Seymour Duncan Versatility Test: 78 vs JB

Learn more about the Seymour Duncan 78 here: warmoth.com/11103-01-b
Learn more about the Seymour Duncan JB here: warmoth.com/11103-13

[@SteveZinn]

Dang man, that telecaster comment with the hard stare was probably my favorite video moment of the past 5 years. Quality stuff.

[@alanagottalottasay997]

Only way it coulda been better would be if he added that wood species has no affect on tone…..

[@fredgaboury5080]

Made me laugh 78 times harder than is typical from "stock" videos

[@TheDistortionPrinciple]

Dude had to shart just then

[@kentmunn3441]

Versatility? You played all Van Halen riffs on a pickup made for Eddy, all with distortion. No cleans, no tone button changes, no fingerpicking etc. I liked your playing, I liked the comparison between the pickups in an EVH distortion context.. but those 2 pickups do way more than you showed. Great personality, nice playing.. bad word choice.

[@PFDarkside]

@@kentmunn3441time for you to go back and watch Aaron’s running joke from the last 6 years about “versatility”.

[@PeterWasted]

Exceptionally versatile. It has black and white coils too so you can use it for major and minor keys.

[@OtherTheDave]

😂

[@fredericadda]

Amazing

[@tiki_trash]

It allows you to play both kinds of music, Rock AND Roll! Now that's versataler.

[@davidrees1840]

Best comment ever! 😅

[@MrUmandMrEr]

Bit racist...

[@An2oine]

Jimmy Page playing a telecaster has sold the most Les Pauls ever.

[@warmoth]

You are not joking!

[@destonerock3499]

You just won the internet award 🥇

[@corneliuscrewe8165]

About the same amount of Strats sold by David Gilmour playing a ‘55 Les Paul.

[@MrUmandMrEr]

Informative. The 78 also makes it possible to play classic riffs at 78 RPM, but only in mono.

[@warmoth]

Awesome! I'm going to try this tonight!

[@imantisocial3179]

the pause was him waiting for tele players to see themselves out

[@elecrocity]

Giving us tele players a moment to type a flaming comment

[@glaucosouza1971]

A 78 at the bridge and a 59 at the neck will give you 137 times more versalitility.

[@VincentVader]

The versatility of Van Halen licks was very impressive. I prefer the JB. I've owned both. But I'm also a Telecaster player.

[@my_tube9405]

If you spin that pickup around you get an 87 perfect for hair metal and Satch and Vai. Making it an even more versatile pick up.

[@warmoth]

Mind. Blown.

[@LeonRHarvey]

If you install a JB backwards...😏

[@Riverdeepnwide]

​@@LeonRHarvey🎉🎉🎉 Comment award June 2024.

[@DouglasRosser]

We enjoy all kinds of music here. DLR Van Halen **and** SH Van Halen.

[@edhalen3522]

The jb seemed clearer with more low. The 78 was more nasal

[@gingataff]

As a longtime follower of this series, I think this is the versatilest so far. Good work Aaron.

[@charlief.]

The second Aaron mentioned versatility I knew Van Halen riffs were on their way 😂

[@Jeffy2n]

I think that using VH riffs was the correct call, as I believe the 78 is a reference to 1978, the year Van Halen 1 came out. (I know, thank you captain obvious)

[@schmoemi3386]

I think that's actually what SD wants this pickup to be: an EvH pickup...

[@GuyNarnarian]

@@schmoemi3386 It is. It's basically a hot PAF. The JB is not going to be much different. Maybe slightly hotter. The Frankie pickup on the Wolfgang and Striped Series is ~15K the 78 is ~9k.

[@Itsjorgelanzas]

I love how versatile it is!, you can definitely go from VH to VH seamlessly! 🤣🤣🤣 love your videos man! Thanks for putting all this great information up! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@nevermorehollows]

This video was hysterical! Loved it. Always good, informative, and entertaining. But this was next level.

[@andrewsmith1520]

I love your videos dedicated to searching for maximum versatility. Keep them coming!

[@lewisbeeman]

I love Tele’s, to the point that my dog is named Tele, but that comment and stare made me give this video a thumbs up.

[@warmoth]

"During the video I've seen a lot of changing, in the way yous feel about me, and in the way I feel about yous. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change!" ~ Rocky Balboa

[@nevermorehollows]

Dude! I love you named your dog Tele!

