Seymour Duncan JB

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker (Bridge)
Impedence or other specs: Website has chart listing specs and comparisons to other Seymour Duncan pickups

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Gothic Explorer
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 500T
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson 496
Artists using this pickup: Megadeth, Scott Ian (Anthrax) and several others (listed on website)
You musical style(s): Hard Rock and Metal
Reason for pickup change: The 500T came stock in the bridge and although I liked it, I heard some strange noises and thought it might be the pickup. I figured since I was getting it looked at anyway, that I might want to replace the pickup and try something different for curiosity's sake.

Perceived output level: About the same as most stock pickups. Although it lists the output as about the same as the Seymour Duncan Distortion (SH-6), it is definitely not as "metal" as the SH-6. The 500T even seemed to have more output than the JB.
Tone: Has a trebly, middy type sound that I would not catagorize as "warm". Not bad, but not the warmth and distortion I expected. I thought the tone would resemble that of the SH-6, but it doesn't
Sonic evaluation: I have this put in my Gibson Gothic Explorer and run it through a LANEY GH100TI TONY IOMMI HEAD. I also throw a BOSS SD-1 in front to "slam" the tubes. This pickup sounded ok to me, but it didn't blow me away like I thought it would. It has a very basic sound that didn't really impress me.

Single notes seemed to sound good and sustain for what seemed like forever, but when hitting chords I get this slightly processed type sound. It is hard to describe but it just sounds kind of "fake".

When I first got my guitar back from the store, the pickup was very close to the strings because the guy lowered my action. At this setting, the pickup sounded like an icepick and I was immediately let down. I lowered the pickup and was able to get a very usable sound, but like I said, it was nothing to write home about.
I also noticed that this pickup was very noisy. Even playing through a POD with the noise gate on, I was getting these irritating noises.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I like playing hard rock and metal. Although this pickup can do metal and hard rock, I think you have to have a certain setup to achieve this. It just feels like you have to work so hard to get a great metal sound out of it. The Seymour Duncan Distortion, and EMG-81 that I previously owned could do metal and hard rock without much prodding.

Comments: I am getting this pickup out of my guitar as soon as possible. I won't buy it again. I have been playing for almost 20 years. I tried to like this pickup, but I was forcing it. The pickup is just average. Nothing special. I would pick a Gibson 496 pickup over this. It is just not me. I think I'll throw a SH-6 in there.

Pickup features: Zebra-coiled passive humbucker.
Impedence or other specs: C. 15 k ohm (7.5 k ohm tapped) with AlNiCo magnet.

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Deluxe
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson mini humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Neck pickup is a Kent Armstrong PAF
Artists using this pickup: El Becko and a multitude of others who recognise a great sounding pickup.
You musical style(s): Blues/Rock : out of the British 60s/70s school
Reason for pickup change: The original minihumbucker lacked clout. Great for clean parts but needed external help to overdrive my Hiwatt DR103. The JB had a great reputation for power and clarity and to optimise its versatility I wired it to a pair of Yamahan push/push tone pots to coil tap and/or reverse its pahse with the neck p/u. Results include greater all out gain, excellent interaction with the neck Armstrong both in- and out-of-phase. The tapped mode is brighter than the mini h/b that the SD replaced. It's a corking pickup. Now over fifteen years old it still delivers the goods. I have never ever considered replacing it. It is THAT good!

Perceived output level: More output than a PAF but with a strong mid-range and great clarity. Vastly superior to a Di Marzio Super II in terms of power and versatility.
Tone: Solid, tight bottom end; mid, mid and more mids; crisp treble which becomes searing in tapped mode. Roll off the volume and the tapped mode becomes very glassy. Try and convince some folk that they are hearing a Les Paul in this set up and disbelief sets in very quickly.
Sonic evaluation: Gibson Les Paul with SD JB into either Hiwatt DR103 and 4x12 OR Marshall MG30DFX (depending on venue). The Hiwatt and JB were made for one another. Wind up the gain and the master volume and listen to the Seymour sing. Harmonics slice the top of your head off. Simply an awesome combination. Roll back the guitar volume and the clean tones never disappoint. With the Marshall 30 watt combo, the JB makes a nonsense of the overdrive channel, it simply overwhelms it and all subtlety is lost in an overdriven mush. Stick to the clean channel and use a ProCo RAT (uh huh, another JB influence!) to graduate levels of overdrive and distortion. The Jeff Beck, into a Marshall (clean) via a RAT makes one of the best guitar sounds in our little musical circus. The tapped mode offers up all manner of possibilities, which is compounded by the phase reversal options. Probably the most versatile sounding guitar I have - although it won't take on a Strat on its own territory. If I can only take one guitar to a gig or jam, it is almost always the JB armoured Gold Top. Draw your own conclusions.....

