6-String "J" Style Bass Pickups

boomski · #1 01-05-2011, 06:39 AM

Hi All ,
I have an Atelier-Z Beta 6 with their standard "J" style pickups and a U-Retro preamp installed . I am thinking about upgrading the pickups and I hear good things about Seymour Duncan Antiquity II s but from what I understand the form factor for their 6 string pickups are all soap bar shaped . Can anyone offer other suggestions for a similar tone in a 6-string "J" type shape ?

Thanks .

dEREK

chucko58 · #2 01-05-2011, 10:29 AM

If they are really J bass sized pickups, and depending on the string spacing, a Wilde J-45 from Bill Lawrence might do the trick. I installed a few into Carvin 6-strings when I was heavy into the Carvins.

edit: I think Bartolini also makes J-type pickups for 6ers, but you might have to wait a while to get one.

boomski · #3 01-05-2011, 10:46 AM

Hi chucko58 ,
Thanks for the suggestion . The pickups are "J" shaped but not "J" sized . I am not sure if there really is a standard size for 6 string "J" pickups but the string spacing on my Beta 6 has 19 mm ( 3/4" ) spacing and the pickups both seem to be about 115 mm wide ( 4.5" ). Anyone have anymore ideas about what might be possible ?

Thanks .

boomski · #4 01-09-2011, 07:03 AM

No one else has any suggestions for replacement 6 string "J" style pickups ? Should I post this in the "J" bass sticky thread instead ?

Darkstrike · #5 01-09-2011, 07:22 AM

If they fit the rout, Joe Barden's might do.

Nordstrand and Seymour Duncan would make them for you special.

Delano make 'em, as do Bartolini, and EMG.

Always check the dimensions on their sites, to make sure they fit your bass.

ad9000 · #6 01-09-2011, 08:07 AM

I used to own a Low End Jazz 6-string. You didn't mention the width of your routs, but the LEJ had extremely narrow ones (21mm), so the only pickups I could find that fit without routing were Delano narrow soapbars, as seen on this page:
http://www.bestbassgear.com/delano-6...ng-pickups.htm
I'd describe them as neutral sounding, not hyped, with medium output. I wouldn't say they sounded totally authentic compared to a real Jazz Bass, but close.

I also talked to Carey Nordstrand, who said he could make me some custom Big Singles to fit, though they would have to be raw (no covers).

**line6man** · #7 01-09-2011, 09:59 AM

Try Reed James pickups:
http://reedjamescustom.com/

He makes very nice pickups, and can make you any kind of pickup you want if you can spec the size.

boomski · #8 01-09-2011, 10:19 AM

Those are all good suggestions . I think contacting the makers sound's like a really good idea . I have heard lots of good things about the Nordstrand Big Singles too but had not even considered the possibility of having them done as a customized order . I just hope it doesn't end up costing an arm and a leg . I guess my next move will be going out and trying out some of these various pickups to nail down which ones I really like .

Thanks everyone .

dEREK