[@lewisbeeman]

@@nevermorehollows yeah, I have a boy and a girl dog and they are siblings. Their names are Fender and Tele.

[@nevermorehollows]

@@lewisbeeman love it!

[@markinthemix6055]

I appreciate the demo. I liked the 78. This helps me out for future builds. 😊

[@AlanRutherford]

Needed that today!!! Thank you!!

[@jc6721]

Very funny video Aaron! Loved it! Glad to see you guys have a sense of humor!

[@AdamFisher]

I switched from a JB to a custom finally to a 78, couldn’t be happier with the 78

[@elecrocity]

The final minute is gold! Genius!

[@jonmoser484]

😂this just made my morning. Nearly did a spit take with my morning coffee. It may be the most versatilest pickup ever.

[@Clinthopanonymous]

The most versatilistererer I've everist seen. I want to rock and rollist the mostest with a versatiler guitar.

[@obican]

The video I've been waiting for

[@zackcoffmanguitar]

That’s a cool guitar build. Great video.

[@ryanpullin]

I was really waiting for 78 consecutive VH riffs

[@deanallen927]

I'm hearing bigger low mids in the J.B. with a little more clarity in the '78. In and audience I might not pick that up. Having recently rekindled my romance with the DiMarzio Super Distortion, I have to insist you try one. I use it all the time.....in my Telecaster. Talk about versatility - not joking now, it makes that guitar do ANYTHING.

[@warmoth]

I love the SD! It's a classic!

[@Grili561]

Scooped mids for the win! 78 all the way.

[@bigmik75]

Awesome video , the commentary had me rolling on the floor😂

[@warmoth]

😁

[@onewiththings]

Most important comparison on youtube, and the man is sooooo versatile!

[@Jeffy2n]

Telecaster Blasphemy!....time to get the pitchforks and torches!!!!!

[@Robstafarian]

My tele has 24 frets, a recessed Floyd, two humbuckers, wild paint, and a pointy headstock which says "ESP" on it (Run while you can, Aaron!).

[@nickmizell1141]

Love this!!

[@scottdunn2178]

At 58, I'm starting to hear the mud out of the JB and the mid bump is limiting. Went back to the 14.8k Duncan Custom 🤘

[@ZackHicks500]

Ha! I love the little pause like "What? come at me Tele players!"😂

[@SakoSohn]

Best video in youtube guitar ether. Aaron and Warmoth are the best!

[@marks9197]

Love your humor! I immediately liked the 78.

[@Megamanic-nw9ni]

Awesome versatility!

[@SgtThump]

Made me literally LOL. Love it.

[@44RON666]

Haha, love your videos .. trigger fishing is off the charts 😂 .. gave me a good laugh in the airport .. cheers from one Aaron to another 👍

[@PowMusic]

it's as if you turned the treble knob up a couple notches on the 78...so another way to get this tone I guess would be a higher pot value like from 500K to 1 meg...or an eq pedal or treble boost, or just a few notches of the treble on the amp ....

[@robbieyates1685]

I have a 78 (old custom shop one) in the bridge of my Charvel San Dimas and it sounds great for everything, clean to distorted. I used to have a coil split but the clean was so good I took it out.

[@brettdemarco274]

This was a masterpiece. You are the Steve Carell/Michael Scott of the replacement guitar parts industry!

[@warmoth]

Ah, Christmas. It's the time of year when you can say "I love you this many dollar's worth." ~ Michael Scott

[@michaelogden5093]

I think the takeaway here is that Aaron is a pretty darn good guitarist.

[@mikewayne9110]

Throwin shade!!! 😂😂😂

[@mpesta]

I mean the most versatile comparison between these two versatile pickups ever! Literally and verserally! Nice job, I’ll be ordering 6 of each to make sure I get the most versatile range of the both JBs and the 78s for extreme, maximum versatility!

[@danafooteable]

Telecaster shots fired! Yes!!!

[@AvnerRosenstein-ULTRA-LXV]

I have both the JB and I have a Duncan Distortion model. Great great pickups. I love them both but I was looking for something different and settled on a pickup that has Alnico III's. JB has Alnico V's and the 78 has Alnico II. For me, that's the ultimate way to know what kind of tone you're getting...look at the magnets used. The Duncan Distortion is Ceramic. Great Video!