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Blues/Rock. By definition this is Les Paul and British valve [tube] amps blasting it out. The JB has added extra dimensions to my sound and was worth every penny. In conjunction with a PAF it appears to achieve a very even balance across the sound spectrum. I wouldn't be inclined to use the JB in any other than the bridge position. It is simply a high class act.

Comments: No doubt. If my JB died or was otherwise ruined I'd have another without a moment's hesitation. I have tried Di Marzio, Kent Armstrong, Bill Lawrence and Schaller pickups. Only the Jeff Beck pickup has remained in place since it was fitted.
It is a glorious piece of hardware that not only works brilliantly on its own, it interacts with the neckpick up for thick in-phase sounds and classic Peter Green out-of-phase sounds. I opted for the JB because it offered coil tapping and phasing options and the promise of Alnico magnets. I have not been disapointed.

Pickup features: passice
Impedence or other specs: no idea

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Studio
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Gibson 498T
Other pickups on guitar: Gibson 490R
Artists using this pickup: no idea, my assumption would be Jeff Beck, but i don't care. I use it.
You musical style(s): rock
Reason for pickup change: The stock 498T wasn't my cup of tea. It wasn't clear enough.

Perceived output level: Around the same as the stock pickup, maybe a tad less
Tone: It has excellent tone, excellent clarity, although, a little less bass than the stock pickup, but i still love it.
Sonic evaluation: I play through a Fender Deluxe 90 (haha, yes that's right) it's one of the better solid states out there, believe me, but i have played it through a Marshall dsl50 at the music store, and it sounds even more awesome through that. If you buy a gibson, make sure it doesn't have the 490/498 combination because they suck. Get a les paul with burstbuckers or something. But the JB is excellent, perfect harmonics and sustain, perfect feedback control. I love it.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Seymour duncan recommends this for the bridge, they don't even make a neck version so.... go figure.

Comments: If it were stolen? I'd like to meet the person who successfully steals a pickup out of a guitar without ruining it. I'll be putting this pickup in my other guitars when i get the money! Been playing 8 years...I haven't found 'the sound' yet....hopefully I will someday, maybe if i get the right amp i will. I didn't really try any other pickups, i saw this one in the store, and said...hmm...seymour duncan....it's pretty cheap, free installation, yea...i'll get it. And I must say i'm satisfied and happy! Buy it if your a rocker. Get an Invader if your a metal freak.

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: fernandes native x
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: some stock piece of poo
Other pickups on guitar: some other stock piece of poo
Artists using this pickup: terry corso(alien ant farm), stephen carpenter(deftones), tommy lee(solo project)
You musical style(s): rock, punk, emo, heavy
Reason for pickup change: stock pu was not hot and started to rust

Perceived output level: pretty hot, but not super hot
Tone: trebley, yet balanced well
Sonic evaluation: i put it into an alder body fernandes. it sounds so sweet, very much like the deftones sound. im using a marshall g100rcd half stack, and it sounds really good threw it and my mxr phase 90.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: heavy rock, punk, and emo, good match

Comments: i would definately buy this again. im thinking about buying another one and putting it in my brand new esp which had duncan design pus.

Pickup features: passive ,humbucking
Impedence or other specs: 16.40K

Model of guitar or bass: EBMM axis
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: dimarzio
Other pickups on guitar: duncan alnico II pro neck
Artists using this pickup: way too many to list! seriously!
You musical style(s): classic rock to metaL
Reason for pickup change: Wanted duncans in my guitar,because the duncans allow the natural tone of the instrument to come through better. they also sound more organic and real.

Perceived output level: medium hot
Tone: present,with crunch and a lot of harmonics,singing lead tone
Sonic evaluation: marshall plexi re-issue(1959 slp) half stack with a G major prosessor.

