Seymour Duncan Invader VS JB

all the riffs i played were from my latest ep, link below!
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[@RuTnVI]

Invader clean 3:02 | JB clean 4:01 Invader crunch 5:08 | JB crunch 6:06 Invader heavy 1 7:12 | JB heavy 1 7:57 Invader heavy 2 8:39 | JB heavy 2 9:39

[@littleredguitars2]

you the real hero

[@RuTnVI]

@@littleredguitars2 Thank you for the awesome comparison, bro. Greetings!

[@XoulCarlos]

Thanks!

[@XoulCarlos]

thanks!

[@theyellowbatsband]

Tom Delonge vs Billie Joe

[@derekempam179]

Synyster Gates vs Zacky Vengeance

[@jimberd]

Bill Lawrence would like to step in lol

[@laverdadbuscador]

The invader has much "chug" and "attack". JB is more "balanced".

[@atticus182fob]

I'm digging the invader in this comparison. Great video! Thanks for this.

[@deanmiller6177]

A custom 5 in the bridge and a classic 59 in the neck is in my guitar and I love the sound they put out..

[@smokepeddler]

JB for me all the way around

[@christoph54]

Great video man. I go to guitar stores and ask for advice on different pick ups, guitar shoot outs or amps and they fall short compared to your demos and comparisons. Keep em coming kid

[@Gitfiddle]

The Invader sounds like the JB minus the presence. As if both were eq’ed similarly and then the presence knob was simply turned down on the Invader. This makes sense for the type of music that S Gates plays; highly technical, very fast and accurate. He doesn’t want to hear the excess noise that high presence brings you: finger squeaks on the strings, unintentional harmonic overtones, the quack of a pick hitting the string. Probably why so many love the JB. The JB gives you all that lovely extra “stuff” that makes it sound like an electric guitar instead of a video game. Nothing against A7fold. I’m a fan, but let’s be honest about what style they play. It ain’t The Rolling Stones. So like many other high powered pups the Invader was born from the JB with a different eq and a more metal esthetic. Both awesome pickups.

[@thomas2finger]

I have had in my guitars (ibanez) super distortion pickup( dimarzio)an EVH pickup early 80's. Andy timmons signature pickup (dimarzio) . Steve vai's Evolution (dimarzio) all in the bridge position and the seymour duncan pickup blew them all away instantly. i was always more of a dimarzio guy for the crispness and the clarity the pickups have which is why i went through 4 different dimarzio's, but when i heard my main guitar scream like its never done before i was in disbelief . Invader is worth every penny. you really dont get its true value till you hear it on your guitar and setup .

[@billpepper]

Got a quick question, I have an Ernie ball Music Man Benji Madden guitar it has a single humbucker a DiMarzio custom wound pickup in it I was thinking of getting an invader or SH 1'59 what would be better for just punk rock?

[@AirborneAnt]

Would an Invader bridge, and dirty finger neck pickup work as a combo? And if so would it sound bad ass? Great Vids!!! I enjoy watching :)

[@LukeCannotSkate]

The Invader is similar to the JB in some ways. The mids are similar, it just got a bit more balls nad output. Best high output pickups by Duncan definitely

[@spokes1355]

Split coil the invaders and you would be amazed at the clarity for a high out put humbucker it plays clean

[@vitorisaia]

Your album is awesome. Heavy instrumental hardcore!

[@littleredguitars2]

Thanks!

[@RetroRyan]

By far the best comparison of these 2 pickups on KZbin.

[@southernlongleafoutdoors6304]

I really what you did with this video. I agree that the JB is the more versatile while also leaving much out with the low end. I have a JB & wish I could find the same pickup with more defined bottom end. How does Jerry Cantrell do it?

[@crisdsay]

does the invader sound good on drop d or e flat...and how about the rhythm...

