Seymour Duncan JB

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha Pacifica
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio FRED
Other pickups on guitar: Fender Texas Specials
Artists using this pickup: Lots
You musical style(s): Rock
Reason for pickup change: FRED was very thin and whiny.

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: Farty!
Sonic evaluation: I used this pickup in live situations running through various amps including a 5150, and a POD straight into the board. While I agree with many others here that this pu is great for harmonics (probably the best I've ever used for this, although I have never used active pickups), I didn't like it's sound overall. My main complaint is that I found the bottom end loose and farty sounding. Maybe I'm just one of those crazy, misguided individuals that prefers the sound of Dimarzios. I have since installed a super distortion and it sounds great, although artificial harmonics are much more difficult to come by with it. The improvement in tone was well worth that trade off.
Some have said that the JB sounds good clean, however as a rule I dislike humbuckers for this and prefer single coils so I can't really comment objectively on that.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: If you like a tight bottom end for your distorted stuff I'd look elsewhere.

Comments: I would not buy this pu again. It has put me off of Seymour Duncans entirely.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Homemade Explorer
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan Distortion in Neck
Artists using this pickup: Deftones is all I know of
You musical style(s): Metal, CLASSIC ROCK
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: With my setup it has lots of chunk, lots of low end, not too many mids, nice smooth highs
Sonic evaluation: I plug straight in to my crate GFX-212, the guitar has a 5-position switch a500k ohm pot and a250k ohm pot, can dial up about any sound I want with the Duncan Distortion in the neck,from thick creamy distortion to low end chunk, biting highs, or just a plain ol' sweet sounding Strat.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mostly metal/hard southern rock

Comments: I would definately replace if somethng happened to it, it's very versatile. Been playing about 8 years, been serious for about 4 years. i've played a Gibson LP studio with th 496r, 498t through both a 135 watt marshall, and my Crate, and these blow the Gibsons off the face of the planet. These are the perfect pickups for this particular guitar, it's made of swamp ash, so that probably adds to the fullness of tone. Just bought an ESP EC-400 loaded with EMG-81s, haven't plugged it up yet but it's hard to imagine it sounding any better than my Explorer. Damn near perfection.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 16K or in the ballpark

Model of guitar or bass: Schecter C1 Blackjack
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: SH-1 '59
Artists using this pickup: Like that dude from Britney Fox or something
You musical style(s): rock, hard rock, metal, post-punk, retro punk, cybergrungetechopop
Reason for pickup change: This is the pickup I decided to replace.

Perceived output level: Hotter than anything else, ever.
Tone: All treble. Screechy, icepicky when clean, piercing...get the picture?
Sonic evaluation: I had to get rid of this, but I thought I'd share my reasons, since a lot of people buy this pickup, and if you go into the Seymour Duncan forums, they'll recommend this to you for rock. I was using this in the Schecter C1 Blackjack that I used to have, and it had to go! It hurt my head! I couldn't stand to be in the same room with it (when it was plugged in and playing, I mean.) It cut through my ears like an icepick, especially when it was clean. It was literally unusable clean. What's that you say? Turn down the treble using my tone pot? Well, sure, but then the '59 pickup in the neck would sound wrong. The one thing I do have to say good about this is that it made harmonics a snap. It was literally so hot that it gave you that sound where the guitar sounds like it's about to explode, you know, where any noise you make on the strings by rubbing your hand turns into pinch harmonics. I eventually settled on putting an SH-5 Custom where the JB used to be, and that sounded SOOOO much better. Finally, I sold the whole guitar, because I didn't like the 25.5" scale. Now I've got a SH-6 Distortion, which I prefer over the Custom.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rock, hard rock, metal, post-punk. This is not good for vintage tones, but fun for '80's "metal".

Comments: No way I would buy this again. It's too peircing. If I got one, I'd swap it out for an SH-6 Distortion or at the worst, an SH-5 Custom. People think that ceramic magnet pickups are grating. Well, they haven't heard the JB. It takes the cake.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 16.4 K impedance

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Studio
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: 498T
Other pickups on guitar: 490R
Artists using this pickup: many
You musical style(s): Rock, Metal, some Blues
Reason for pickup change: I wasn't satisfied with the output of the stock 498T.