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

Comments: I like the JB a lot,i do however use mine with a 250K volume pot,to tame some highs. i can see why it is so popular!

Pickup features: humbucker, passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: strat
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: dimarzio virtual vintage (neck)
Artists using this pickup: who knows
You musical style(s): metal, rock, blues, fusion whatever
Reason for pickup change: stocks suck and i had a JB in my jackson and i loved the sound. great rock/metal sound, very crunchy

Perceived output level: pretty good amount of gain, but not crazy like EMGs which have no tone.
Tone: crisp, crunchy but i dont recomment it with a maple neck, kinda too bright.
Sonic evaluation: standard strat, straight to a laney tube amp. with a couple effects. i love this bucker. sounds perfect for me but i the maple neck makes it a little brighter than i expected. but its got a good rock/metal crunch and amazing lead sounds.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: metal, rock, fusion;. i put it in the bridge.

Comments: great pickup, probably wont put it in a maple necked guitar though. i was thinking of dimarzios, but most of the buckers had too much mid range for my liking. JB was perfect for me.

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

Model of guitar or bass: t******** les paul copy
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock nickle covered
Other pickups on guitar: stock
Artists using this pickup: jerry cantrell, adam jones, king buzzo
You musical style(s): metal a la slayer & melvins, country honky tonk, experimental noise ex. melt banana
Reason for pickup change: wanted to try something different.

Perceived output level: it wasnt much hotter than the stock pickup.
Tone: it's labled as balanced
Sonic evaluation: i'm using this les paul copy through a marshall avt 50 head & a crate cab from the 80's

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i switch off from styles when i play, i mainly stay between the lines of metal & blues improv. the pickup is in the bridge position .

Comments: i was hoping to get a really noticable volume change, but it sounds a lot like my stock pickup when it comes to volume. I wasn't really looking for a really hot pickup but i thought that even going with the jb i might get a real noticable boost in volume. I'm pretty satisfied with it, it's very clear, it adds balls to the clean channel. I didn't really think about that i might have to change the settings on my amp to acomidate for this pickup, but it's no big deal, it's very versatile. after all the king does use it. pretty happening pickup for it's price, i'm not really bummed with it, i've only had it a day or two, and i've been churning out the sounds of evil already.

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: whatever

Model of guitar or bass: Dean Icon
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock
Other pickups on guitar: 59
Artists using this pickup: Marty Friedman, Van Halen, Jeff Beck, Jerry
You musical style(s): Hardcore/Emo + ClassicRock/Blues
Reason for pickup change: The stock pick up was weak and microphonic - Dean maked the worst pickups possible.

Perceived output level: Hot but not as hot as I had expected. I was expecting it to set the amp on fire - instead i got a very balanced, oped sounding pickup that cuts through the mix well.
Tone: Hot and trebly - cuts through the mix- especially when playing live with a powerfull drummer, a muscular bassist and a vocalist on an ego volume trip.
Sonic evaluation: I Play through a Crate VC3112 with a celestion V30 in it and man o man does this thing rip. The amp has to be cranked but when it is - oh man oman watch out. The tone is golden when soloing and the it sustains forever. My band lets me take longer solo breaks now - they like the sound that much. Oh and I am only usin a crybaby in the chain.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play everything from really heavey TooL inspired stuff to clean, jazzy-blues and this thing was designed to do one thing - solo and for that its awesome.

Comments: I wanna check out the DiMarzio ToneZone and the Rio Grande BBQ as well see how they hold up. This pickup is the ultimate soloing PU, but I was expecting more output i guess. And i get more harmonics on my strat than this thing. But it is a very balanced, open and clear sounding pickup that distorts very smoothly and sustains well. Im still looking for "that" tone. This comes close though

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: ESP Custom Shop MV
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: Single Coil in neck - Duncan LS 22?
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck, Jerry Cantrell
You musical style(s): Rock/Metal - Led Zeppelin to Cannibal Corpse. No Mall Metal.
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: On the hotter side - similar to gibson 500T.
Tone: Unusual sound - very smooth, but somewhat "tubby" - lots of bass and low-midrange, upper mids are scooped a bit, articulate top end
Sonic evaluation: I'm running this pickup into a Randall V-Max head. This pickup lacks the low end clarity you get from, say, EMGs, but the top end is very nice - produces smooth lead tones with plenty of bite. However, when you go to start riffing/palm muting, it falls apart - low end lacks the chunkiness you need for heavy music, and the bass is real flabby - no definition. Great pickup for someone who's into 70's rock, though - lead tones are real nice. If you're looking for a Metallica/Testament/Cannibal Corpse sound with a lot of palm muting, this is not the pickup for you - it's too flabby in the low end.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Everything, but mostly metal. This pickup isn't all that great, because the low end is flabby. Lead sounds are pretty rockin' though.

