Another Pickup Replacement Thread

[MikeVt]

Folks,
Since I've started playing my Sub and my Dargie Luke regularly, I'm finding that the neck pickup in my JP6 just isn't doing it for me anymore. It just sounds too thin and has a bit of single coil quack to it when compared to the neck pickup in my Sub. While I do realize that the JP body has a bit less mass than my Sub, I can't help but think that the Sub pickup in the neck position on my JP would get me closer to what I want - something with more body.

Does anyone know what the Sub neck pickup is closest to in an aftermarket pickup? Any other recommendations for a replacement neck pickup?

Any thoughts or opinions would be welcome!
Thanks,
Mike

 

[jaxadam]

Pickups are a crazy thing...

You could probably take that neck pickup out of the SUB, and throw in in the JP, and it would not sound quite how you like it in the SUB.

I'm not sure what the pickups in the SUB are modeled after, but if you're thinking about a swap, I would suggest taking advantage of Dimarzio's 30 day return policy and start with a Humbucker from Hell.

 

[robelinda2]

The Sub neck humbucker is pretty low output compared to the JP one, isnt it? I found the same thing when ive played a JP. Maybe a neck hummer like the one in the ASS might be for you, whichever it is!

 

[jaxadam]

Contrary to the name, the HFH is a relatively low output pickup that is really made for the neck, and sounds great.

I'm actually a pretty big fan of low-output pickups with definition.

 

[MikeVt]

The Sub neck humbucker is pretty low output compared to the JP one, isnt it? I found the same thing when ive played a JP. Maybe a neck hummer like the one in the ASS might be for you, whichever it is!

Actually I've found the opposite. The Sub pickup seems to be higher output - just based on side by side comparisons with gain/volume of the amp set the same. I need to bump the volume and gain a bit more to get the same level out of the JP.

I totally agree that the Sub pickup in the neck of the JP wouldn't sound the same as it does in the Sub, and that makes perfect sense. I guess I'm just looking to get closer. Maybe Dimarzio's 30 day deal is worth a shot...

Any other thoughts?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[SteveB]

Any other thoughts?
Thanks,
Mike

Um, just play your SUB when you want that particular neck pickup tone?

 

[jongitarz]

Um, just play your SUB when you want that particular neck pickup tone?

That's just crazy enough to work.

 

[dojo]

Have you tried raising the neck pickup or the pole pieces on the JP?

 

[Sub1 Zero]

I rant and rave about the neck pickup on the Sub too. It's really something special, my favorite pickup of any guitar ive ever owned

 

[MikeVt]

Um, just play your SUB when you want that particular neck pickup tone?

Hehe....Ok. I get it. Touche'...

For real though? I would. Unfortunately, my wrists are bothering me more and more as I get older, and the lack of arm contour on the Sub puts my hand to sleep pretty quickly. I figured it would be easier to change the pickup in the JP than to have a contour cut into my Sub. The JP contour is just SWEET....

Mike

 

[THE_EB_KID]

I wouldn't put the Sub pickup in the JP,
I think it was specifically designed for
the SUB. I tried a virtual vintage in my
sub and it sucked, when I converted my
Albert Lee it sounds GRRRRRREEAAATT!!
I agree w/ jax P-UPS are a weird thing!!

 

[Astrofreq]

I LOVE the Humbucker From Hell, but it definitely gives a single coil quack type sound, but fuller. If you are wanting a THICK neck sound, go for a breed neck or one of those Vai pickups. His neck pickups are anything but thin.