JB-2 Supercharging?

drumbook · #1 05-20-2007, 08:30 PM

Just wondering if there is a way to make the JB-2 a passive active using an onboard 9 volt pre-amp (like Audere's Jazz cavity plate pre and upgraded pups like Rio Grande or Lindy Fralin Nordstrand etc.? Would it bring the performance level within any kind of L-2000 range?

fourstringbliss · #2 05-20-2007, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumbook

Just wondering if there is a way to make the JB-2 a passive active using an onboard 9 volt pre-amp (like Audere's Jazz cavity plate pre and upgraded pups like Rio Grande or Lindy Fralin Nordstrand etc.? Would it bring the performance level within any kind of L-2000 range?

Not sure what you mean about bringing the performance level within an L2000 range. It would still be single-coil pickups vs humbuckers.

If it were me I would go with an Aguilar OBP2 or OBP3. With the bass/treble/mid controls set flat and the blend control in the middle it should sound like a JB2 with all knobs set 100%. Rolling back the treble is supposed to sound like rolling back a passive tone cotrol. You'd have to drill an additional hole for the mid switch if you went with the OBP3 or you could leave it as is with the OBP2.

Here's a link for them: Aguilar Preamps

drumbook · #3 05-20-2007, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

Not sure what you mean about bringing the performance level within an L2000 range. Preamps[/url]

More the punch and ballsiness of the humbucks less the size, but able to switch back to a Jazz passive.

I know it sounds odd, but I like the spacing in-between the pups for finger picking. The humbucks are so wide!! My Lakland has a wider gap between the pups which gives more space to finger pick. The pups are just anemic.
I have a Tribby JB on the way to try. If it works out, I'd like to maybe order a custom and install better pups and preamp.

Just thinking.....

fourstringbliss · #4 05-20-2007, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumbook

More the punch and ballsiness of the humbucks less the size, but able to switch back to a Jazz passive.

I know it sounds odd, but I like the spacing in-between the pups for finger picking. The humbucks are so wide!! My Lakland has a wider gap between the pups which gives more space to finger pick. The pups are just anemic.
I have a Tribby JB on the way to try. If it works out, I'd like to maybe order a custom and install better pups and preamp.

Just thinking.....

One idea would be to install either Dimarzio Ultra Jazz or Model J pickups, use push/pull pots for the volume controls, and wire the push/pull pots for parallel/series. Both of these pickups would give you a wider dynamic range than the standard G&L alnicos and you'd have the parallel/series option like the L2000 and they're humcancelling. The series would definitely give you the punch and ballsiness you're looking for, plus the independent parallel/series switches would allow you to have one pickup in series and the other in parallel with both on. Like having a really narrow humbucker with a standard Jazz pup.

If you want a passive/active option and you're willing to drill for a fourth knob you could go with a Bartolini NTMB 4.6 A/P.

chunkstyle · #5 05-21-2007, 09:28 AM

could you use a g&l preamp?

4Mal · #6 05-21-2007, 10:51 AM

1. The JB-2 is a J. It isn't an L2K - never will be ... and that's a good thing. Different strokes.

2. For preamps top of the heap would be the Audere IMO. It is a much clearer, more 'organic' sounding pre than other pre's I've tried. The OPB3 and Bart sound really 'overstated' in comparison. It's almost like running an effect. The Audere you need is the the configureable one not the pre-done Jazz plate... hole spacing on the JB-2 won't like up with the pre-configured. The install is easy ...

3. Pickups ? damn, there are so many good J pickups out there. If you want to go in the MFD direction, a humbucking J might be the answer. Personally I would rather celebrate the J like characteristics and stay with single coils.

Lawrence J-45's for a modern clear take on a J, Fender MIA 62's from the custom shop or Duncan SJB1's for vintage. Areo type's or maybe Nordstrand for other flavors

The L2K is a great bass, the JB-2 is a great bass. Between the 2 of those and with the addition of a P, you've got Leos's basses pretty well covered.

sunbeast · #7 05-21-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunkstyle

could you use a g&l preamp?