Comments: I'm planning on replacing it - I love the lead tones, but as soon as I go to play some chunky riffs or chugging palm-muted passages, it looses definition and sounds real mushy. I haven't chosen a replacement yet - so I'll just focus on my leads until then (I said it before, this pickup has great top end. If SD could tighten up the bass, I'd buy it in a heartbeat!) Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs: eh?

Model of guitar or bass: esp ltd m202bb
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: emg hz
Other pickups on guitar: sd '59
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): for this guitar it is metal/hardcore
Reason for pickup change: the emgs had no tone and would feed back like a bitch. they also
had too meany highs and not enough mids.

Perceived output level: about the same as the hz but fuller
Tone: warm full bodied much like a nice playboy model.
Sonic evaluation: right now i'm runing this in to a sovtek mig 60 with a metal zone (yeah i know) out frount to get the gain i want. with cabs i'm running an avatar 2x12 with a vintage 30 and a v12 and a old fender bassman with a balck shadow and a jbl

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: it's a good pick up it will do just about anything.

Comments: it took me a couple of months to get this, and then i got it over the jb because you can tap it. that is why i got it and now i love the damn thing i'm putting it in my next guitar too.

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 24" scale maple body Fender Project Guitar
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour duncan Strat lipstick Tube
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change: Needed to brighten up this short scale beauty

Perceived output level: perfect for this guitar, the lipstick provides me with Vintage sounding chords,a nd the JB is great for all applications and adds harmonics and overdrive when turned on.
Tone: Absolute Balance on this guitar. Chords sound great and single notes stand out
Sonic evaluation: I have been using this guitar with a Marshall practive amp and a Fender Vibrolux at the neighbors.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This guitar sounds great for blues and classic rock. The JB is very forgiving and the short scale which caused dead sounding pingy tone now sustains and has great harmonics.

Comments: I had this pickup in a Japanese Epiphone Coronet and it was a tone monster. In my Dean, 25 1/2 scale it was too trebly and bright. This pickup is perfect for a Gibson scale or the short-neck Fenders.

Pickup features: Humbucking, passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Studio
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Regular Gibson humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Some regular Gibson PU on neck position
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck, he he :-)
You musical style(s): Metal and Hardcore
Reason for pickup change: More gain and power

Perceived output level:
Tone: Balanced, with nice bass and screaming trebble
Sonic evaluation: I used this guitar with a Peavy Supreme 100 and some ENGL Savage. Today I use it with my new Laney GH 100 TI. No f***in Pedals needed.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This PU is perfect for high gain sounds. It is always brilliant, transparent and sounds like a chainsaw. Kicks ass!!!

Comments: Perfect PU for my musical style and equipment.
It really shred everything, the tone is always very defined, you can hear every nuance of the tone. Really great.

Pickup features: Humbucker with Coil Splitting Capability
Impedence or other specs: High Output (compared to stock Les Paul unit)

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Les Paul Custom
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Les Paul Custom Humbucker
Other pickups on guitar: Stock Les Paul Hummer at neck (this sounds very bluesy)
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck Duhh
You musical style(s): Vinnie Moore, Joe Satriani, King's X
Reason for pickup change: Friend had this one and it was killer in tone!

Perceived output level: This is pretty HOT...but not as hot as say an EMG
Tone: balanced in tone...a bit trebly when coil is split to simulate single coil
Sonic evaluation: I use this to make direct recordings using ToneCrafter
I made thes mp3 clips using the JB p/u
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/kavita/mp3s/vin_chunk.mp3
http://server23.hypermart.net/killertone/tcrafter.mpga

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It works great for bridge and neck...but I love my stock LesPaul neck p/u

Comments: I have loved it, but perhaps I would try something different just to see if I could discover some new tones. I don't see how someone could be dissappointed with buying the JB model

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez S470
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Ibanez AH-1
Other pickups on guitar: Ibanez AH-2, Ibanez AS-1
Artists using this pickup: Jeff Beck, Adam Jones?, Stephen Carpenter, Tim Mahoney
You musical style(s): melodic hardcore/emo
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a higher output pickup that held the bottom end.