Perceived output level: High output, but not too high (maybe the passive version of an EMG 85)
Tone: middy, trebly
Sonic evaluation: I use a Gibson LP Studio plugged straight into a Mesa Single Rectifier. The Recto then goes to a THD Hotplate, and then to a Marshall MG412 cabinet.
I was expecting a little more gain out of the JB, but it is definitely more than the 498T. Like other people have said, it does lack bass, but that's easily corrected by turning the bass up on the amp. It gives very clear, pronounced harmonics and has great sustain. It also cleans up very nicely (much better than the 498T) and has a nice tone for a bridge humbucker.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a lot of metal, ie. Metallica, Megadeth, Godsmack, etc., and this pickup fits them all.

Comments: If the pickup were destroyed I think I would try something with a little more power--maybe a SD Distortion or a Dimarzio Super Distortion. But, overall this is a good pickup; it's definitely better than stock.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Agile 2500
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock ceramic
Other pickups on guitar: Stock neck ceramic
Artists using this pickup: List is endless
You musical style(s): Hard rock/Metal
Reason for pickup change: Stock was too thin and sterile sounding.

Perceived output level: Pretty fuzzy all the way up. I have my volume pot on about 7. Great crunch!!
Tone: Very nice on all freq's. Great middy tone. Awesome for Metal tone.
Sonic evaluation: Peavey XXX, Sonic 412 cab, Agile 2500 LP model, Gibson LP
Probably would sound great also with a Rectifier

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Perfect match for doing Metal and Hard Rock. Think Metallica tone!

Comments: I haven't had a whole lot of experience with pups but I do like this one way better than my SH-10 Full Shred on my Gibson LP. I think I may have found THE sound I was looking for. I will purchase another to put on my Gibson. It also cleans up nice for dirty tones. I would definitely get another one if it were stolen.

Pickup features: Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Classic Quilt Top
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Epiphone Stock PUP
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan '59 SH-1n
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues, Classic Rock, Hard Rock
Reason for pickup change: Originals sucked.

Perceived output level: Fairly high output. I definately noticed a jump in overall volume after installation.
Tone: Mids are pronounced but trebles and bass aren't far behind.
Sonic evaluation: I'm running this PUP in my Epi Les Paul (mahogany body and neck with a maple cap) straight into a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (modded and using a Jensen C12N). This pickup sizzles through this rig! It's perfect for cutting through the mix during a solo and combined with the '59 in the neck position it provides awesome balance for rhythm. Also, if you like pinch harmonics this pickup will be your best friend.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This PUP is a perfect match for Blues, Rock, Hard Rock, Country, Southern Rock and Pop.

Comments: If this pickup were destroyed I would definately replace it. I've been playing for 20 years. It is just an awesome all-around versatile PUP and I can't recommend it enough.

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs: seymourduncan.com

Model of guitar or bass: esp ltd v-100
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: duncan designed stock hb-103b
Other pickups on guitar: other duncan designed (neck)
Artists using this pickup: el hombre
You musical style(s): hard rock, blues, punk
Reason for pickup change: need clarity and higher output.

Perceived output level: hot
Tone: well balanced with emphasis on highs/mids
Sonic evaluation: ampeg r212 reverberocket combo, boss mega distortion. heavy as hell, mind ripping tone. searing leads and enough chunk and thump to make rhythm worthwhile.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: this pickup is good for rhythm/riff guys, solos, in the regions between rock and metal. well balanced.

Comments: this is becoming my fave pickup, more meatier than the duncan sh-5 custom, which is heavy clean, not quite as pushed toward the mids like a jb model. this is the best compromise i have found between the clean and dirty worlds.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: Esp EC-1000 Deluxe
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: 59
Artists using this pickup: Quite a few artists
You musical style(s): Alternative hard-rock
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level:
Tone: very balanced string to string with very clear sound and definition
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Laney Vh100R with Marshall 1960a cab with 2 V30s and 2 GT-75s along with my trusty ESP EC-100 Deluxe

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

Comments: This pickup sounds great on this guitar! I'm not usually a Duncan fan with all the other pickups I've tried from them and always felt something was a missing. But, for some reason the JB sounds great on this ax and I love the sounds I'm getting from it. It can do great leads and rythm crunch and it always maintains a clear focus sound that is warm and balanced. I really dig this pickup and I don't struggle to tweak it the next day or week. It's very consistent and I love it! This pickup may not sound good for every guitar but for me it's perfect!

