Advice on jazz pickups needed

**davidjbass** · #1 01-12-2010, 07:07 AM

I am looking to change the pickups on my jazz bass and need some advice on what kinds will give me what I need. I have always loved the way a jazz bass feels, plays and looks. But I have always hated how thin they sound. Are there jazz bass pickups out there that will give the bass more of a fuller sounding bottom end without having to get into a battery operated preamp? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Lo-E · #2 01-12-2010, 07:09 AM

Try quarter-pounders by Seymour Duncan.

crucislancer · #3 01-12-2010, 07:17 AM

Another option is Dimarzio Ultra Jazz pickups. They are humbuckers, and have a touch more low end then single-coil Jazz p/u's.

gidbass · #4 01-12-2010, 07:23 AM

Model J's

/thread

gidbass · #5 01-12-2010, 07:24 AM

Also, check the sticky at the top of this section

"J" pickups discussion and comparisons.

**davidjbass** · #6 01-12-2010, 08:24 AM

Hey gidbass that's a great thread that I did not know of. Thanks I appreciate it. It has some really good advice.

Lo-E · #7 01-12-2010, 08:36 AM

Wow... that IS a great thread! I'll be spending a little more time on that soon...

I also should mention running a pair of Bartolini Js passive. Not really a 'vintage' sound at all, but fat and warm and very even with good output. I had them on a fretless Jazz for a while many years ago.

I still run a passive Bart in my fretless P.

basadam · #8 01-12-2010, 10:58 AM

If you want to get the "fuller sound" without sacrificing the characteristic single-coil sound, my humble advice would Aero Type-1s.

BuffaloBass · #9 01-13-2010, 05:20 AM

Oh AEROs are the best out there imho, but they'll pick up the natural tone of the instrument like no other, and I'm not sure he digs that. They sound "thick" only because the freq response is flat down to low Hz.

David, have you tried re-wiring the two J pickups into a single big humbucker? I have a feeling that is what you are looking for and not new pickups, i.e., a series/parallel switch.

blastjv · #10 01-13-2010, 09:52 AM

Another vote for the DiMarzio Ultra Jazz set. I can't say enough about how much they 'beef up' the sound of a J. I Tried a Model J set also, and they were just way too muddy for me. I loved the Ultra's right away and after tweaking the EQ on my amp, I'm in love!!!

This bass had Duncan Designed JB101's in it originally and they sounded great as well, much fatter and warmer than your average 'stock' pickups in a MIM or squier type of J, but still plenty clear.

-John

shadewind · #11 01-13-2010, 10:06 AM

Another vote for DiMarzio Ultra Jazz. I have the five string version and I love it. Coincidentally, it's the only pickup I could find which fits my Squier Deluxe Active Jazz V.

FunkMetalBass · #12 01-13-2010, 10:22 AM

Nordstrand NJ4SV's. I guarantee you'll absolutely love these pickups. If not, I will personally pay you 50% of the price paid PLUS all of the shipping costs for the pickups from you to me.

That's a smokin' deal!

Nedmundo · #13 01-13-2010, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

Nordstrand NJ4SV's.

I think the NJ4SE model is supposed to sound thicker, with more lower mids. You could also try overwound Lindy Fralins, Seymour Duncan Hot for J-bass or Hot Stacks. All should provide more beef than stock J pickups.

Muusers · #14 01-13-2010, 10:31 AM

SD Basslines

Chasarms · #15 01-13-2010, 10:31 AM

My experience is that both the Nordstrand NJ5FS split coils and the Bartolini 57J split coils offer deeper, tighter bottom end than did the stock PUs in my '08 Am St J5.

I am using the Nordstrands now. Love 'em.

moneyfornothing · #16 01-15-2010, 11:37 PM

what passive pups are best for playing classic rock, entwistle sound?? nj4s are getting a lot of buzz

LaklandBass · #17 01-15-2010, 11:38 PM

I have a set of passive barts in my fretless 5 jazz.... looooooove em.