Perceived output level: Higher-than-normal output but not too high
Tone: Very mid-heavy, bottom end breaks up very easily
Sonic evaluation: I'm using an Ibanez S470 with a blocked floyd rose (tone killer) and a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier through a Marshall 1960A 4x12.
When I first bought this pickup I had a Marshall AVT50H (g'head, laugh it up). After that experience I've gained that valuable knowledge that this pickup does not take well to high gain Solid-State amps. It turned the amp into even more of a static blasting toneless waste of money.
With the Recto, it behaved better but still isnt exactly what I wanted. The main problem is that the bottom end has a tendancy to break up and sound aweful. Otherwise it has very good presence and nice definition. It performs adequately with no distortion but I wasn't blown away.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play melodic hardcore-emo, it's hard to say whether it matches or not, I guess it doesn't really. It's meant for the bridge.

Comments: If it was destroyed or stolen I would look around and see if there was anything better but most likely I would buy another one. It's a decent all-around pickup, the only real complaint is the fact that the bottom end breaks up a little.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Jackson KV2 Korina
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Dave Mustaine, Marty Friedman of Megadeth, and shitloads of other people
You musical style(s): Metal and blues
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: It's hot enough for my tastes
Tone: The tone is pretty chunky and sharp.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using it thru a Line6 Flextone which aint great but it gets the job done.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Heavy Metal (Metallica/Megadeth) and blues and this is a great pickup

Comments: Some people really say this isn't hot enuff. Most of them are probably going for the kind of 'screaming wall of sound' like bands like Slipknot and Meshuggah and shit have. I'm not into that kinda music. I am more into 80s thrash metal along the lines of Metallica and Megadeth. And for that, this pickup and the EMG-81 are my favorites. Go for it!

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs: 16.4 or so

Model of guitar or bass: Samick Ls-450 Artist (Les Paul Copy)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Rio Grande BBQ
Other pickups on guitar: SH-2 jazz neck
Artists using this pickup: dont care
You musical style(s): Heavy, bluesy, a little of everything
Reason for pickup change: Needed more output. I actually got this pickup by mistake. I was supposed to get the Duncan distorion, but I am glad about the mixup, and the seller and I are okay!

Perceived output level: Hot yes.
Tone: Balanced with more highs but not earsplitting
Sonic evaluation: Crate VC 30 watt tube. This amp can do blues, metal, ( I don't care what anyone else says, it does metal just fine! )and very nice full clean.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Suitable for all styles of music

Comments: Love it! I finally found my pickup of choice!

Pickup features: Passive Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Rdc is approx 16.4 Ohms, 4 wires

Model of guitar or bass: Custom Built Strat Body/Neck with two Humbuckers only
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: SH-2 Jazz Neck
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Light Rock, Jazz, Blues, Pop, General
Reason for pickup change: N/A

Perceived output level: Hot
Tone: Lots of edge but not tinty. No squeals
Sonic evaluation: Tested through a Boss Blues Driver-Compressor/Sustain-Delay/Reverb effects chain into small Marshall (10" speaker). Also into a small Ross PA via Marshall Recording Pre-Amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: 35+ years overall playing experience guitar/bass. Enjoy Light Rock and Jazz, Blues and Pop. This pickup is probably too much sound for these styles.