Pickup features: Hum; Pass
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass:
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Good output
Tone: Alright tone; thin in the middle, not balanced
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: Do yourself a favor and get yoursef a set of WCR Pickups. I've bought about a hundred sets of Seymour Duncans over the years and they always seemed a little bit lacking in one area or another. Now I've reached the end of the line in pickups WCR Picks. Do yourself a favor, save the extra money and but yourself a set....you'll be glad You did...I KNOW I am!

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: american strat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: s/d pearly gates
Other pickups on guitar: custom s/d single coils
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): classis rock /blues
Reason for pickup change: pearly gates to bright

Perceived output level: full very hot, easy to distort paf style
Tone: killer right in pocket for classic or hard rock
Sonic evaluation: marshall avt head 2-12 cab/ tubeworks rack setup 2-12 greenbacks, gibson goltone les paul jr.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: classis rock blues, perfect for the classic rock sound in a strat very hot p-up

Comments: been playing for 25 years if you need a well rounded humbucker for a strat this is a good choice

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: See SD blurb.....souped up PAF with bumped 400 hZ peak

Model of guitar or bass: Retrofit on Gibsons
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson
Other pickups on guitar: See above
Artists using this pickup: Everyone and their Mother
You musical style(s): Hard Rock,Metal,Acid Jazz
Reason for pickup change: Lame pickups from your fave mfg.

Perceived output level: Medium
Tone: A PAF with a spike around 400 hZ;fantastic harmonics
Sonic evaluation: Used in Marshalls,Mesa-Boogies....etc.Basically a PAF with a bump in the upper-mids that Magically makes those "Ping Harmonics" fly off the Guitar.Great vintage sound.Better installed on a Trad Ax like a Gibson than with modern gear like Ibanez...overall, these are thin sounding on a Basswood Guitar.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Hard Rock,Metal.

Comments: I've been playing almost 34 years. The JB is an industry standard.Gear: LOTS!Great spike at 400 hZ that cuts through the mix and good harmonics.Music industry trivia: SD's early ads stated that this was a copy of a PUP made for Jeff Beck (The JB) Herein lies a tale.....when I contacted SD in the mid-90's and asked them what JB stands for, (already knowing the Jeff Beck hype),the response was:
(Dead silence)....Uh...well.."Jazz-Blues" (?!) Seems they changed their story.Perhaps it's because once upon a time SD released an EVH PUP when he was the new kid on the block...without Eddie's permission.Result: He now endorses DiMarzio & Peavy.That being said, SD's are great PUPS; he goes after a vintage sound.Best retrofit in an SG,Les Paul, etc.However,I've found DiMarzio's work much better in Ibanez and lighter body guitars that need a Bit 0'"Omph"

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: it doesnt really matter, just hear it.

Model of guitar or bass: Home made Frankenstrat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Invader ( makes a great paperweight)
Other pickups on guitar: fender tex mex neck and middle (surprisingly good, the reason they are so cheap is because they ADMIT that they are mexican made)
Artists using this pickup: i dunno, lots of people
You musical style(s): from jazz to Metal
Reason for pickup change: the invader made my alder sound like mahogany. And I already have a bass player.

Perceived output level: Hotter than any stock bucker, not too hot.
Tone: well balanced. more mids than the average pickup though, but that is necessary with todays mid-less high gain amps and pedals. it does a justice
Sonic evaluation: I use this on my custom strat through a bedrock lead 50, a modded hot rod deluxe and a classic 30. sound great through all. this pickup must be understood though. if i am playing blues through a classic 30, i switch from pos 4 to the jb and it gives a small boost.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: this pickup is great for the versitile guitarist. not too much output and maintains tone

Comments: she's a keeper!! I have tried almost everything. i tried the invader, i've tried that emg crap, i have tried the evolution (not too bad) but this one speaks my language. it is suprisingly toneful for a hot bridge humbucker, grat for pinch harmonics and all harmonics for that matter. i recommend it to all. i have been using this pickup for 8 months,so this review is not just some exited consumer venting his energy. it wont make you play better, it won't turn your garbage crate crap into a jcm800, but is is a good pickup. if there is a perfect bridge pickup this is it. remember, if you like to dip your face in a tacklebox, get an invader.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 1977 Ibanez Les Paul Copy
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock super 70's
Other pickups on guitar: super 70's in neck
Artists using this pickup: lots
You musical style(s): rock, alternative...blah blah....
Reason for pickup change: stock super 70's went the microphonic route...

