JBE Pickups

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Overview

JBE Pickups produces handcrafted guitar and bass pickups, specializing in articulate and responsive designs for electric guitars. The brand offers T-style pickups for Telecasters, S-style for Stratocasters, and humbuckers, positioned in the boutique market with prices from $160 to $450. It maintains a network of authorized dealers across the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Taiwan.¹²⁴

History

JBE Pickups originated with the Danny Gatton Telecaster pickup and has provided pickups for over 40 years. The company has evolved from its early focus while retaining innovation in design. It is now associated with Zion Guitar Technology, with operations in multiple US locations including Raleigh and Rock Hill, SC.³⁵⁹

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
T-style Pickups for Telecasters	Dual-blade designs for Telecaster guitars	$159.95 - $449.95
SDLX S-style Pickups for Stratocasters	Stratocaster-compatible single-coil style	$159.95 - $399.00
Humbuckers	Dual-coil pickups for guitars	$165.95 - $299.00

Manufacturing

Pickups are handcrafted in the company's Raleigh, North Carolina shop. Additional addresses in Rock Hill, SC and Edgemoor, SC indicate US-based production.²³⁴

Notable Products

Gatton T-Style Pickups - Early signature model for Telecasters developed with Danny Gatton.
SDLX S-style Pickups - Stratocaster pickups priced $159.95–$399.00 with shielded wiring.
Dual Blade T-Style Pickups - Fit standard Tele routs, include capacitors and diagrams, $159.95–$429.95.

Reputation

JBE Pickups is recognized by professionals for articulate and accurate sound, used by artists like Bruce Springsteen and Keith Richards. It holds a niche in the boutique market emphasizing quality over gimmicks. The brand has sustained over 40 years with a dealer network supporting its presence.⁵⁶⁹

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