Seymour Duncan JB

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha RGX Standard ('91): mahog bdy/maple top, SSH config.
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: SD Cool Rails (neck), single coil stock (middle)
Artists using this pickup: that guy over there
You musical style(s): rock mainly, a bit of everything
Reason for pickup change: I grew bored of the stock bucker's unlively sound and low output

Perceived output level: between warm and hot output level
Tone: balanced to my ears (perhaps I've grown used to this PU)
Sonic evaluation: My current setup is eihter feeding my RGX into either a SansAmp GT2 or Peavey Classic 30 1x12.
Initially, the JB sure filled the gap where the stock bridge PU was lacking: output level, a punchy attack and tonal versatility, compared to stock 'bucker. By versatility, the JB sounds thick without being muddy during heavy power riffs, and backing the guitar volume knob gives a classic rock rhythm sound without changing amp settings. Single-note leads have a punchy attack and sing nicely but don't really cut through a loud mix (depends how you mix I suppose).
Through a clean amp setting and intending to play clean, I found it difficult with the JB as it has such a robust clean tone without much high-end it wants to distort all the time. The bass and mid-range have good presence for loud, power amp distortion rhythms though.
I even tried single-coiled configurations: bridge coil only and the two coils in parallel (out of phase). Single coil only was quite noisy. Parallel was quieter than the standard 'bucker wiring but the resulting tone seemed still boomy with little improvement in high-end for twangin'. Either way I didn't find either of these settings very usable so I stuck with the standard wiring.
I found the Duncan Cool Rails a good match for the JB for output level and overall tonal variety as I like a thick rhythm sound and a slightly cleaner but not anemic bluesy solo sound while playing the upper frets. For pure twanging, I still like my stock middle single coil best.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I didn't find the JB well-suited for twangy stuff even in single coil configs

Comments: I've been playing on and off for the past five or so years with the JB in my only guitar. I knew I wanted to replace my stock bridge PU, but since I was still trying to find my sonic groove, I bought the JB per recommendation from the salesman as a can't-go-wrong choice. It has served my purposes as a beefy and punchy rhythm and lead pickup that brings out what little warmth my floating trem and bolt-on neck may have taken away from my guitar's mahogany body. One can't expect one guitar to cover all possible tonal flavors, however classic/hard rock seem to be up the JB's alley.
If the JB and I had to part ways, I'd use it as an opportunity to see what another pickup sounds like in comparison as I've had this setup for a while. Don't get me wrong, it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Before I change my existing setup I'd get a new guitar, which I'm seriously contemplating after all this time. Again, the JB would be a serious candidate for my next to-be rhythm axe.

Pickup features: Passive humbucking
Impedence or other specs: 4-conductor wire

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson JS-1
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Seymour Duncan Distortion
Other pickups on guitar: Stock (neck)
Artists using this pickup: Adam Jones (Tool)
You musical style(s): Hardcore / Metal
Reason for pickup change: Duncan Distortion went microphonic..looking for a pickup
with more warmth and dynamics.

Perceived output level: slightly lower than Duncan Distortion, but much hotter than stock
Tone: warm, with good bass and clarity
Sonic evaluation: I evaluated this pickup with a cheap Jackson played through a Mesa/Boogie Subway Rocket Reverb. It definitely has the dynamics I was looking for. With distortion on you can play very softly and still get a clear almost clean sound. Playing harder results in more driven distortion. Metal-only players might want a hotter pickup, but I find this one to give me more clarity whereas the Seymour Duncan Distortion got too saturated and was too bright for my taste.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Mainly in the vein of Tool--dynamic hard rock. This pickup is a perfect match for this style. This is for bridge position.

Comments: I would buy it again, but I might opt for the Trembucker version. This version matched up with the pole spacing on the original stock pickup, however the pole spacing on the Duncan Distortion looked wider like a trembucker. This pickup gives me the sound I want and I'm very satisfied. It has great harmonics and the sound I was looking for.

Pickup features: Humbucking,passive(?)
Impedence or other specs: not sure

Model of guitar or bass: H?fner Genuine
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Original H?fner single-coil pickup, broken
Other pickups on guitar: Original H?fner single-coil pickup, neck
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck...
You musical style(s): Grunge, Rock, Pop...
Reason for pickup change: The original single coil pickup in my guitar was broken, so I had to change it of course. And I wanted a particular sound I had heard, and it was done by Duncan JB, so...

Perceived output level: well, what can you say... it's blasting hot!! ;)
Tone: muddy I'd say!!
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a hybrid 80Watt Marshall combo, and the H?fner I've mentioned so many times before. But I'm also using a Fender Stratocaster with single coil pickups... I don't see what does it have to do with anything but anyway... =|

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This really suites my needs and it's perfect for the Grunge/Rock whatever type of music!!