Perceived output level: mid output, not as hot as I thought it would be, but you never know til its in the guitar.
Tone: all around, i'm pretty happy. Definitely more full sounding than the stock super 70's. Notes cut clearer even with a great deal of distortion....
Sonic evaluation: like i said, its in my 1977 ibanez les paul copy, to a mesa boogie v-twin preamp pedal into a '96 Fender Blues Deville. I also have an epi sheraton II with duncan custom (b) and '59 (n), which I'm very happy with. A friend had a JB in his epi lp, and I liked the sound, so i thought i'd give this one a try.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i needed more chunk for rythmn in a punky rock cover band, this seemed to fit the bill quite nicely. Didn't get the feedback that I thought this pickup would give, but at least has nice tone and got rid of the microphonic squeal i was getting with the super 70's.

Comments: sure, i probably would get this pu again. Doubt someone would steal just the pu though.lol.
Been playing 10 years. Just rythmn. Don't have the dexterity for lead work, but find this pu to be pretty nice for rythmn. I'm hardly a guitar expert, but I'm pretty happy with the results of installing this seymour.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: See SD website

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson L-6s, Ibanez Destroyer X
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Too numerous to remember
Other pickups on guitar: Gib - DeArmond Goldtone, Ibanez - Screamin' Demon
Artists using this pickup: A lot, including some that shouldn't
You musical style(s): Blues, hard rock, some metal
Reason for pickup change: Do you really need a reason to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on installing pickup after pickup on dozens of guitars, looking for the right pickup/wood combination that makes you want to play your axe instead of eat and sleep? Hey, beginners, don't think you're not going to go here. If you are serious about you're playing, you swap pickups. The better you get, the more expensive the habit.

Perceived output level: The JB is a rather hot pickup, designed for gain of various strengths, the more the merrier!
Tone: I find the JB to be a pretty clear pickup, cuts through a loud mix, plenty of midrange to get your point across. Well balanced, but can be very thin in anything other than a mahogany body. Very trebly, for the lead player that likes his harmonics. Isn't going to give you a tremendous palm mute chug by itself, but when combined with the right neck p/up, watch out.
Sonic evaluation: I just wanted to make a couple of remarks about what I've found to be some interesting characteristics of this p/up.
First, the JB loses a great amount of it's fantastic grind when hooked up to a volume pot. I've found the JB to sound best when it's run straight to a tone pot, no volume. You want something softer, use your neck p/up, for God's sake!
Second, the treble can get very spiky, as many have mentioned. I have my tone pot around 7-8, just enough to tame some of the spikeyness without killing off the harmonics (which require treble!!!!)
Third, because the JB can get so thin, even with compression, I almost always use a neck/bridge setting. However, my neck p/ups are split between series and parallel. I use the parallel neck setting, volume (with tone cap and resistor - get a clue, people!) in combination with the JB. This is tone heaven!
On the DeArmond/JB(with chrome cover) combo, I can get some beautiful sounds, from a light crunch to full on high-gain insaneness. Here's a trick, though, when you have a JB with a chrome cover, extend the pole pieces a little bit, maybe 1/32 to 1/16, for better string separation. You'll definitely hear the difference. A metal cover seems to homogenize the magnetic field some, I wouldn't use a metal cover bridge humbucker on a dedicated shred machine.
With the Screamin' Demon/JB combination, I'm in shred heaven. The SDemon is also used in the parallel config, combined with the JB I get even more harmonics, growl and a great palm mute chunk. It's not the most versatile axe I own, but when I feel like bringing the roof down, this is the one, everything on, volume up, stand back!!!!
Also, I tend to raise my JB's up a little past where everyone says to set them. There's a point where you can hear the strings start to oscillate due to the magnets being too close, then back them off just a tad. I'm not recording in a multi-million dollar studio, I just want to scream some liquid fire and I'll put up with a little bit of oscillation to get it. There's nothing like it when you find it.
Last, a warning. I have found that the JB doesn't mate up well with an Alnico II pickup in the neck. Too much of a sonic change between them. Always use an Alnico V in the neck, you'll save yourself a headache and some $$$.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: These are no good for anything clean or light. If you are afraid of gain, stay away, far, far away.

Comments: I love the JB's for what I play. I use Pearly Gates in the bridges of my medium gain, blues guitars, although I'm now having a neck Antiquity installed in my PRS with a Blues Saraceno in the bridge, that should be interesting. It's not easy picking the right pickup, you really won't know anything until it's installed, but if you're a blues/hard rocker you can't start with a better bridge pickup than a JB. Why else would it be Seymour's all time best seller? Someone must like it. Best of luck to you, hope this helps.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 16.4k

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Studio
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 500T
Other pickups on guitar: Stock neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Marshall rock!
Reason for pickup change: The Ceramic Mag was too mushy and was incredibly noisy.

