I am in search of a clear, punchy sound from a 1997 (pre-changes) MIM Jazz. I have done my homework and have found only a couple of options. I will be using an Audere pre.
I will be using a string-thru- bridge and drilling holes for ferrules. Brass nut, Hipshots, full shielding. Now we come to my problem: Pickups. Because of the size of the bridge and neck routs being the same, my choices are limited. Bartolini offers a set at BestBass Gear.com, but, they are temporarily out of stock. EMG makes a set, but, I don't want actives.
All other manufacturers offer a set, but, to make it work, I can either rout the bridge cavity a little bigger or put a neck p/u in the bridge position. Here's my dilemna, a neck pickup is going to sound different than a bridge pickup. The Bartolini set is matched for this purpose, but that is so far, my only choice. I like the sound of my bass, so I don't want to buy an aftermarket body, just for the pickups, and end up with a sound which needs maturing. I understand that, with all the changes I will be making, the sound will be different, but, not as drastic of a difference as changing the body wood. I would like to have all of the options that are offered for standard J-Basses, but I am itchy about routing the bridge cavity.

If anyone knows of a solution or has a recommendation of a good, Hi-Fi sounding pickup set, please let me know. If the pickup set will get me to my goal, I will be more than willing to rout for the cause.
Thanx

Thumpin_P:help: :bassist:

The pickup routes should be the size of the bridge pickup. In other words, the larger of the two. I have a '95 MIM and installed a set of Dimarzio DP123 Model Js. You should not have to route anything.

The pickup routes should be the size of the bridge pickup. In other words, the larger of the two. I have a '95 MIM and installed a set of Dimarzio DP123 Model Js. You should not have to route anything.

Did the bridge pu fit without any problems, because my cavities are both the same dimensions.

I have Bartolini 57 J1 L/S in my MIM Jazz 5.
The sizes are:
Bridge - 105mm (4.13")
Neck - 101mm (3.98")

I would just wait until the get them in stock or try http://www.thebassplace.com/index.shtml

I got mine from them.

EMG makes passive J-style pickups. I believe you can purchase same-size pickups, but you may want to check with EMG tech support first. Here is a link to their standard passive neck & bridge Fender replacements.

http://www.emginc.com/displayproducts.asp?section=Bass&categoryid=31&catalogid=179

I have a 98 MIM Jazz with the same issue of the neck and bridge pups being the same size. I ordered two Bartolini neck pickups from bestbassgear.com

I'm having a Bartolini preamp installed now, but it had to have a bigger space routed for it to fit.

I had posted about this issue with my 2000/2001 MIM. I ended up getting Dimarzio Js. I then used a dremel with a tapered sanding attachment to route out the bridge pickup housing. Worked fine, sits at the right height, etc.

I do have a question about the Audere preamp; Doesn't the preamp need a battery? If it does, how do you change the battery without taking everything apart again?

Adam

You do have to remove the control plate. When you install the electronics, give yourself enough slack to pull the controls without putting anything in a bind.

Thumpin_P:bassist:

Gonna be routing for the battery - mite as well route for the pickup as well and have your choice. Make or pickup a template and should be cake as don't need to take out much. I have done it with good success - didn't even chip the paint on the top. The DM Model J can also be ordered seperately - so you can get 2 neck size if you'd rather not route. Love the tone of those - may not need the pre - they are some high output pu's with some serious punch.
David

I already routed and replaced the pickups. I was asking Brian at bestbassgear.com about the preamp, he said there won't be a need to route for the Aguilar preamp.

Thanks

Adam

you can get Hz's they soud good for passives. Hz's are the same size as the acives

lindy fralin makes really, really nice pickups, and most of the time sets are wound the same way, so ordering 2 neck pickups wouldnt be an issue.

You should also check out the Carvin pickups. They come in equal lengths.

Also, you can order pickups from Bill Lawrence of equal length that are considered by many to be hi fi and are also noiseless. Good prices from both Carvin and Lawrence because you buy direct.

If you call Lawrence (don't email-you'll never get a reply) they will advise you what pickup will fit your bass. They're good people to deal with.