Comments: If something happened to this pickup I'd sure get another one for my nuber one guitar. I'm rreally satisfied with this one, but I'd like to try something else on my other guitar, which now has 3 single coils. Sometimes when I want to have a sound more clearer than this has I use the single coils. But it's really a great sounding pickup, with my new Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger/Filtering, my Boss Super Chorus and the greatest of all... the BOSS DS-2 Turbo Distortion. It sounds great with the distirtion on!!!

Pickup features: Passive humbucker, 4 conductor wiring
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Duncan Alnico II Pro
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan Alnico II Pro in the neck
Artists using this pickup: Dave Mustaine, half the LP players on the planet
You musical style(s): Progressive rock/metaand general mayhem
Reason for pickup change: After a few months with the Alnico II Pro, I got frustrated
with the noise and microphonic feedback. Even having it
replaced by the factory didn't seem to help.

Perceived output level: Hotter than stock, a bit less than the Distortion in my Flying V
Tone: There's a definite midrange emphasis, with a complex top end. The bass is a bit looser than on the Distortion.
Sonic evaluation: I evaluated this mainly through a Peavey Classic 50 2x12 combo with
a Vox ValveTone in front and a Boss ME-6 in the effects loop.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a *great* pickup for rock. Serious metal players may want something with a bit more low end. This is definitely a bridge pickup.

Comments: If stolen, I'd likely put another one in a Les Paul; other guitars
I'm not so sure about. I've been playing for 4-5 years now; I also
own an Epi Flying V with Duncan Distortion bridge and Jazz neck
pickups and a Hamer super-Strat with a Dimarzio Tone Zone.
For this guitar and the applications where I use it, this is the
perfect bridge pickup. It excels at classic 70s style rock, like Zep,
Queen, BOC, etc. I occasionally wish it had a tighter low end for
more modern metal sounds, but then I switch over to the Flying V or
the Hamer. I like the top end complexity.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone SG (G-400)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Epi crap pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Epi rythym (actually, half-decent PU)
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck, Kurt Cobain, Jimmy Page, etc.
You musical style(s): Grunge, Blues, Heavy Rock, 70s Rock (Zeppelin, etc.)
Reason for pickup change: Epi lead pickup sucked

Perceived output level: More than Epi pickup, not tremendously hot though
Tone: A little on the trebly side for me in clean situations, but perfect when playing with full on distortion. Very balanced tone, mids are not accentuated. I love it.
Sonic evaluation: Epi G-400 into Peavey Bandit 112S through a Boss Distortion, Crybaby Wah, Boss Chorus, and Boss Noise Gate sounds wonderful. Many combinations available from Hendrix to Page to SRV even. An all-around rockers pickup.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a good pickup for just about any style, with the exception of jazz and metal leads. Too bright on clean setting for jazz, not enough power for metal.

Comments: I would definetley buy this again. Just a great all around pickup. It is by no means meant for the neck position though. Get a SD 59 or Jazz instead.

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Dean Icon Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Dean
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Metal, Rock
Reason for pickup change: Lacked Harmonics

Perceived output level: Lean or distorted with harmonics galore
Tone: Very balanced tone
Sonic evaluation: Peavey Classic Tube Series 120watt with Boss MT 2 pedal on occasion

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great pickup........I highly recommend if you play rock or metal and like harminics.

Comments: 10 - I would also like to try a full shred or duncan distortion but this JB is great. Forget Dimarzio.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 4-conductor

Model of guitar or bass: `94 Jackson Concept
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock Jackson humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Jackson singles
Artists using this pickup: Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine, Scott Ian
You musical style(s): Metal
Reason for pickup change: Stock humbucker was fine for rhythm playing, but leads didn't
sound clear, especially at higher frets. Also, sustain was
next to nothing and harmonics weren't exactly forthcoming!
As it is, I already had two identical guitars and this one
is my "hot rod" so I had room to experiment.

Perceived output level: Slightly higher than stock
Tone: Very balanced, with better mid-high definition
Sonic evaluation: This pickup went into the bridge position of a Jackson JDX-94 with
a "hard tail" Tele-style bridge. My rig consists of a Peavey Special 212 (solid state w\ tube emulation) and a `77 Peavey Classic 212 (tube) with an ART Xtreme for distortion. The Special also has a Boss DD-2 delay and ART FX-1 reverb; this is my "lead" setup.
From the very start, there was an obvious difference in sustain between the JB and the stock pickup. With reverb and delay, notes hold for 2-3 times as long as before, and harmonics are more easily attained. The output was boosted just a tad, and there was more midrange than the old pickup. I have mids at zero on my amps and pedals, so it's just enough to clear up my leads. The usual metal riffs don't really sound much different, but that's not why I bought it! It has an acceptable clean tone, especially with a phaser or flanger going for an almost-liquid sound. No audible noise.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play metal, and it's just right. Can't say what it *wouldn't* work for though...