Perceived output level: It sounds hotter than the stock pickups, but with an emphasis on the upper mids and treble.
Tone: Very bright and trebly. Too bright, for me. It's not quite the "icepick in the ear" feeling, but the treble strings sound harsh, with very little sustain. There is very little bass response in this pickup. The mids do have a nice sparkle to them, though. Bar chords sound nice and crisp, and there's a lot of note definition...I like that a lot. Unfortunately, MetalMan cannot live on barre chords alone; single note lines and leads sound very anemic, not at all what I was expecting. Strangely enough, my friend has a strat/tele hybrid with a JB Jr. in the bridge, and other than the tele's natural twanginess, I really can't tell the difference between his and my LP in a back-to-back sonic comparison. Whether you like the pickup or not, the JB definitely has a sound of its own.
Sonic evaluation: I'm playing through a 78 JMP 50 watt w/ EL34s, which is a pretty bright amp on its own. 16k is *really* hot for a pickup, and it seems to be boosting frequencies that are already very well compensated.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play 70s style hard rock and metal, with touches of stoner and doom. This is supposed to be the JB's bailiwick, but to my ears the JB is just too bright to compete with the rest of the band...I need something more balanced. However, I think it might sound better in rigs with higher headroom, like a Sunn Model T, Ampeg V-2, Fender, or Marshall with 6550 or KT-88 power tubes. The pickup is very hot and will do a fine job of driving the front end of an amp.

Comments: This was my first aftermarket pickup purchase. Buying pickups is such a dicey proposition...there are so many variables involved, and just because something sounds good in a store doesn't guarantee it'll sound the same when it's soldered in your guitar and running through your rig. The manufacturer's descriptions are of no real help, either, so it's really a matter of trial-and-error. (Come to think of it, this review itself may be of no value!)
Overall, I was disappointed with the JB. I thought it would help my leads to stand out more. After playing a friend's LP with a custom-wound Duncan pickup (from EVH's private stock, allegedly!) I think a Duncan 59/Rio Grande or similar PAF style would give me the solid fundamental sound I crave...the overdrive pedal can take care of the rest for leads.
In summary: it's a fine, well-made pickup, and while it has some nice qualities, it's not what I'm looking for.

Pickup features: humbucking, passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Studio
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 498T
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan Jazz
Artists using this pickup: Dave Mustaine
You musical style(s): Thrash Metal, Metal
Reason for pickup change: The 498T wasn't hot enough, and i need a nice open coil pickup.

Perceived output level: about as much ouput as a Gibson 500T
Tone: this pickup is very trebly, which is really good, and balanced, and it has a full sound, not thin like some bridge pickups
Sonic evaluation: this pickup is insane, it's one of the best bridge pickups i've heard for metal, I'm currently running it through a 4x12 with an orange AD30TC head and it is perfect my musical style.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As i said i play thrash metal, and this pickup is great for it, i really haven't tried it on anything else, but it seems like it would be too hot to play jazz and soft stuff like that, seems too hot.

Comments: If this pickup were destroyed or stolen i would definitely buy it again, it's an awesome pickup. I've been playing for about a yearm and have played many pickups during that time, and tis is one of the best pickups there is.I also own a les paul studio lite with a 500T in the bridge and this pickup seems fuller and not as thin as the 500T.This pickup even has 4 conductor wiring for coil splitting so even if you wanted to do that you could. i really like this pickup.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker, black exposed bobbins. 4-conductor cable with foil shield. Wax potted, I think.
Impedence or other specs: Pretty hot...don't remember exact number.

Model of guitar or bass: 1998 Epiphone Les Paul Standard Limited Edition Quilt Top
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock Epiphone humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: stock Epiphone humbucker
Artists using this pickup: Seymour Duncan himself...he says so!
You musical style(s): Rock, a very little bit of sloppily played jazz
Reason for pickup change: The stock bridge pup was an absolute dog (no pun intended...or perhaps it was :-)Very middy, mushy, no definition. Not good for lead work.