[@gr3hn]

How much space do you leave from string to pole piece in the invader? Cheers

[@brutalsacktap]

hey Jon im about to gut my prs se mira and mod it like a tom delonge strat. im planning on putting an invader in the bridge and only having one volume knob. im getting a custom pickguard to cover the area that would have had a neck pickup. what advice can you give me for parts? i know i need a volume pot and knob and the wires, but is that it? also thanks this helped me decide between the jb and invader

[@touch2change489]

Thank you! Finally somebody demonstrate PU also without effects.

[@sirbader1]

TOUCH 2 CHANGE there was reverb and delay...

[@FullTekAuto]

In time I have begun to realize what I like in tone. One high gain mid focused humbucker, A modern high Gain British overdriven tone, and smaller speakers that are bright but have a lot of headroom. For clean tone a piezo.

[@Rafaelslika]

clean 03:02 vs 04:01

[@Domino81]

I’m not sure if this was covered in previous comments, but what potentiometers were used, and what was the pickup height in relation to the strings? I know this is an old video, but I am curious. I’ve owned a Strat PLUS with a JB. That was the one that got away.

[@lucapisconti]

Hi! I have to choose between Invader and JB pickup for my Stratocaster! I also play the genres of Blink 182, Green Day, Sum 41, New Found Glory and Simple Plan, which one do you recommend? I use clean, crunch and lead sounds! Thanks!

[@jesskoun6972]

Get a neck invader over bridge invader the neck invader is still hot and kills it on the blink tone and sounds good when hitting single notes and just as amazing for power chords

[@nathanxbond]

Random question for ya, are you familiar with the classic vibe 60s strat? If you know what kind of routing it has. I love the lake placid blue and if it has a route for a humbucker I’ll get one. Thank you for your time good sir

[@statixxxmetal1243]

I have an Invader Set on my Dean Dave Mustaine VMNTX, and this pickup are very good for rhythmic (on heavy tone), but for the solo, we be better with a JB or even a X2N by DiMarzio...I found the solo sound not very clear. But on clear tone they sound amazing indeed...IMHO

[@Ken-eh4hh]

After hearing the two pickups, I'm leaning more towards the Invader. Seems to be a bit more pronounced.

[@randallsandoval1179]

I love that it's snowing

[@theyanks5771]

Invaders for the cleans and heavy!

[@CarcPazu]

I have an Invader in about 12 different guitars. The only guitar it didn't work well at all is an Ibanez S470. It sounded thin and lifeless, probably due to the thin profile. Otherwise, if you're looking for that Invader sound, I can affirm that it overtakes most guitars and beefs it up plenty, especially in an Ibanez RG. But yes, it will not give you sparkly cleans. You better have a Jazz pick up or something on the neck for that.

[@chobodoom2189]

Thank you

[@Slicknick.]

Which would be good for playing blink style in an epiphone lp jr invader or JB.

[@Slicknick.]

+Michael O'Reilly lol I have thought about that one. I really do wanna just get that. But it would feel weird to get a pickup worth more than the guitar lol. But I'm still considering it

[@adizero93]

i must say i liked the invader better here. it suits your playing style and especially your ep songs sounded awesome and punchy through the invader. other than that, great video!

[@hughjanus8872]

I bought the power rails Squier and want to make a single hum Delonge strat. Do you recommend the Invader or JB through a Marshall DSL

[@littleredguitars2]

never used that amp but i'm sure either will be fine

[@drew.reviews]

I have an ESP Eclipse with the JB. I really love it for an all around instrument.

[@Dr_JK]

the Ec 1000 with duncans is THE model i'm looking to get. Always been a strat guy and saw this model is really versatile for moderate to high gain stuff.

[@fabiomoreira1751]

great video! Jb regular or trembucker?

[@Serenity1297]

i will now go buy some beefy slinkys and a set of invaders and imma put them in my jackson monarkh so ill see yall later when i have asended to metal god

[@almondlowe2838]

What scales did you use to improvise in the heavy section?

[@michaelcerisano3624]

If I was to put one of these in a Gibson explorer which would you prefer ?