Comments: Installed in the bridge position with a .022 uF capacitor in a 500 K Ohm tone pot. I have an unusual setup in this guitar which has two tone pots (neck and bridge), a 500 K Ohm pan pot and one 500K volume pot. Using the pan pot to 'tranverse' between the neck and bridge pickups, I am impressed with the tonal range. However, the Jazz Neck PU (see my other review) seems to have enough guts to do the job alone. However, the JB does add interesting, increasing shades of high end 'edge'.
Unless you have seriously gigged before, I think what most people don't realize is that there is a very big difference between playing in a 'lab' environment versus a club jammed with noise and people. In the lab the JB doesn't seem to add much. However, if you do gig in loud bands in loud crowded bars, the JB will probably 'deliver the goods' - meaning it will cut above the din when soloing. I am glad I installed it in this guitar, however since I don't play the bars much anymore, it is really there for 'overdrive' if I want it. Decent general purpose 'solo' pickup. Probably won't get much use for my style of playing tho. Therefore I cannot give it a good a rating as I would like.
Also, a word of advice - I played in loud club bands from the late 60s up to the early 80s before 'retiring' from the 'biz'. Consequently, I did lose a little bit of my hearing in both ears. Not a lot, but enough that I need the TV up a little louder, and say 'huh?' sometimes. If you do play the club circuit on a consistent basis with loud bands - do yourself a favor and use ear plugs. There is no use in losing some of God's wonderful gift of hearing - especially if you ARE of all things a musician.

Pickup features: humbucker
Impedence or other specs: check the website

Model of guitar or bass: Epi Les Paul Flame Top
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar: Custom Custom
Artists using this pickup: everyone should
You musical style(s): blues, classic rock
Reason for pickup change: stock pick ups just didn't cut it

Perceived output level: This pick up weighs heavier across the board however it does so while increasing the string definition
Tone: extremely well balanced with a slight mid-ranged bump
Sonic evaluation: I use this with a carvin vintage tweed and the matching 4 - 10 cab. I'll use a touch of overdrive from a boss sd1 or a dano daddy o or a ts -7. That about wraps it up. I could not be more pleased. Combined with the custom custom I find a huge pallet of useful tones. I don't know what more anyone could ask for, I have yet to play a club date where someone doesn't come up and compliment me on the sound of the guitar.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I think this would be suitable for most applications and in either position. I previously had it the bridge position and had no complaints. The only reason I changed was that I happen to acquire the custom custom and it was just way to much for a neck position. I installed the and the rest is tonal history.

Comments: If it were to go bad and need to be replaced I would replace it with the same pick-up without hesitation. I judge the sound of all Les Paul style guitars by this one. Thank you Mr Duncan this ones a keeper.

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: Can't remember & who cares?

Model of guitar or bass: FRAMUS Diablo Custom
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: -
Other pickups on guitar: SSL-1 Hot Rails neck
Artists using this pickup: Hundreds !
You musical style(s): Prog pop rock
Reason for pickup change: Haven't changed it - yet!

Perceived output level: High
Tone: treblely
Sonic evaluation: First of all I'd like to point out that S.D. DO NOT MAKE A JEFF BECK MODEL. They told me themselves. JB Stands for Jazzy/Bluesy - nothing else !
This is a good attempt & has some interesting qualities. For example, the sound is nice & smooth & sparkly, but the warmth is just not there.
Pretty good for solos as it cut's through so well, but split it and the sound is just too tinny, at least in conjunction with the other pick ups on my guitar ( SSL-1 & Hot Rails neck ). Even with the hot rails switched in with it, the sound is too brash, & the Hot Rails is VERY rounded.
Impressive in some aspects, but overall insatisfactory due to the balance. Rolling off the treble with the tone control just kills the sound, & EQ doesn't help much either.
I'll be changing it for a Custom Custom TB11 ASAP !!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Designed for the neck. As stated, pretty good for solos, but not much else !

Comments: If it were stolen, I'd feel sorry for the poor sod who stole it, & hope he can save up for something better soon.
I've been playing for 25 years, & have a pretty good experience of pick-ups. There's better out there.
Had an SH4 in my guitar which didn't quite line up with the strings, so I bought a TB4 trembucker version. For some reason, perhaps because of the longer shape, this was even worse with even higher treble output - hidious !
I wish it had a bit more natural warmth as then it would be a lot better.
Might work well through a really muddy amp/speaker combo.
I would not buy it again !