Perceived output level: Pretty hot compared to stock. I noticed a definite jump in volume.
Tone: Still not what I would call a "hi-fi" pickup, not in the way that a Fender single coil or a PAF is. Maybe it's just the guitar it's in, but my JB still sounds very midrangey with weak bass and trebles. Certainly doesn't seem to fit the little tone profile graph that Seymour provided on his website.
Sonic evaluation: I'm running my Paul through a Laney HC50 combo amp--admittedly not the best amp in the world, I know--and often through distortion boxes. I have to say that the Les Paul/JB sounds best through a good distortion, like a Boss DS-1 or a Big Muff. It excels at creamy overdriven tones, and it makes controllable feedback harmonics easy to get. By itself, on the clean channel, it sounds annoyingly whiny. The JB is definitely a rock-type distortion pickup.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Excellent for hard rock, Floydish space rock in combination with a Big Muff or similar fuzztone, classic rock...anywhere you want thick, chunky overdriven power chords and leads. Not as good for more modern alternative type rock, which generally begs for a brighter Fendery sound. Might do for metal in a pinch.

Comments: The JB certainly was a step up from the crap stock bridge pickup Epiphone had plopped in my (at $500, somewhat overpriced) Paul, but it still isn't quite what I'm looking for. I was really hoping for a really balanced sound, with good bass and trebles that was also powerful and fat (ie not a Strat sound, but something with a bit of that Fender fidelity). As it stands, the JB/Paul combination makes for a great high-gain rock guitar, but not a very versatile one in that it only sounds good (to me anyway) through a distortion, which may have been Seymour's intention all along. Which is cool. I wish I could switch between two bridge pickups without having to reinstall and rewire the whole mess, and that's my misfortune. I also have a Duncan '59 that I might put in instead to see if it's more to my liking, and save the JB for something else. It's not a bad pickup for what it does, but don't expect it to be a panacea cuz it's definitely not an all-around performer like a PAF.
One thing I HAVEN'T tried, btw, is playing with the JB's 4-conductor wiring, which of course allows for all kinds of switching tricks like phase, coil split, series/parallel, etc. Everything I've said relates to standard series wiring.

Pickup features: Passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Refer to Seymour Duncan website for this data

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Gibson POS :^)
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan '59 in neck
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck, supposedly
You musical style(s): Everything from ballads to blues to hard rock
Reason for pickup change: Wanted something that didn't SUCK like the stock hardware

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: Good for rock.
Sonic evaluation: Used with Les Paul and Fender Hot Rod DeLuxe and POD.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: JB works well with rock.

Comments: I have two of these for sale. Call me @ (208) 939-6787 and I'll make you a screamin' deal.

Pickup features: humbucking passive
Impedence or other specs: yeah...

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: DiMarzio Super Distortion
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan '59
Artists using this pickup: Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman, Joe Perry, Tommy Thayer, Jeff Beck
You musical style(s): rock, metal, blues
Reason for pickup change: DiMarzio lacked good tone and clarity.

Perceived output level: Not as hot as the distortion pup but hotter than a '59
Tone: balanced. I think one guy said something like," A top like Halle Berry and a bottom like Jennifer Lopez." Good one, dude. Sounds pretty accurate.
Sonic evaluation: Epiphone lp standard through a crappy Line 6 spider 210. Also own a POD 2.0 which is slightly more enjoyable to use than the amp. Only used it twice since I got it, though.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play anything but rap or disco. I'd say its good for what I play

Comments: Destroyed or stolen: first I'd whore myself out to the women of my town to get another one or maybe something better. Then I'd find the little punk who stole it and break all ten of his fingers for touching my stuff. I've been playin for about ten and a half years. This is my one and only rig. I don't gig but I still love to play and am planning on getting better stuff( it's taking forever though, cause I work at KMart). I considered the Custom 5 but I was afraid it would sound too bassy like my DiMarzio. I picked this because I heard great things from most people who bought it. The sound I had in my head was the rhythm tone in Aerosmith's "Sick As A Dog" I'm not sure whether it was Brad or Joe who played it. I heard maybe even Tom Hamilton played rhythm on that track. If you have the cd listen to the middle of the song where its just the drums and guitar. You'll know what I mean. I'm closer to that sound but I think if I just get a tube amp I'll be there. I also plan to get an Elitist '61 SG and put some Burstbuckers in it. But for now I'm satisfied. I wish it had a nickel cover but thats no big deal.

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: does it matter?

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez RG3120
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Dimarzio Tone Zone
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan Jazz
Artists using this pickup: Many
You musical style(s): Many (no country or Neil Young)
Reason for pickup change: Got tired of the Dimarzios pretty quick!

