Can I replace stock J pickups myself?

jgroh · #1 10-01-2007, 02:28 PM

Hi all,

I just picked up a used Geddy Jazz and I am looking to possibly swap out the stock pickups for the DiMarzio Model Js (after reading about them on this db). Question...is this something I can install myself or is it just best to take it down to the music store?

I dont have any experience doing this, but if it wasnt too hard I might try it myself (after calling a couple of music shops in my area, they were less than helpful...no idea how long it will take, cant order DiMarzio's so I would need to supply them, no input on the process...

Thanks in advance.

rakirksey · #2 10-01-2007, 02:36 PM

This should be a pretty easy job that you CAN do yourself if the pickups are the exact same size. I had some DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups put into my MIM Fender Jazz, but the slot for the pickups didn't fit exactly, so I had someone do it for me that routed out a little extra space.

If there is no space issue ... it's a pretty self-explanatory job. Basically take the old PUs out and slap the new ones in in the same spot and route the wires through the tiny holes.

mjolnir · #3 10-01-2007, 02:42 PM

If you've got a little experience with a soldering iron, then sure you could do it yourself. That's the hardest part, IMHO. If you don't feel comfortable using one of those, then get someone to do it.

Baird6869 · #4 10-01-2007, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjolnir2730

If you've got a little experience with a soldering iron, then sure you could do it yourself. That's the hardest part, IMHO. If you don't feel comfortable using one of those, then get someone to do it.

+1.

Just curious.... why would you replace the standard vintage Jazz pickups? I gig a lot with my stock Geddy and it sounds amazing IMO from the factory.

jgroh · #5 10-01-2007, 03:59 PM

I guess I want some more "oomph" from the Geddy than I am getting (hence wanting the new pickups). I really like the sound, but I played the same bass for 20 years; a Guild B-301 with a single single-coil pickup. Got a GREAT midrange growl with it, but not much bottom, so I wanted something along those same lines but with more bottom end.

I do get that with the Geddy but its not as much as I anticipated. I was hoping to get a more "even" tone across the board. Maybe I should keep the stock pickups and look into an onboard preamp???

Any ideas are welcome.
John

SuperSnake2012 · #6 10-01-2007, 04:02 PM

Are you still using the stock strings? If I'm not mistaken there are Fender USA pickups in there... you might just need a fresh set of strings for the bass.

Vandelay · #7 10-01-2007, 04:16 PM

I had a similar experience to one of the above posters: tried to replace the pickups in my MIM Jazz with some new EMGs, but the new bridge pickup didn't quite fit in the slot. I didn't trust myself to carve out the extra wood without damaging the finish, so I took it to a repair tech.

And +1 on trying a new set of strings first, they can make a surprising amount of difference. You might ask for suggestions in the Strings forum.

jgroh · #8 10-01-2007, 05:01 PM

I am not using the original strings. I picked this bass up used...I have *fairly* new strings on it. Again, I like the sound, its just not that much of a change to what I had so I was looking to possibly upgrade (and I have been out of the loop for a while so I am not up on alot of tech stuff)

Has anyone used the stock pickups but added a preamp? And if so, what if anything did that do for you?

gkbass13 · #9 10-01-2007, 05:20 PM

the geddy lee basses are notoriosu for having a somewhat low output, btu they are tonally very nice instruments in my opinion. the dimarzios will be an upgrade as far as output and might also give you that extra oomph in the low end you desire. i vote to drop in the dimarzios and keep it passive!

4Mal · #10 10-01-2007, 08:24 PM

Just curious but what do higher output pickups really bring to the party ?

It seems to me that in my rig, if I have a high output bass, then I need to adjust muy input gain to a lower level relative to lower output basses to maintain the same level of volume in the room or on the disk. Well I have an input gain control on my amp - why would I need higher output pickups ?

(on guitar it's different as I'm playing through smallish tube amps where I'm looking to beat the amp end into early break up - I like a little hair there - that same 'hair' just rob's attack or punch on the bass side of things.)

Crabby · #11 10-01-2007, 08:50 PM

I bought a set of geddys (Classic 62 re issue jazz pickups) for my MIM jazz and although they were better then the stock Mexi pups, I was disappointed in the lack of growl.