[@littleredguitars2]

out of these two, the JB but you should check out the gibson dirty fingers. sounds great in les pauls and explorers

[@mattolsack2527]

I really like the invader for the distortion parts, but I'm a little disappointed with how it sounded clean. The JB sounded well overall, but the invader just sounded awesome with distortion.

[@obicross]

axe fx?

[@iroyhanouwer1685]

I cant decide between these too. Im mainly a metal guitarist, so im looking for a good lead tone, but the rhythm guitar sections have to sound great aswell. I also like to use pinch-harmonics a lot. However, i study music and have to play blues and jazz aswell, can the invader handle that? Or can the JB handle some great metal stuff aswell ( think lamb of god, pantera etc. That sort of tone )

[@littleredguitars2]

the jb is a lot more versatile than the invader. but the invader will do the metal stuff better than the jb in my opinion.

[@iroyhanouwer1685]

littleredguitars2 i have gone with sh-6 haha. Seemed to me that cleans still sounded quite good enough and the distortion packs a punch too :)

[@ReD_SnOw-ke2hn]

What pots for the JB?

[@joacoalvear]

long live to JB

[@jesse_cole]

"long live to" your grammar.

[@97warlock]

This world of Pickup comparisons is a tangled one. As soon as you get set on one you love, One pops out of the blue that sounds 98% just like it for 10% cheaper.

[@BattaSSL]

Great guitar playing

[@JonsterMonster]

These are both great. JB is a step more towards to some "DiMarzio" models for example. Just slightly, but more power and clear high-end. Invader is a classic tho. I wouldn't personally swap them in between since the difference isn't that big. You can do rest of the sound adjustment with amp. (these weren't dimarzios, i didn't meant that, just some example if you move towards something)

[@pippydog28]

I can't hear a difference on the video . But in person I hear a huge difference

[@cheenu711]

Wow I thought they'd be very different from each other but they sound very similar.

[@diddyfaplord]

Have you ever recorded one of your own songs with the invader? From what I gathered, it can get a little muddy for recording. As well, to my knowledge Tom never actually recorded with an invader either. Id love to listen to an actual recording with an invader

[@littleredguitars2]

My fingers hurt and valor was with an invader I'm pretty sure

[@diddyfaplord]

@@littleredguitars2 thank you I will check those out

[@diddyfaplord]

@@littleredguitars2 dude your songs are sweet! Following on Spotify now. Do you ever do live shows?

[@Slicknick.]

And this was the last time we saw Jon touch a tom Delonge style strat

[@vnctmrn]

I love invaders. started loving the tone on my 99 delonge strat, I now have invaders on 3 of my guitars... lol

[@anvil_production]

Vincent Mauron you are invading your guitars.

[@doomer8731]

Change your name to Vincent Invader. LoL

[@sherlocknoshitlibertyjusti2933]

Yes that sums it up, I'm putting the invader on my my strat at the neck. Thanks for the vid @

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Great video review. I'm looking for a high output bridge pickup for my strat. I've had the JB in other guitars, and I liked it, but thought it was just a tad too bright. So, I've been thinking of the invaders, but now after hearing this I think at least in this video all around the JB sounds more defined and less muddy or something. If you haven't tried the Dimarzio SD or SD 3 you should. I love the super 3 ..Thanks and regards

[@littleredguitars2]

Tim Smallwood i really don't recommend the invader much these days. jb is good but doesn't fit every situation.

[@ashtaylor5236]

Dude you're a fucking beast on the axe!

[@cameronpadovese1494]

Bought a pair of green shop floor custom invaders. Ive switched them out in multiple guitars. But they are too much for me . I find them dark, muddy, and undefined. To each his own. But these things are pure clip to my ears. Theyre just not for me. Im selling them and ordering up a jb and 59 combo

[@adrianj3198]

JB sounds so crisp. I will probably end up going with it.

[@SavageDarkness]

Watching in 2020, But still a good comparison. I like the JB for amps that already have a large amount of gain. They seem to "bite" more and cut through where the invader remains pretty fat. The invader seems great for lead, but for chunky rhythm similar to Tool, You want the JB.