Perceived output level: about the same as the tone zone... maybe a little hotter.
Tone: clear and balanced.
Sonic evaluation: O.K. It doesn't really matter what I'm playing through but I'll tell you anyway - Marshall JMP-1 through 2 Fender Champ 25SE's with a Quadraverb in stereo live, POD, J-Station and JMP-1 direct. This pickup sounds great in this guitar. It has more bottom end in a mahogany guitar (I had it in basswood before) and is sweet with plenty of sustain which the tone zone lacked in this guitar. The tone zone wasn't bad and I really tried to like it but it tended to choke up (loose sustain) under medium to heavy gain. I had to modify (cut) the mounting tabs of the JB a little to get it to fit in this guitar but it was no big deal. I don't think Ibanez want's you to put Duncans (or others) in this guitar...TOO BAD!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Bridge position for sure, never tried it in the neck. Works well for many styles... a "swiss army knife" of a pickup. Just check out Robben Ford.

Comments: If it were stolen I'd be sorry for the guy since I have a tracking device in the guitar. Yeah right!! Anyway, I chose this pickup (and the Jazz in the neck) based on past experience and the sound clips on the SD website (I decided by the clean clips). It seems not many people put Duncans in their Ibanez's... could it be because they don't fit without modification? Shame on you Ibanez... I've had Ibanez's since I was 16 and I've been playing for 30+ years. I really tried to like the Dimarzios but gave in to Duncans again! I guess I'm a Duncan mahn. If you have a mahogany body guitar and like to FEEL your playing... go for the JB. It won't let you down.

Pickup features: Humbucker passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: B.C.Rich Warlock
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock p.o.s.
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Dave Mustain
You musical style(s): Metal, Rock, Classic Rock, Classical.
Reason for pickup change: Stock pick-ups were horrible.

Perceived output level: Sounded good on clean, but distortion wasn't great...Too much twang for my taste.
Tone: Bassy
Sonic evaluation: B.C.Rich Warlock guiter, Fender Princeston Chorus 120w amp, Digitech RP300 effects processor..

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Again...Metal, Rock, Classic Rock, Classical.

Comments: If it were destroyed or stolen it wouldn't be my problem, I've already traded it in on a Carvin M22T which kicks ass, might I add.
I've been playing for 3+ years...
I liked how the pick-up sounded on clean, or clean with effects such as chorus...etc...
I wish it had a better sound on distortion, was too bassy and
didn't give much feeling...
If you like Seymour Duncans, and this type of sound
go ahead and get it, but it just didn't suit me.
I wanted a more metal crunch, with great sustain on all the notes.
And good harmonics. The JB didn't have any of those except
the good harmonics, but not good enough.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Hamer Studio and Mirage
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan 59
Artists using this pickup: Too many too list
You musical style(s): Heavy rock and metal
Reason for pickup change: Duncans were stock on guitar.

Perceived output level: Hot - above average output and volume but easily controllable.
Tone: Balanced and beautiful.
Sonic evaluation: I am using this bridge bucker in a Hamer Mirage and a Hamer Studio. I am running through a VHT Valvulator into a Line 6 Vetta and this pickup is heaven. Ther bottom is thick and chunky...nice and tight. The mids are perfect and thick, plus the highs are sweet and warm. This pickup sounds great clean and heavy. I have no complaints at this point and hopefully do not see any in the future. I can't get over the thickness of the Duncan JB......beautiful and rich tone. Our detuned heavy songs now sound so much more defined and thick....even over the Rio grande BBQ which I was using in another guitar. I also tried the Duncan C-5 inthe Hamer but it sounded thin next to the thick balls of the JB. Great pup!!!! I tried EMGs and hated them.....but I didn't spend time with them.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Heavy metal/heavy rock/rock

Comments: A+...good job, Duncan!

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone Les Paul Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Epiphone
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan SH-1 ('59)
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck?
You musical style(s): Blues, Country, British
Reason for pickup change: Wanted something hotter, livelier than the stock Epi Pups.