Comments: I never thought about trying new pickups in my Jacksons until I bought a used Hamer with Duncans and noticed a big difference. I've been playing for over eight years, and this is the first time I've deviated from a stock setup, replacing all the hardware and the humbucker. I had a local shop install it and do a quick setup; if you've ever replaced the bridge pickup on a Telecaster or other guitar with a hardtail non-trem, you know you have to remove the bridge in the process.
I compared this to the DiMarzio Evolution, EMG 81 and Duncan Full Shred. The Evolution would've worked but has very little treble, and the Full Shred seemed like overkill given my already "full shred" rig. The EMG would be fine, but I didn't have room for a 9V hookup, and if I went active I'd probably need to replace my single coils, which I think sound great for stock. I'm satisfied with the JB, although I'm sure I'll try other pickups in other guitars. In the future, I'll probably try out some other Duncans.

Pickup features: PASSIVE HUMBUCKER
Impedence or other specs: Go to the web site and ckeck yourself

Model of guitar or bass: GIBSON EXPLORER with the Wonderbar trem
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibsons
Other pickups on guitar: All JBs All the time
Artists using this pickup: Myself, and I would think Mr. Beck (he has Lace Sensors on his models)
You musical style(s): Classic Metal, And all other Metal (also Praise & Worship)
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups really were not to my liking, just not hot enough. There took care of that slight problem.

Perceived output level: Quite a bit hotter then the stock Gibsons, I can really tell the difference
Tone: More bottom end, cleaner, I can tell the notes apart, neck pickup is still very bright
Sonic evaluation: The guitar is an 83 GIBSON EXPLORER, and I run it through a Crate GT-80DSP, A 1948 GIBSON BR 3, EARTH 100 head, Fender Automatic SE, and a Harke 2115 Bass Combo. It's hard to get a good sound with the fender, and the Gibson is impossable. With the stock pick-ups the Gibson amp was passable, but not now. It sounds just O.K. though the Earth, but it RIPS with the Crate, A match made in heaven. I also slave the Harke with the Crate and it SMOKES. The bridge JB sounds pretty good, but the neck is beyond compare. I usually use EMGs in EVERYTHING, but I don't even consider replacing the JB in the neck for one, EVER. For the first time in my life I use the neck pickup to solo, and the bridge for chord work. Both JBs at once don't sound that happening, but you would have to hear the neck to believe it, ITS THAT GOOD. I also put on Chrome covers (Gibson)and it sounds even better. Hey Gibson you should think about these for the neck in your new Explorers
I don't know how else to describe the neck IT JUST SMOKES. I might replace the bridge sooner or later but NEVER THE NECK, NEVER NEVER NEVER.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: for my guitar THE NECK is very suitable. the brige sounds good but not near as good as the neck

Comments: The rating as you have guessed, is for the neck pickup. I wound replace it with another WITHOUT QUESTION
For the bridge, I prefer the EMG 81s as I use a lot of gain when I play, but for now it does o.k.
The JB in the neck is all I could ever want, again IT SMOKES
I still can't get over how good it sounds, and it cleand up pretty good when you back off the volume a little.
The bridge pickup is a little to trembly for me, but just back off the tone knob a little and its usable.

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson (490T)
Other pickups on guitar: SD '59
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Fusion, blues rock
Reason for pickup change: wanted more warmth (stock too brittle)

Perceived output level: Very hot -- easily breaks up tube amp, can be quite ugly with transistor amp
Tone: middy and trebly
Sonic evaluation: Les Paul through either Fender Pricneton Chorus or Soldano-designed all tube Yamaha combo.
RELIABILITY PROBLEM: PICKUP SEEMED TO LOOSE VOLUME RECENTLY. I REPLACED IT WITH THE ORIGINAL GIBSON, WHICH REMEDIED THE PROBLEM.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pick up is way to hot for my style. I need crisp tone and dirt only when wanted. This pickup offers dirt ALL THE TIME!

Comments: I wouldn't buy it again given both my taste in tone as well as the reliability problem discussed above.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: No idea whatsoever

Model of guitar or bass: Stinger STX - Telecaster clone w/humbucker at bridge
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Crappy stock pickup
Other pickups on guitar: Single coil at the neck
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck, among others
You musical style(s): Classic rock, power pop
Reason for pickup change: Original pickup was terrible. Low output, no high end... no "ooomph" to the thing whatsoever.

Perceived output level: Pretty damn hot... but not too much so. Good overdriven sound.
Tone: Middy with a decent high end
Sonic evaluation: I'm using this with a solid-state Crate and Zoom 1010... without the effect it gives a slightly overdriven clean sound, good for mid-sixties rock. With effects, this thing just rules. Couldn't have made a better choice, I don't think.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Nice choice for classic rock, for power pop could probably use something cleaner

Comments: This pickup does what I need it to do and was a good deal. In retrospect, I might have gone for something with a bit of a cleaner sound (because you can always fuzz it up with effects); make no mistake, this pickup has a bit of an edge to it. It's not a total metal shredder, but for classic rock, you can't go wrong.