[@phil1065]

Is that an Edwards Potbelly in the background?

[@littleredguitars2]

phillip eskridge nope

[@cristianarriola4276]

I bought a fender strat special hss and I had it modified with a luthier, I did the same to Tom's model, but I decided to install the JB, I thought it was better the sound that this humbucker gives, but hey everything goes in taste .. Anyway, good comparison you made, good video👍

[@amitnaskar7108]

Thanks Bro... For ur suggestions

[@PrinceWesterburg]

The JB is a way more tasteful pickup that actually suits that guitar more - he should try adding the neck version and a single coil inthe middle. The Invader is more 'teenage', great for that sort of thing!

[@The2ndProtectsTheRest]

Prince Westerburg I agree, but I wouldn’t say that the Invader is “teenage” sounding. The invader has its place in metal. The strat has never been known as a metal guitar. Plus I also don’t think it resonates well with Alder wood of the fender

[@jeffarab4947]

Lol dude Nile uses me Karl and few others I use me lol not teenage whatever that means

[@9unslin9er]

@@The2ndProtectsTheRest Ignorant. The Stratocaster is 2 blocks of wood bolted together with some microphones attached. Kirk Hammett used one. Adrian Smith uses one. Jim Root uses one. The Invader doesn't match Alder? Where did you pick that up? One guy wearing a pinstripe guitar chooses to use Mahogany, and you take it as gospel 🤦‍♂️

[@tobiusmanning7336]

Good vid. I prefer the JB, invader was a bit too sterile for me. The JB just has more flavor. Though would be happy with both. My main guitar has FSn/JB so I may be biased based on what I'm used to hearing.

[@jeremytee2919]

Jb sounds thin relative to invader under pressure. Tonally one does not outshine the other. For modern heavy tones seems the jb just wont do. However the jb seems better for all else.

[@governator6337]

What's the name of the song in the intro? Sounds rad!

[@littleredguitars2]

Haste by Jon Poulin (me)

[@nikenri]

gonna have to go with jb for the strat

[@3.8chris]

Had a question what type of pots did you use like 250k or 500k?

[@jesskoun6972]

Usually for single coil guitars you use 500k pots and I believe he used 500k because that’s what he usually uses for his builds

[@jesskoun6972]

Single pickup* not single coil

[@3.8chris]

@@jesskoun6972 yeah I was about to say uhhh I think your wrong 😹

[@BlueeyesofSkye]

I realize how subjective all of this is. I was never a fan of the JB’s. I replaced my Maryland made Tremonti’s (in my Tremonti) with Invaders. The guitar sounds ridiculously dark, and heavy. I loved these pickups in this guitar so much I sold the Tremonti’s.

[@michaelwright5185]

Did you use a bridge or neck invader?

[@littleredguitars2]

Bridge

[@mattz1686]

Both sound good. I just wish the JB had more low end.

[@AleandFire]

Check out Pete Cotrells video on the JB. Sounds badass to me.

[@junjunhaha]

Try DiMarzio pickups.

[@10000rambos]

The JB has a nice bounce to it

[@shikaku_]

Is this drop c tuning im hearing a note and its reminding me of drop c

[@littleredguitars2]

I believe it Drop C#

[@shikaku_]

@@littleredguitars2 ok so I was close lol thanks

[@keeelane]

Cool tones. You think the JB can handle a tuning as low as drop C?

[@normageinc.1322]

keeelane I'm at c standard and the jb trembucker rips..

[@LordNippleskin]

Pennywise The Alcoholic Clown well, Drop C# is just a half step down with a dropped bottom E, so it wouldn’t make the biggest difference....

[@SimonMedia666]

I tune My Jackson RR3 Pro with JB bridge position to B (5 steps down - it handles it easiely :)

[@-WidioAndikaPutra]

Duncan is more clarity than the soundiz is good and JB mid freq more low and bass feel so more than Duncan but the sound of the both is almost similar, JB is alternative way to get duncan pick up with less budget

[@AtacamaHumanoid]

The Invader has that brickwall production sound I don't like. I didn't realize so much of that was attributable to pickups alone.

