Norton is sort of the Holy Grail of neck tone and I agree. I love my AN7. But the consensus seems to be that maybe the JB is the Holy Grail of bridge tone. I think they might be right! This is a keeper.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Schecter C-7 Plus
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Duncan Design
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan 59'
Artists using this pickup: Check out the site www.seymourduncan.com
You musical style(s): Hard Rock/Metal
Reason for pickup change: Wanted more tone and clarity. Something was missing, the stocks lacked trebel and weren't as clear once the strings started to get some age.

Perceived output level: Look at it this way...Amp was on 8, now its on 5 1/2
Tone: Bassy, good mids, much more clarity. Perfect Balance to play good clean riffs to raging alcoholic DISTORTION!!
Sonic evaluation: See My review under the EMG 707 to get a list of my gear. I'll say I have multiple 7 strings and multiple brand name pickups, ie EMG 707, Dimarzio Tone Zone, Dimarzio Evolution, Duncan 59, Duncan Jazz, and this one. All used in my 7 strings, and to be honest, this is my favorite one of them all.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup is the sound. From jazz to metal, you can do it. I play rock, but I love the mix of my clean channel with chorus and light delay. This pickup makes this sound so omnipotent. Just crank your amp, and play some basic bar chords and thats all it takes to fall in deep love with this thing. PERFECT mix with the 59 in the neck...Your guitar will be able to play everything...let me repeat that, everything!!!

Comments: You can't steal this. I'ts sleeping with me in my bed everynight and has a built in camera on it so I always know where it is(just kidding). If you could steal only the pickup, I'd give you props for being that stupid, but good. I'd kill you afterwards, but to take only a pickup takes skill. Now if you took the guitar in whole, You would never see the light of day again. My C-7+ and these pickups make this guitar priceless for tone. Try and take it, I dare you.

Pickup features: hum, pass
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: fernandes revolver pro 7
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock humbucker which actually wasnt that bad sounding but i still needed more and i knew where to go.
Other pickups on guitar: the lovely lovely sustainer in the neck with a stock single coil
Artists using this pickup: some dude
You musical style(s): atmospheric doom
Reason for pickup change: stock pickup blues. i am very partial to duncans.

Perceived output level: hot and clean, clean or distorted the tone is pure
Tone: the tone is pure, tight low end, clean highs but not too brittle sounding, well balanced
Sonic evaluation: my precious

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: guitar scapes, perfect p/u for the job

Comments: i love duncans and have played them for many years in different guitars. nothing against dimarzio but duncans to me have always sounded sweeter, more true to the actual tone. there was no question once i purchased a 7 string that it was going to be anything but a duncan. i had a regular jb in a guitar once and it was solid so this was a no brainer.
this is the sound i needed.

Pickup features: passive 4 lead humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: epiphone 7 string Les Paul
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: sd 7 string invader
Artists using this pickup: jeff beck
You musical style(s): tool, joy division, sisters of mercy, zep
Reason for pickup change: the stock pick ups were totally crap!!! i ran them through anything and everything (gallien krueger 2100 cel, lexicon signature 284, roland jc 55, peavey studio 210, korg a3, korg ax 1000x3, roland srv3030... )an they still sounded completely horrible, and un useable. it would have actually been easier for me if the manufacturer had not put them in at all.

Perceived output level: very high level, even with the pickup distant. much louder than the invader.
Tone: hum-smooth low mid split-smooth crisp clen
Sonic evaluation: my main setup is a korg a3 into a roland jc 55. this setup is very clean and transparent, making any sonic failures completly visible. i wanted a clean bridge pickup for the more articulate guitar parts. this pick up sounds incredible. i wanted something that would approach a strat-like out of phase tone but the split coil sound of this pickup went far beyond what i expected. the full coil sound was fat and sweet.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: heavy melodic music. it would work in any but neck is what i use

Comments: i can't imagine another pickup sound better than the split coil sound, so i would buy another one. very clear and articulate

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: uh...what's that mean?

Model of guitar or bass: Schecter Omen 7
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Crap stock HB
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan JB-7
Artists using this pickup: Me
You musical style(s): Jazz, Metal, Blues, funk, etc.
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickups were a senseless waste of natural resources and an unprofitable usage of foreign child-laborers.

Perceived output level: Great ripping lead sound without being too out of control (like the Invader) or too antiseptic (like an EMG)
Tone: Very nicely balanced, great low rhythm sound, quality mids, and smooth highs.
Sonic evaluation: Sounds great on the dirty channel of my Fender Ultra Chorus, but I haven't had a chance yet to open up my Marshall JCM-800 with the new pickups. It sings very well, yet holds up to low B riffing, as well as traditional E-based Metal.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a great rock pickup, lots of character. High output, but not so high it sounds like tinfoil.

