Question re: old Jackson pickups USA vs JAP versions?

[timstar5150]

I have about five J80s (my fave pickup ever), one of which is a Japanese version. This one has the Jackson logo on it and the USA versions are just plain. I guess the USA versions were originally covered with a logoed cover?

Who made the USA versions of the old Jackson pickups and who made the Japanese versions? Are the specs exactly the same?

Thanks in advance,
tim

[bratfink]

I am pretty sure the USA ones were made in house. Not sure about the later stuff.

[Botijo]

The japanese versions were made by Gotoh. I don't know if the specs are the same, but IMO, these japanese PU's are a bit weakness (maybe because I don't tried the Grover Jackson J50BC with a JE-1200, as the Charvel 650).

[bratfink]

I have a US J80BC (and neck too) coupled to a JE-1200 and it's brutal!

[timstar5150]

I assume the BC is a J80C bridge? Couldn't get on with the ceramic version. The J80 alnico sounds like a nicer, warmer, better SD JB to me.

[drewbag]

I have j90c in Charv Fusion - which I find a bit metallic sounding, But I have a set of J50c in my 750xl. The sound i get out of this guitar with those pickups is unmatched by any other guitar/pickup combo I have ever used. Both are late 80's Japs. Not sure how these compare to the American pickups but im certainly very happy with them. Will have to try out a J80s!!

-Drew

[msaint65]

FWIW, here's the J80 in my 86 Dimas Soloist. Not original to the guitar, but has been around a l-o-n-g time. And this is probably my fave of all the Jackson pickups.

[timstar5150]

Just go listed to anything played by Joe Holmes (Ozzy, Farmikos). He exclusively uses J80s (the alnico version). Sound is killer! Just try to find one!!! There's always ceramic versions for sale

[drewbag]

Will defo keep a look out for one, would be cool to try it in my fusion. and cool, will check out Joe Holmes