[@MotivGuy94]

Hey dude i want these but so many ppl say the invaders are muddy as hell. Is that true?

[@garymason4203]

I think the Invaders sound so much better, I think they have way more clarity and bite, the JB's sound more muffled and less presence. Not a fan of the JB's. Thanks for this video.

[@christiangauthier727]

Neat Video! Had no idea the Invader & JB sound so similar! But that's THE issue when A/B'ing using Amp Sim Software: they tend to make everything sound the same. I always use Tube Amps for demos. Knowing the JB intimately, having been using it on my main Guitar for over 12 years, and having heard many other Clips of the Invader, I have a very clear picture of each pickup's Frequency Responses, Output, Dynamic Range, Tracking/Attack (Fast, Tight & Percussive vs Spongy, Squishy, etc.) and Overall Character. I'm able to hear each pickup's Character in these Clips, but it's hidden underneath a ton of extra generic noise, so I'm only able to hear it because I know exactly what to focus on. If you came up to me with the JB Clips, I would NEVER be able to recognize this pickup that I know so well, having played it on multiple guitars, on well over 80 different Amp Models with all kinds of pedals, effects, in all types of settings like personal practice at home, college, full band rehearsals, jamming with all kinds of instruments, gigging at all types of venues... I "KNOW" THE "JB SOUND". But with amp sims/modeling, it's always the same problem... Don't misunderstand me: you're getting great tones out of your setup! But, just like with certain amps (to a lesser degree) that tend to color your basic tone so dramatically that it barely matters which guitar is plugged into it, most humbuckers ending up sounding similar (with some exceptions of course! Using EMGs will show...), the main difference being if you're using Humbuckers or P90s/Single Coils, when using Amp Sims/Modelers the same thing happens, much more intensely. For example, on the Heavy 2 Clips, in no way am I hearing a SLO (not even in the ballpark)... Same for the Heavy 1's: I'm not hearing the gain structure and dynamics of a "Hot Rodded Marshall", although the tone is much closer than the SLO's modeling. Just a suggestion if you want to make future videos with the objective of comparing pickups or any 2 pieces of equipment (pedals, guitars with the same pickups, etc.), of displaying not only their differences but letting each pickup's unique character shine through, I'd strongly recommend that you use a Guitar Tube Amp, and being careful to avoid some amps that tend to color too much the instrument's timbre/natural tone (that's a concern that mostly applies to these amps' OD/Distortion Channel(s)). Keep up the great work, continue composing awesome music and rock on brother!

[@newtonbravesplayer]

that last riff fucking rocks dude

[@littleredguitars2]

thats from my song "Valor" you can find it on my EP Terrible But Great. link in the description if you're interested.

[@newtonbravesplayer]

I have a question about the JB... When you crank it at high gain and high volume does it squeal alot? I Have a problem with my stock Epiphone pickups where they squeal (not normal feedback) at any volume over half and playing distorted. Got them re-waxed and everything and nothing changed. I know it's not a problem with my amp. Just wondering because I don't want to get one of these and have the same problem. Thanks

[@normageinc.1322]

Jake Heller dropped a jb and jazz in my Jackson dky rev pro.. Used to squeal microphonically with the stock now nice and quiet unless you want to feedback.. I use a rocktron hush and noise gate but these puppies will feedback nicely with it off.. Seymour duncan best pickups my opinion..

[@benjabooty]

I think I prefer the JB on everything but the mids

[@RashidJulian]

dude suhhhhh

[@benjabooty]

asuhhhhh dude

[@giantxwarrior3902]

People who say JBs aren’t for metal haven’t heard early deftones. His best tone was always from a JB.

[@ganbareshamiko1730]

Early Megadeth as well!

[@luinavarro1546]

GiantxWarrior not to mention Benjamin Burnley from Breaking Benjamin has a JB in the bridge and gets some seriously heavy tones out of it

[@bullitt1191]

Adam Jones uses a JB bridge as well.