Pickup features: Humbucker
Impedence or other specs: approx 14K

Model of guitar or bass: Greco Les Paul Copy ('82)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock PAF knock-off
Other pickups on guitar: Stock PAF Knock-off. Not bad at all in neck.
Artists using this pickup: Quite a few, Marty Freidman, etc.
You musical style(s): 70s Blusey Rock, some Jazz, some Blues
Reason for pickup change: Wanted more output at the bridge position

Perceived output level: Moderately High.
Tone: Fairly even with a slightly nasal mid
Sonic evaluation: Greco Les Paul (a very high quality ride), Rbt Keeley Tube Screamer, Buddah Wah, Marshall 6100, 4x12s w/G12-80s. Intellifex and Furman PQ-3(for some very mild midrange tweaking). Moderately high output, but not unreasonable. Not a 'distortion' type as such. Has a nice vowelly quality (not as much as the Custom Custom in my '76 Destroyer, but it's there). Doesn't overwhelm you with output, but does ha a bit of kick. Bottom end is fairly tight.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: '70s Bluesy Rock: Travers, Marino, Kossoff, Alvin Lee.

Comments: I'm happy. Probably wouldn't sound as good in a brighter guitar. Had one in a PRS and also in my '76 Destroyer; was a little harsh in these brighter rides. Bottom line for me with humbuckers: Bright/thinner-toned Guitars get Custom Custom or maybe Custom 5; Fatter rides get a JB.

Pickup features: passive humbucker
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone LP SP II
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Epiphone Stock Standard
Other pickups on guitar: Epiphone Stock Standard in neck
Artists using this pickup: Me, i don't care who plays with SD's, i bought it cause they sound good
You musical style(s): punk rock
Reason for pickup change: Liked the White Pickup look with the all black guitar. SD's are great...And the sound a helluva lot better than the stock epi's.

Perceived output level: slightly lower than the stock epi's. not really hot. but it sounds good.
Tone: trebly... not too much bass. could be the fact that i have it at the bridge, but it's definitely more trebly than the stock epi's.
Sonic evaluation: sounds good with the amp i have...i have various voxes and oranges...sounds better thru the oranges and the marshalls. sounds a little shrill when first installed but somehow it seemed to break itself in. it's good for solos that need to be on the edge of feedback.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i play punk. this is a good pickup for punk. shrill punk. but don't put it in the neck.

Comments: If it were stolen, i'd probably get it again. probably. i own an epi SG, a fernandez dragonfly, and this guitar, and it sounds good. ive been playing for about 6 years and i think that this pickup is good for anyone who wants their tone to CUT through the mix. This will not give you creamy clapton & eric johnson tone, nor will it give you stunning BB King tone. It might not even give you Green Day tone. it gives you nice, nice, nice highs but an overall cutoff on bass.

Pickup features: humbucking passive
Impedence or other specs: dont remember

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha Ty Tabor Sig.
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: Seymour Duncan vintage rails (neck and middle)
Artists using this pickup: Ty Tabor
You musical style(s): Death/Black/Thrash
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: eh not good enough for metal
Tone: too much treble,cant turn up bass cuz then its too muddy
Sonic evaluation: i use an ibanez smashbox through a crate mx120a on clean(cheap shit,gets the job done though)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: i play death/black/thrash metal.its not good for those styles though,recommend use for mainstream rock(linkin park,deftones,tool)

Comments: if it were stolen id buy an Invader or Dimebucker,been playing only for a year but am very good(can already play most slayer,death,cradle of filth,emperor)i hate the pu the only good feature is that its good for playin the occasional tool song.still searchin for sound.will be selling it soon.

Pickup features: humbucking
Impedence or other specs: n/a

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Epiphone Les Paul
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Epiphone pickups
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, Metal
Reason for pickup change: The epiphone pickups were very noisy and caused a vast amount of unwanted feedback. Plus the distortion was weak and harmonics wouldnt cut through at all.

Perceived output level: Pretty hot pickup, gets great harmonics considering the sustain of the heavy E. Les Paul.
Tone: Very bright, sounds great for all out metal and anything where a very trebly, bright sound is wanted.
Sonic evaluation: When I play my E. Les Paul I play it through my Crate GFX-212 and NS-2 noise suppresor. The NS-2 eliminates to noise, so the JB Trem. is left to do its work, which is creating some good, loud music. They sound good for neck or bridge postion, and sound great split as well.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For my rock and metal style it sounds great, makes the Epiphone not SOUND like an Epiphone.

Comments: I'm delighted to have the JB Trembuckers instead of the muddy, noisy Epiphone pickups. It made my E. Les Paul worth playing. My main guitar is a PRS Custom 22, but the E. Les Paul is a very reliable backup with the JB Trems installed. Compared with my Dragon II's in my PRS, the JB's have an ordinary tone. True the JB's are very bright and clear, but the Dragon II's have a very unique, full tone and a much richer sound. Still a great buy for Hard Rock players in need of a pickup to enhance a cheaper guitar.

