help! benedetto b6 vs. p90

gavino · #1 03-14-2010, 12:52 PM

i had to change neck pickup on my washburn j6, i'm really confused: i had to choose between a benedetto b6 or a p90 (humbucker size) like a phat cat. benedetto is a really good sounding pickup but is a "standard" jazz guitar sound and i really like the classic '50 sound. i can't decide! any suggestion?

mongrel · #2 03-14-2010, 07:49 PM

I pulled out the humbuckers in my Epi Joe Pass and replaced then with Vintage Vibe HCC single coil pickups that come close to that '50's single coil tone. I have a set of Phat Cats in the drawer when and if I get bored with the HCC's. Lollar and maybe others make similar Charlie Christian type bar pickups that fit in humbucker holes. It helps to have the appropriate amp also. Good luck.

Steve Z · #3 03-14-2010, 08:09 PM

The B6 in my Bravo has a push pull switch on the tone pot to allow humbucker or single coil use of the pickup. The B6 may be a great choice for your guitar to allow both worlds of tone.

Squint · #4 03-15-2010, 08:28 PM

You also might want to check out the pups at store.guitarfetish.com...

These guys seem to understand the concept of "tone" and the variety a lot of us crave. I am very happy with the GFS Dream 90 pups in my J-9. (See the "good quality guitar" thread, its the J-9 on the right.)
And lets see a pic of your J6!! Is it Korean or Japanese?

gavino · #5 03-16-2010, 05:34 AM

it's a korean made in 1990, i really like her after a setup, pots clean and new flatwound .13, it play like a dream in my ampeg j20. for pickup i'm undecided i have hear something good about tv jones (or too rockabilly?), and some lollar. i'm reading, on the seymour duncan forum, some problem of benedetto b6 (http://www.seymourduncan.com/forum/s....php?t=156386). the gfs is a well constructed pickup? i mean it's cheap ... not expensive as a lindy fralin!

Steve Z · #6 03-16-2010, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavino

... i'm reading, on the seymour duncan forum, some problem of benedetto b6 (http://www.seymourduncan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156386)...

I think the Benedetto B6 issue has been resolved, as stated in the thread SD thread you posted. Perhaps the B6 set that the Eastman player used were old stock... not sure. I have had no problems with my B6 and Benedetto continues to use them on his guitars so I have a hard time believing that there is an outstanding issue with the pickups.

There are definitely many great sounding pickups out there, which makes the decision even more difficult...

Cheers,
Steve

Squint · #7 03-16-2010, 02:05 PM

My GFS Dream 90's are rock solid and wax potted! Very deep but open at the same time. Flatwounds make a great bit of difference as well with the J6... The Korean ones are nice. 5 Piece neck? You might want to try better pots and wiring before you go switching out the pups. You might find what you're looking for and save a couple of $, But GFS is a great P90 without all the feedback and atmospheric noise. I can get next to a neon sign and not hear a peep!

Check out the reviews; http://reviews.harmony-central.com/r.../Dream+90/10/1

P90's might not be what you're hearing, but these are the best of both worlds, IMHO...