software

How do the two compare, tonally?

I'm very familiar with JB trembuckers but i heard some EVH clips and liked 'em and wondered how the two were different.

They are very different. The EVH sounds like a little lowered powered Custom custom to me. Very similar to a CC.

They are very different - different magnets, output and EQ curve.

The EVH tends to be only about 9k (resistance) and so is much closer in output to say a 59 than it is to a JB, with all the major tone differences that this entails.
Magnet wise the EVH uses alnico 2 pickups - warmer, looser bottom end than alnico 5s.
EQ wise, they are both fairly rich in mids, but with the JB has a more aggresive sound (though still warm to some people), which is great for modern rock/metal, while the EVH is less agressive but has a bit more presence.

They are actually both very versatile pickups in their own right - the EVH might appeal more to vintage humbucker lovers, but is versatile enough to handle the modern stuff, whilethe JB might appeal more to modern rock players, but is versatile enough to deal with diferent styles and more classic stuff.

So it sounds like it's closer to a Custom Custom, then...

I've always liked the sound of those but I feel they might be too loose in the bass for me. How does the EVH compare? It sounds like its a closer relative.

i would have to respectfully disagree with theodie about the EVH sounding like a CC. I have had both in the same guitar (musicman axis sport) at different times. The EVH sounds considerably more balanced - articulate yet smooth top end, good bass and mids. The CC has a significantly extended mids, at the expense of top end, so it is far less bright than the EVH. The bass in the CC feels a bit looser, and feels like it has a bit less bass than the EVH, but that may only be because of its much greater mids.
As far as whether the bass is too loose, if you are a heavy palm-muting sort of guy, i generally wouldnt go for an A2 magnet pickup - you will get more definition with a cermaic or A5.
Another way of looking at it: the EVH is basically (a slightly overwound) 59 with an A2 magnet, while the CC is a C5 with an A2 magnet.

Well I generally prefer tighter-sounding pickups, but I also prefer very balanced-sounding pickups, like the EVH is said to be.

Maybe i should give it a spin?

The EVH obviously uses the A2 magnet as the CC, but sounds a great deal quot;snappierquot; (and therefore, NOT quot;flubbyquot;) by virtue of it not being as compressed amp; overwound as the Custom Custom.

Especially in a guitar w/ a Floyd.

If you wanted to save cash, you could always go with Bachtorock's quot;Hybridquot; with an A2.

In any case I heard a clip of it being used with a CAA OD100 and it sounded killer.

My JB has always delivered for me but at times I wihs it had a bit more mids and not as much highs.