Pickup features: passive humbucking pickup
Impedence or other specs: wha? (go to www.seymourduncan.com) alnico 5 magnet

Model of guitar or bass: RG470
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: stock v8
Other pickups on guitar: stock (v7, s1)
Artists using this pickup: lots (to name a few) terry corso (AAF), dave mustaine (used to), joe perry, ME
You musical style(s): mainly punk and metal (prog, thrash, heavy, nu) some blues
Reason for pickup change: wanted a pickup that had a heay distortion tone
i originally wanted to put a distortion model
in my guitar, but i wasn't very experienced in
pickups so i got in my opinion the most versatile
pu's on the market.

Perceived output level: Pretty Hot, just a bit lower than the custom or distortion model
Tone: lots of highs, a slight bit less bass, cut mids
Sonic evaluation: rg470 into boss metal zone into Marshall G30RCD
my settings are metal zone; highs: 7, mids: 0, lows: 8
and dist. fairly high. for other non-metal styles i use
amp dist. with high gain lots of a bass, slightly less mids
and slightly less treble

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: heavy music (thrash/death, nu-metal, prog), punk (ska, emo, with some funkiness added in), blues

Comments: If it were stolen, i would probably try something new out, like
dimarzio's, or get a new guitar and slap some emg's or the distorion
model in. i've been playing for a year, i'm planning on getting a
seven-string or a gibson in a few years.
this pickup is hot, great distortion, clean tone is nice, kind of
generic coil tap sound (wired with middle position single coil).
every style of music is attainable. good metal tone, thick distortion.
good harmonics, not over the top "EMG" output. chords sound nice and full. good lead tone. the clean sound is good, a bit warm, good blues tone. not as good as low/mid- output, but ya can't get everything. the only complaint i have is that this pickup is to generic sounding.
probably cua everyone uses them, this pu is a kind of "jack of all trades". wonderful pickup nonetheless.

Pickup features: Humbucking
Impedence or other specs: :S

Model of guitar or bass: Epi Flying-v 58 and ESP EX-100
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stocks
Other pickups on guitar: Stocks
Artists using this pickup: What is this a test?
You musical style(s): Lots of styles, I like hard rock/metal most
Reason for pickup change: wanted to change not-so-interesting stock PU's

Perceived output level: Fairly high output..not going to make your cables shake though
Tone: It has a pretty balanced tone with an upper mid's punch that especially come out beautifully in leads and solo's. It makes it hard to get a good rockin crunch down low sometimes but as long as you've got a decent amp/effects it shouldn't be a problem. The tone for clean has got to be the best I've ever heard.
Sonic evaluation: I have 2 ways of playing,
Guitar->Boss MT2->DS1->OS2->Digitech RP200->Yamaha660>2 Peavey TLS4 + 2 CGM 1x12's
Or..
...->effects->Peavey MP4->Radio shack 1x10-miced into-Yamaha660...

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play lots of hard Rock, mostly lead. I'd say it's a very good pickup for that style.

Comments: I've been playing about 2 years now and take this for what it's worth. This pickup is great, not perfect, but definately great. I first got it for my Epi 58 V. The tone was somewhat similar to the stock pickup but it had a brighter attack which I really liked! It's hard for me to control the Lower tones in some riffs but If you scoop it enough it sounds great. But if you just like to keep your mids cut way down all the time then I don't think this Pickup is for you. The mids give a real punch and thats what makes this pickup good. This is a very clear pickup, not harsh at all in my opinion (or definition of harsh for that matter). It is perfect for playing clean although you may want to consider turning your low's up quite a bit. The main reason I bought this pickup was for lead and Mid-range riffs which it rocks at. The harmonics and overtones seriously rock!! It gives solo's quite a bit of definition and tone in the high-end, my only beef about it is I can't get that bassy popping sound that makes shredding sound cool. I suppose the tone is good enough to cover for that though. If it were lost or stolen I'd probably get it again, maybe try something else just cuz I've "been there" but now that I've used a JB and grown to love the beatiful leads I can get from it, it would be hard to think of not having one in one of my guitars. :S