Advice pls for pickup upgrade (Squier JB)

Al Heeley · #1 01-09-2009, 12:42 PM

My Squier JB is really a great bass for very little money, really freindly playable feel, but although i know the pickups are ok(-ish) I think I could get a good tone improvement with an upgrade. Since the bass itself cost me under £100 I'm not into spending big bucks on upgrade pups, but I'd be interesed in opinions on a better set of JB pups for her. I've heard the real Fender JB pups are maybe not a huge leap forward in tone but I have an open mind - just not into spending more than the value of the bass on a set of pickups.

John Wentzien · #2 01-09-2009, 12:52 PM

The real Fenders are a LOT better sounding.
EMG "selects" would be a cheaper option too.

Eilif · #3 01-09-2009, 02:15 PM

Mighty mite, or GFS are good cheap options, but your best bet is searching the TB classifieds for used pups.

pin_head_47 · #4 01-09-2009, 02:17 PM

Depends on what sound you're going for. Could you give us an example, or maybe what kind of music are you into?

Dimarzios are pretty cheap and easy to find used, and are supposed to have a much bigger, ballsier sound than your stock pups.

Bardley · #5 01-09-2009, 02:17 PM

If you want a little more aggressive sound, I like the DiMarzio Model J pups. They are not very expensive and really beef a bass up.

Al Heeley · #6 01-09-2009, 03:43 PM

I play bass in 2 very different bands - one does classic punk stuff - green day, kaiser chiefs, clash, ramones, hives, blink, etc. the other is more pop/dance covers so I need some versatility. Big, deep is good, then for the less aggressive stuff i can just throttle back on technique. Not really contemplated Di marzios yet.