Duncan Jb vs. 498T

[Gadjet]

Has anyone swapped out the 498T for a JB? I have a Standard that is basically O.k. sounding with the 498T but looses out to my Hamer FM Special in terms of tone. I have a covered JB laying around and could change it pretty quick but I don't feel like doing it if the JB flat don't work in a SG.. Reason I'm wondering is that JB's don't have a lot of low end and can be bright which would not necessarily be a good thing with a SG. I also thought about a Custom 5 but they spec out close to a 498T (14K, alnico 5 mag etc.)

 

[smk506]

I think I have a jb somewhere in one of my guitars. I think. I'd just try it out you can always go back if you want and since you already own the pickup it wont cost you anything to try. In general it seems a good pickup in a good guitar will sound, well... good!

 

[Ry-Guy]

I think JBs have a lot of low end.. I have one in a Jackson but im not a fan of them at all. They sound really stock to me. I prefer the 498T in my SG.. Im looking to swap out my JB and Jazz pickups out of my Jackson for some Tom Anderson pickups or some Ice Buckers if I get the money for em. Anyone wanna trade!? lol

 

[Gadjet]

I think JBs have a lot of low end..

Actually they don't...at least according to Duncan's web site. More mids than anything else. I just did the swap and then un-did it..the JB sounded horrendous, low end warmth just disappeared and the top end sparkle was gone.. Made almost want to get rid of my SG!.. the 498T is maligned by a lot of people but I think is the best sounding pickup in my SGs and good pickup overall... I'm thinking about finding a black bobbin 498T and trying in my Hamer FM and taking the JB out of it too.

 

[blueman335]

The 498T can be a little bright, but that is easily cured with either 250 pots (volume & tone) or a warmer magnet (A4, A3, or A2).

Although it gets a lot of publicity, there are just as many guys that hate the JB as love it. It has a harsh 'ice pick" tone, and has been compared to the whine of a dentist's drill. I've tried several JB's, each in two or three guitars, and it was awful in everything. A C5, or a 498T with a warmer magnet, is more likely to give you what you want. I just put an A2 in a 498T, in an Epi SG Std, and it sounds nice.

 

[Raging Taco]

i actually made this exact swap. best move i have ever made (in my opinion). i didn't notice too much low end, or a lack of. it is very well balanced. the only thing is... the height you have it at has a HUUUGE difference. its not like most pickups where you can set it a little low, or a little high, and there wont be that much difference. there is a huuuge difference with like... every millimeter. well worth the work though