The G&L preamp is only a boost circuit (boosts the whole signal + lowers the impedance)- it doesn't have any EQ adjustment in and of itself- it will give you more highs and lows, but not adjustable at all...you could add the passive tone controls like an L2000/L2500, but I doubt you'd want to cut bass from the JB-2 (the tone controls are cut only)- and the treble cut is the same as the JB-2s tone knob as it is...

Karl

drumbook · #8 05-21-2007, 11:45 AM

Good suggestions.... Thanks

I guess my quandry will be how much to invest extra in the axe without going overkill. No doubt the two L2K and JB-2 are different beasts. From the Fender Jazzes I've played, I really liked the pickup configuration and playability, just not a big fan of the current Fender build. I got this idea from a player who was selling a custom Lakland Joe Osborn with a nice aftermarket pre-amp and Nordstrand pups. He claimed it was the cat's azz!!! It was just a little pricey for me at the time, plus I'd rather stay with the G&L product.

lug · #9 05-21-2007, 01:20 PM

Not sure how much room is in the control cavity but if there is room for the battery, you can replace the tone knob with this from EMG (stacked bass and treble cut/boost). I have one on a homemade and am quite pleased with it. I think they only run around $70. That way, you don't have to permanently modify the instrument.

http://www.emginc.com/displayproduct...&catalogid=104

spideyjg · #10 05-21-2007, 01:33 PM

I had one of those in my toothless L1K when I got it. Freaking tonepire that needed to be staked.

Jim

lug · #11 05-21-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

I had one of those in my toothless L1K when I got it. Freaking tonepire that needed to be staked.

Jim

tonepire?

I was thinking that it would work well with a Jazz setup but haven't heard one set up with one yet.

spideyjg · #12 05-21-2007, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lug

tonepire?

I was thinking that it would work well with a Jazz setup but haven't heard one set up with one yet.

Vampires suck blood, tonepires suck tone.

The wunkay had none of that snappy G&L MFD goodness that I love and sounded all mellow and "Bartolinified".

Put back to stock controls and it came to life.

Dunno on a Jazz setup what it would do.

Jim

lug · #13 05-21-2007, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Vampires suck blood, tonepires suck tone.

The wunkay had none of that snappy G&L MFD goodness that I love and sounded all mellow and "Bartolinified".

Put back to stock controls and it came to life.

Dunno on a Jazz setup what it would do.

Jim

..adds "tonepire" to little black book of definitions

Mine is on a Bart as a matter of fact!

**Chef** · #14 05-21-2007, 03:08 PM

Dude, you said "Tone-pire!"

And "Bartolini-fied!"

nice post!

fourstringbliss · #15 05-21-2007, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumbook

Good suggestions.... Thanks

I guess my quandry will be how much to invest extra in the axe without going overkill. No doubt the two L2K and JB-2 are different beasts. From the Fender Jazzes I've played, I really liked the pickup configuration and playability, just not a big fan of the current Fender build. I got this idea from a player who was selling a custom Lakland Joe Osborn with a nice aftermarket pre-amp and Nordstrand pups. He claimed it was the cat's azz!!! It was just a little pricey for me at the time, plus I'd rather stay with the G&L product.

I'm telling you, I think Dimarzio Ultra Jazzes with the parallel/series switches is going to give you the versatility you crave.

One of these could definitely help as well:

It's the middle knob from a J-Retro preamp and would give you bass/treble boost/cut and pull pull up for treble boost.

All of this would run you about $300 ($100 for pups, $150 for pre, and $50 for the push/pull switches and shipping for it all) but it would give you a killer bass with lots of tonal possibilities.

datsgora · #16 05-26-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringbliss

I'm telling you, I think Dimarzio Ultra Jazzes with the parallel/series switches is going to give you the versatility you crave.

.

I tend to agree with this statement...I have the ultra Jazzes and the Model Js'....(model J in the JB-2) and the humbucking aspect along with the adjustable poles gives me all the control over even-ness and tone I need....either set will do wonders for the JB-2.