Aftermarket Active Jazz Bass Set-up

brekfustuvluzer · #1 12-11-2006, 11:03 AM

I'm close to buying a new active fender jazz bass and i was planning on changing out the pickups and electronics. does anyone have any good pickup/preamp combinations to recommend?

JeremyBender · #2 12-11-2006, 11:12 AM

I am waiting on getting my MIM active jazz deluxe back from my guy, and I went with Dimarzio Ultra Jazz pups and a Deluxe J-Retro preamp. I love the J-Retro personally, as I have it in other basses, but this is the first time I am using it to replace an already active system.

I am not sure what it will sound like, but I love the Dimarzio Ultra Jazz pups in my fretless, combined with a J-Retro standard preamp. It sounds incredible in the studio and cuts through anything with ease. I am hoping for the same results with the Jazz deluxe.

Though, you should hear how the bass sounds before changing anything. It was a very muddy dead thud for me, but mayhaps your ears hear soemthing good.

jnewmark · #3 12-19-2006, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeremyBender

I am waiting on getting my MIM active jazz deluxe back from my guy, and I went with Dimarzio Ultra Jazz pups and a Deluxe J-Retro preamp. I love the J-Retro personally, as I have it in other basses, but this is the first time I am using it to replace an already active system.

I am not sure what it will sound like, but I love the Dimarzio Ultra Jazz pups in my fretless, combined with a J-Retro standard preamp. It sounds incredible in the studio and cuts through anything with ease. I am hoping for the same results with the Jazz deluxe.

Though, you should hear how the bass sounds before changing anything. It was a very muddy dead thud for me, but mayhaps your ears hear soemthing good.

Does Dimarzio make the preamp also? I recently bought a MIM Jazz Deluxe at a pawn shop for cheap. It's in great shape but sounds like a fart in the bathtub. Thought it might be the battery, but still sounds the same with a new one. What exactly do the knobs control? Are there two volume controls like on a passive Jazz? Thanks for any ifo and advice.

ibz · #4 12-19-2006, 06:12 PM

This might get some better response in the Pickups and Electronics forum: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f38/

Also, you might get some ideas and answers by searching through some similar threads on the forum via Advanced Search.

manbass · #5 12-19-2006, 07:27 PM

I have found none better than Bartolini.

lbwdog · #6 12-19-2006, 08:53 PM

I don't understand. If you don't like pickups and electronics on an active jazz why are going to buy a new one? Why not get a cheaper passive one to modify.

Not meaning to be rude but you don't even know what electronics you want so why are you determined to change them before you even own it? Sorry, I just don't get it.

brekfustuvluzer · #7 12-28-2006, 12:48 PM

looks, playability, feel of the neck, harmonic reasonance of the wood are the reasons i bought the bass. i do like the pups and pre now that ive had it at home. ive decided to keep the pups and im not sure about the pre. i would really like to have a passive/active select.

Modulator · #8 12-28-2006, 01:12 PM

Do a search on the Audere jazz preamp. I just installed one in my '96 Jazz a few days ago and have been freaking out ever since. It doesn't do active/passive but mid Z mode is pretty close.

The relatively low price tag, ease of installation, and high recommendations make it a no-brainer...