[@brad6919]

Love this

[@JFiligrani]

Awesome! 😂 And even awesomer since I'm desperately waiting for my 7/8 S-Style order to be finished, that has a single '78 included and will have a Schaller Lockmeister and an EVH D-Tuna installed when it's here. So it's clearly inspired by the most versatilist guitar in human history, although I'm not playing a huge variety of styles. Thank you very much for all those videos! 😊

[@vinirosa]

Best gear video ever!

[@zAvAvAz]

SUHR thornebucker Pete Thorn signature model. = bar none. The 78 is the correct direction for sure and is great also. Also another really great one is made by Pariah pickups. You'll find it.

[@klaymeister]

Super versatile. It lets you play EVH or Evh

[@geezberry8889]

recently swapped my JB magnet for an A2. really like the results

[@dt9r]

if you're not in the SD forum, just for info, that was one of the choices given to VH

[@WaSiJla]

intro idle is hilarious

[@peterschaefer1665]

Been using one since they came out

[@seanmurphy7218]

Great demo. What were your amp settins and what IRs where you using? Thanks

[@FirestormAudio]

I love the JB, but have gotten into lower output pickups. So my far the duncan alnico II pro has been one of my favorites, but I’m really interested in trying out the ‘78 as well.

[@2yugen2]

Funny tongue in cheek video. I have the '78s in a Gibson Custom SG and I really like them. They sound very punchy and full, yet clear. I know they were inspired by Eddie Van Halen's pickup, but I hope folks know you don't have to just use the '78s for Van Halen stuff. They certainly do that well, but they work really well for lots of styles.

[@gregalon]

Great comparison! There are definitely some use cases for the thicker sound of the JB... a power trio where you need to fill some sonic space... if you mostly play lead lines like Beck did... if you want to beef up a thin sounding guitar. For an all-purpose guitar, though, I'd opt for the more focused sound of the 78.

[@joses.a.2]

How many coffees did he get before shooting the video? 😂

[@warmoth]

Um.....78!

[@joses.a.2]

@@warmoth 😂🤣😄

[@roymenke1909]

I would love to hear this pickup on something other than Van Halen to better ascertain its versitiveness. But what you’re playing sounds great and I dig your style.

[@EDWINPIERCE168]

It has 78! permutations of ultimate maximum versatility.

[@T0neXIII]

It was the afternoon delight that was the secret recipe.

[@paulkreeft2091]

I think the 78 just sounds better in general. It’s has more character, it’s warmer sweeter and has more clarity. Hot pafs is where it’s at.

[@michaelpilgrim8131]

Is it April 1?

[@shred6strings]

I have a warmoth soloist body in the house soaking up Tung oil. Pickups will be Duncan RTM / Jazz. I truly feel that this will be versitilious maximus.

[@jams4218]

Omg. Hahahahahaha. How many tele's are triggered today? Love the videos!!! Please keep them coming!!

[@jeffallen3382]

This video brought to you by Seymour Duncan! ;)

[@Rickles]

Idk Im probably just going to have to own both for maximum versatility.

[@WillfulThinker]

Oh, I get it! You were joking about changing the volume bleed!

[@warmoth]

Ha...you got me! All the rest is true though. I swear.

[@user-sk9yc5px5r]

both pickups rock. I have both in several guitars and they're amazing everyone should have both

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

i recommend the seymour duncan stra bro 90 for maple board strats at the bridge. it's a p 90 in a single coil size, lots of low mids and bass great for distortion no fizz whatsoever. i also recommend adding a tele configuration so that the bridge and the neck pickups can work together. enjoy!

[@dennismullins4930]

Excellent ☮️

[@danriley5848]

I have been using JB pickups forever but I really like the 78 it sounds fantastic.

[@ScottS360]

I'd love to see you do a blind test between the Seymour Duncan '78, Slash, Green Magic, Alnico II Pro, High Voltage, and the Seth Lover humbuckers to see if you can hear any versatility distinction between them. I'm a big fan of VersatilHity so this distinction is important!

[@brbadge]

I wouldn't love to see this jackass do any blind test.

[@MattyRocco]

This is the first of your videos that I've seen and it took me too long to be certain that you were joking.

[@bloozedaddy]

78 has a more mid-scooped sound to me....but then I took a shot of Jim Beam every time you mentioned some form of "versatile". 🙂

[@guntherabrahamowicz4659]

The 78 can't do Eddie with a head cold. Point for JB.

[@Thirdgen83]

Ed was using a Dimarzio Super Distortion on much of the VH-1 album. Obviously not on "Runnin' With The Devil".