[@luinavarro1546]

BULLITT 11 Dave Mustaine used a JB as well

[@spokes1355]

Invaders all day

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

Jb is a decent go-to, but for heavier stuff the Invader is my fav. Plus leads just sear. Been using since late 80's, only one that gets my tone is Synyster from A7x. Like his rippin crazy tone? I've had it for years

[@ostankovalex1176]

Zacky has the JB and it pretty much kicks Invader's ass on double solos, much more signing pickup.

[@gabrieldesta2113]

As far as I can remember the invader pick up was cheap 20 years ago 20 dollars the JB and 59 combo was expensive 180 I think maybe more the invader is similar to Duncan designed it's for us poor people who can't afford the good shit.

[@littleredguitars2]

Nah they're both about the same price point actually. Have been for as long as I've ever known

[@AJC-jo3ds]

What capacitor use in both? Thx

[@littleredguitars2]

you dont need a cap when using just a volume pot.

[@AJC-jo3ds]

littleredguitars2 got it thx... no treble bleed either?

[@thorpenator9148]

@@AJC-jo3ds You can use a treble bleed. Check forums...they help to retain the high end when rolling down v.knob

[@DarthEcoli]

A buddy of mine gave me an Invader, and I've been torn whether to put it in my LTD Viper, or Partscaster HH for bridge. I've finally decided the Viper is getting the Invader to replace the fuck awful EMG hz, and the Partscaster is getting 2x fat 50s for neck and mid, and Hot rail for bridge. I do love the clean on the Invader. The drive speaks for itself, and = awesome. Also, I'm getting a big Four year strong vibe from your crunch tone. It's not a bad thing. :)

[@zachohara]

Have a Syn Custom w Invaders and they’re honestly way too muddy for me. And the insane output makes getting any sort of dynamic playing almost impossible lol. I honestly prefer my Epi LP w the stock pickups over Invaders. But I’ll be getting a LTD w a JB and Jazz combo soon and hopefully that suits my style more

[@tmt7912]

i like JB

[@georgemueh3273]

Dude you get a like just for owning a cheese head hat....lmao As for the pickups I like both a am always switching back and forth between the two.

[@diddyfaplord]

Screw the Packers! -signed a salty Lions fan

[@sarahduval7207]

Is that a Tom delonge Strat?

[@littleredguitars2]

Sort of

[@lucapisconti]

Invader neck?

[@littleredguitars2]

No

[@lukasavic3800]

Can you give the tab for that riff at 8:39? :) It's too hard for me to just watching at your fingers and trying to copy it :D

[@iplayloud2]

What's the best pickup for drop D chugging?

[@littleredguitars2]

theres no real "best" pickup. depends on your taste. try the bare knuckle warpig.

[@ManoBDraycko]

Any kind of humbucker will do it mostly depends on what you like everyone's ears are different. A JB might be your best bet. Although I've played with just stock humbuckers and they sound great. I would try the JB out though good luck!

[@TheGhostGuitars]

The Invader sounds surprisingly good clean. In comparison to the JB, the Invader seems somewhat brighter or the JB has a bit more mid-lower range output. For well rounded sound the Invader probably suit a very warm guitar with a mahogany, or perhaps basswood, body. Altho in a brighter guitar like one with a maple body, the highs should be even more accentuated, which would be a good thing if yer looking for that high end squealings. No arguments with the JB being the more versatile pup of the two. Especially when paired with the Jazz in the neck.

[@sirbader1]

Damn, I built the same guitar...

[@littleredguitars2]

uhoh

[@wrijuldass]

Informative. But do edit your videos before uploading.

[@littleredguitars2]

Im not sure. Maybe 4 or 5?

[@sonnyseabury4051]

JB All Day! 😎😎

[@alexhuevera939]

invader

[@carlosrosendo2382]

Hello my friend, this is a fender stratocaster? Whith these humbuckers no change your original sound of fender?

[@ericcoombs]

I still prefer the invader 🤙