I have since sold them off and am awaiting a set of Model J's to arrive. I did my research and am fully expecting to really like these pickups as they apparently offer a more mid centered growly tone rather then a scooped tone.

22pauld22 · #12 10-02-2007, 01:17 AM

To answer your initial question .. go out buy yourself a nice simple soldering iron about 40 watts if I remember rightly (its been so long since I bought one) get some good quality solder and some wire (cutters if you don't have them ..

look up a web site about soldering .. strip the wire tin it and solder it togeather
it isn't rocket science but learning to solder whilst you are playing with your new bass isn't something you want too do ..

the good thing about the j's are is that because they are humbucking you can have a parallel / series switch ..

if you haven't experienced this series is hotter and darker )

good luck .. worst comes to worst you will pull them back out and sell them on
but its all fun and since you haven't done it before its exciting hahah

cheers
Paul

basadam · #13 10-02-2007, 03:52 AM

It's actually easy but if you've never soldered before, make sure you practise "A LOT" before gutting your Geddy and/or DiMarzio. I remember my first soldering job. It worked alright but visually it was a mess.

jgroh · #14 10-02-2007, 06:55 AM

Thanks for the input guys,

I thought about doing this because if I did not like the new pickups or wanted to try another set, I could do it myself (instead of going to the music shop each time) It would make things alot easier.

I guess I should buy a soldering iron and practice a bit. So, the model J's are an upgrade from the stock pickups? Is that the consensus?

22pauld22 · #15 10-02-2007, 07:55 AM

ahhh I think with model J's those who like them usually love them .. they did come out ? ahh early 80's ? maybe late 70's and have never changed ? that kinda speaks for itself

when soldering remember that you don't want a dry joint .. basically you heat the wire connector that you want the solder to stick too .. not the solder itself .. if when the solder cools its dull .. no good .. if its lovely and shiney your on a winner .. its as simple as that as far as I'm concerned .. leave the solder to cool on its on .. don't blow on it .. don't wiggle it .. just leave it a good soldered joint is STRONG

go forth and solder

cheers
Paul

basadam · #16 10-02-2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgroh

So, the model J's are an upgrade from the stock pickups? Is that the consensus?

It depends. IMHO an upgrade is what makes your already existing tone better without changing the basics of it. Your stock pickups are already good single coils. I'd call a set of Lindy Fralins or Lollars or "<<put-in-your-fav-single-coil-brand>>" an upgrade.

DiMarzios, especially wired in series, are entirely different. It's like removing the gasolin engine of your car and replacing with a diesel engine. None is better, just different. In parallel they sound closer to classic Jazz tone but there is still a margin.

Liko · #17 10-02-2007, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Mal

Just curious but what do higher output pickups really bring to the party ?

It seems to me that in my rig, if I have a high output bass, then I need to adjust muy input gain to a lower level relative to lower output basses to maintain the same level of volume in the room or on the disk. Well I have an input gain control on my amp - why would I need higher output pickups ?

(on guitar it's different as I'm playing through smallish tube amps where I'm looking to beat the amp end into early break up - I like a little hair there - that same 'hair' just rob's attack or punch on the bass side of things.)

Input gain still makes a tonal difference on bass, even solid-state. First off, the gain control is a volume control. Ideally, a volume control alters all frequencies exactly the same, but in practice that's rarely true. When you turn the gain down you lose subtle overtones, high-mids and highs, and the tone becomes muddier. With the gain turned up, those tones are more clearly heard, making the instrument's tone more open and yet more defined.

Second, the preamp gain is there to boost the input signal so that the preamp EQ controls have something to work with. With a lower-level input signal, the EQ does not make as much difference in tone (and you have less to begin with).

The preamp gain and power amp volume, if both are present, are very seperate controls and should be treated as such. Generally, preamp gain should be set as high as possible without encountering preamp clipping or objectionable hum/hiss, so the preamp has as much signal as possible with which to shape tone. The power amp volume should then be set to the desired volume.

jgroh · #18 10-02-2007, 08:47 AM

Well I think I am going to play around a bit with soldering so if I decide to go ahead, I can do it myself (and I just got off the phone with my 3rd music shop and it was more of the same...some half-stoned sounding, not very helpful dude saying they might be able to do it but dont know how long it will take, not sure how much it will cost, not sure about how to speak clearly into the phone...)

How do these places stay in business? Anyway, thanks for the input!