Perceived output level: About the same as stock, very generic.
Tone: Lots of mids and high, light on the bass.
Sonic evaluation: I bought this pickup based on the reviews here, as well as my satisfaction with the Duncan '59 that I was already using in the neck. I play through a SF Super Reverb. I have to tell you though, that I am a little disappointed in this pickup. The JB to me sounds very generic and bland. It is average in output, and seems to lack the "sparkle" of the '59. There may be a reason, however.
I have come to realize that Epi LP Standards have maple necks. It is obvious if you look at one with paint you can see through, not ebony, or the like. The neck's wood is clearly lighter than the body, and has a different grain than mahagony. Also, you can look at the used ones on ebay, and any dents,chips on the necks will reveal the unmistakable evidence of Maple. I just looked at some new 2003 EPI LPs, at Sam Ash, and guess what? They have maple necks; three piece, like the old Gibson LP Deluxe's.
Is that a bad thing? Not according to a Luthier I just spoke to. The Maple neck can withstand falls "FAR" better than Mahogony. It also gives the guitar a brighter sound, not as dark as it's Gibson counterpart. I just wish Epiphone would be honest, and admit that their LPs have maple necks.
Whats the point of all this? An earlier reviewer stated that the JB would not be a good choice for a maple necked guitar, and perhaps he's right. I wounder what my JB would sound like in a Gibson.
In any case, I don't thind the JB is right for me, and so the search goes on.

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

Comments: I play mostly Fender Guitars, with single coils and wanted an LP as an alternative. I'm starting to believe, that I will never get the classic "Les Paul" sound out of my epi, since the neck material has such a large contribution to the overall sound. To tell you the truth, with the JB in the bridge, it sounds like a set-neck, FAT Strat. I really love the sound, but it doesn't sound like a Les Paul.
For now, I going back to the Bill Lawrence (OBL) twin blade Humbucker that I bought off ebay for $5.00; Hot and Ballsy....what I thought the JB would deliver..............Very happy with sound of the '59 in the neck, however.

Pickup features: Humbucker, Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson USA Kelly
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: Duncan Jazz
Artists using this pickup: Megadeth, lots of others
You musical style(s): Melodic Death/Black Metal-heavy rock in general
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: A bit above average
Tone: fairly balanced with a lean to the treble side, has a high mid spike
Sonic evaluation: In my alder Kelly, it is thin, weak and has NO low end chunk. In a guitar made of a more bassy wood..this pickup would ROCK.

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

Comments: This pickup came stock in the bridge of my USA Kelly, I thought it sounded kinda thin from day one. Now that I have been playing with it for about a year, I really don't like it in my Kelly.
In alder guitars, the JB is too thin, and has the "icepick to the forehead" high attack; A Korina or Mahogany guitar would be sound great with it.
Barring that observation, this is a GREAT all around rock pickup really. Balanced pretty well with a slight mid high spike-which would give you great lead tone.
I will be replacing it, and if the wood did not give it the tone it has, I would leave it in place.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Mine tested a whopping 18.6k!!

Model of guitar or bass: '97 Hamer USA Standard
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: SH-1N '59 Model
Artists using this pickup: Too many (IMO)
You musical style(s): Blues/Blues Rock
Reason for pickup change: Haven't yet.

Perceived output level: High output 18.6k worth!
Tone: Lacks a warm bottom, middy and fairly trebbly too.
Sonic evaluation: '97 USA Hamer Standard- Mesa Rect-O-Verb Combo- Fender Super Champ- Randall RG150 Combo. This is a very popular PUP eventhough I don't really care for it. On the Good side: You can get pinch harmonics without even trying (But I guess that's not all good). And if you play alot of solos it works very well. You can also get some good heavy metal "chunk" out of it. On the Bad side: You get pinch harmonics way too easily, and it's not a very "warm" sound. I really don't believe this PUP works for the blues or bluesy rock. It'll work well if you play harder styles of music. Just not for me.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: (Again) Blues&Blues Rock ,and I guess moderately hard rock We'll call it "Firm Rock".

Comments: Over my 13 years of playing, I have tried this PUP in many different variations of guitars and amps; many of these guitars came stock (or had been retrofitted) with this PUP. I can honestly say that I don't care for it, it just isn't the sound for me. I believe that the higher output and lack of bass make it a fairly "edgy" PUP. This one came stock in a USA Hamer guitar and has a bit more output than the normal ones. Hamer used to have all of their Duncan PUPS made specifically for them. All the Duncan equipped USA Hamer guitars that I've owned have had PUPS that seem to have been given a few more winds than their store bought conterparts (is this an accident?). I think I'm going to try a Custom 5, I've had good results with that one. A "6" because of the "edgy" character associated with it. But it would be good for aggressive rock styles.