[@PhpGtr]

Hey! Neck pickup?

[@TelesPlayMetal]

Sarcastic, funny Aaron is our favorite Aaron!

[@warmoth]

Judging by the comments, many people don't understand sarcastic, funny Aaron. This makes sarcastic, funny Aaron sad.

[@RonynLoneWolf]

78 I'm sold 💯

[@peterbrusch1493]

For combination in a HSS strat I prefer Humbuckers with lower impedance (59 or 78). I had a JB in the bridge position, but the loudness jump from sc to hb was always too drastic. Plus the JB sounds very middy, while 59-style humbuckers sound very transparent, a bit like a single coil, but not so shrill.

[@monstrok]

As the owner of both a vintage (1987) JB and a newish 2021 '78 HB, my experience is that the JB really pushes the amp and the '78 works with the amp. The sound differences are subtle in the samples here but very noticeable when playing the different pickups through the same amp/settings. If you need your stock JCM800 to move into the super-saturated '80's tone zone, the JB is the way to go. If you're looking for a PUP that works great with a lot of amps, check out the '78.

[@bbilman056]

next video should be direct mounted vs. pickguard/ring mounted

[@themchangesband]

Hmmm. I didn't know this was to be a spoof. You really get a feel of how versatile a pickup is when using only a one tone band for examples.

[@ericarway]

The '78 only works right in an ash body where the wood was harvested in 1978 and was routed on July 8th. I mean everyone realizes that right? I guess that wouldn't be very versatile than, well, yeah, still.

[@80Shades-Guitar]

I’ll wait until the Mo Maximus Versatilitus 81 version comes out. It’s supposed to be Versatiler but extra. I heard it’ll even go to 11 too and was raised free range.

[@warmoth]

Ultra-extra-maximum-free-range-verstilism? You have my attention.....

[@Joe-mz6dc]

What's a "Telecaster"? 🤔

[@bruzanHD]

I have a similarly versatile set of warmoth builds. One with a JB alnico 2 and one with a PAF Pro. JB2 is maximum smoothness, and the PAF Pro is actually (not even joking) one of the most versatile pickups ever. Volume on 10 and it's a hot PAF, roll down to 8 for tele and down to 6 for a strat sound.

[@fender4brad]

Sound very good. best move I made was buying a Charvel without the Floyd style bridge. I can change tuning at will, without any hassle. I play the crap out of that guitar for some reason. I think it has a full shred in the bridge. I still love my guitar with the JB. The '78 is great sounding pickup.The body mounted pickups seem to do a thing as well. Fun video!

[@anthonyoresteen4767]

I'd add a single coil in the middle - HSH & a 5-way & a P/P Tone pot for 7 way switching. That would be more versatile. BTW I have both JB/Jazz & 78 set. Both work well.

[@JarickL]

59/Custom is another fun versatiliteile pickup.

[@nathancourtney2006]

Split coils sounds? Sounds great though

[@robbyrobby7721]

At first I hated the jb, then I did a nice upgrade, 50’s wiring, Duncan pots, vintage sozo cap. This thing sounds awesome. Ohms at 18.4 which is high but it shreds

[@deadlyrifferson3103]

From what I have played between passive and active ive had the Pegasus(passive) and I have fishman moderns Id say they are the most versatile because the can go passive with pushpull on both the volume and tone I've just found that they have the most to offer especially if you were to get them customized to the sound you want they're pricey but worth it and you can actually get a charging pack so you don't gotta worry about the battery life. but yes out of those two the 78 had a tighter sound were jb was warmer in my opinion.

[@PFDarkside]

Man, what an absolute riff monster Ed was.

[@noysdn4001]

Both can archive the sound by turning eq

[@chopperdeath]

Yep, a good eq pedal can change everything. The pickup is just a starting place.

[@lukehenderson436]

Extremely Versatile Humbucker indeed.

[@Yupppi]

This is such a difficult parody. Really well done, but like it could be real! And to be fair I've learned to take Aaron as the information and education guy, I was ready to take it at face value. Poe's Law you know, on internet you never know if it's actually someone being serious or if it's satire, because people on internet have pretty crazy opinions. Maybe that actually tells me I'm dumb! At first I was thinking "you only played Van Halen riffs!!!" And why would you go from superstrat with floyd to anything else when you got perfectly fine tuned machine for its thing. But once you wake up to it and it is so obvious, it's hilarious.