Comments: I like this pickup as much as the Bill Lawrence I have of my favorite 6-String guitar, and that's saying a lot. I would replace it, and I would consider the 6-string version for any bridge-position needs I have in the future.

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG-7620
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio Blaze
Other pickups on guitar: Swapped out both DiMarzio's for SD's....JB and 59'
Artists using this pickup: Don't care.......they sound good, buy some
You musical style(s): Heavy, Thick, Groovin Shred, Death Metal, Prog.....etc
Reason for pickup change: The DiMarzios sounded like mud and after getting sick of wondering why the lack of tone was coming from my guitar I decided to get some new ones.

Perceived output level: Higher output than the DiMarzios....just right in my opinion.
Tone: Magnificent Tone, the JB rocks....it blows away the BLAZE, much more vibrant and clear
Sonic evaluation: Like I said, I put this in an Ibanez 7620. I run into a Laney VH100R head and cab, Lexicon MPX-1 and that's about it except for WAH and R1 controller.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments:

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: about 16.5k

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG7620
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio Blaze II (bridge)
Other pickups on guitar: DiMarzio Blaze II (neck)
Artists using this pickup: I don't know of anyone who has this 7-string pickup yet, But meny people use the six string one, such as: Dimebag Darrell Abbott(Pantera), Joe Perry(Aerosmith), Marty Friedman & Dave Mustaine(Megadeth), Tim Mahoney(311), Warren Haynes(Allman Brothers Band & Gov't Mule), Frank Bello(Anthrax), Rob Echeverria(Biohazard), Stephen Carpenter(Deftones), John Connolly(Sevendust), Graham Jordan & Chris Messer(Showoff), Pete Lee & 0Dale Hawkins (GWAR), Carl Bell(Fuel), Buzz Feiten, John Feldman(Goldfinger), Dave Murray(Iron Maiden), Gus Pappadimas(Kamikaze Butterfly),Mike Tempesta(PowerMan 5000 & Human Waste Project), Greg Martin(Kentucky Headhunters), Ty Tabor(King's X & Platypus), Dave Nassie & Tony Sly(No Use for a Name), Mark Gagliardi(Outrider), Joey Z(Life of Agony), Gary Rossington(Lynyrd Skynyrd), Robbie Morfitt & David Sigmund(Econoline Crush), Tommy Girvin(Eddie Money) Rodney Browning(Dishwalla), Jason Becker(David Lee Roth), George Lynch, Adam Kole, Popa Chubby, Alan Kendall(Bee Gees), Bill Frisell(Blackhawk), Chris Caffery(Savatage & Transyberian Orchestra), Aaron Barrett(Reel Big Fish), Kent Wells(Reba McEntire), Chan Kinchla(Blues Traveler), Matt Hocking(Edgar Winters Band), Davey Johnstone(Elton John), John Riley(Erskine), Jon Siebels(Eve 6), Daniel Bernal & Phil Pacino(Canine), Andre Coutu(Celine Dion), Matt Blackett, Craig Erickson, Mads Eriksen, Al Estrada, Steve Fister, Lita Ford, Richard James, Albert Lee, Doug Lynch, Vernon Neilly, Joey Ortega and meny more.
You musical style(s): Porgessive, Metal, Rock, Bluse, Classical, Jazz
Reason for pickup change: Blaze II was too weak, thin, distortad, tone less and unusable for anyone with a half way decent ear.

Perceived output level: More than a 59'. A little more than a Custom. Less than a Invader
Tone: Warm, Clean or Distortad, Rich, Full, WICKED!!
Sonic evaluation: I mainly use a Fender AS with a Seymor Duncan 59' and Lawernce L-500, pick-ups both coil taped. My Fender also has a Fishman Pizo pick-up. With the combation of the Fishman and the 2 humbuckers the tone ranges from an acoustic to vary bluesy solos. My amp is a 120 watt, all tubed, Pevey 5150 going through a Marshell 1960A and all the FX that I use is a Wha and Delay.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a great Metal, Rock, Blues or any thing else pickup.

Comments: If it were stolen i would cry. This is the holy garle of pickups. It dose almost any thing well and is more than perfect for everthing else. This is the widest rang, loudest, clearst,... It is simply my favrot pickup. If i were sranded on a desert island with only one guitar it would have this pickup in it.