Changing Pickups on a New Bass: Any Size Restrictions?

[Positively]

I found a bass that I really like and plan to purchase it, but would like to change the pickups from J to MM.

However, I noticed that basses (in particular, the TBC basses) that are outfitted with MM pickups are generally of a different shape than those with J pickups. Basses built and sold with MM pickups seem generally larger and shaped wider.

Would this make changing the pickups on a bass sold with J's to MM's more difficult or impossible? Can you switch from J's to MM on any bass, or do basses have size limitations?

Thanks in advance.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

You can switch, but, the pickups are different sizes, so you would have to make a bigger route for the MM pickup

[tplyons]

Any pickup shape will fit in any bass if there's room and the routing is done. A Jazz bass pickup is longer than a MM pickup and a MM pickup is wider, therefore any conversion between those two will not be perfect and you'll have some routing to cover from the old pickup.

[bkief1]

My first question is why buy the bass if you already want to swap out the pickups? Are you sure the bass/pickups you are getting will not fill the job/sound you have in mind? Perhaps give it some time before you dismiss what the new bass has to offer.

A reminder...The pickups are only a piece of the entire signal chain that contributes to your sound.

Along with pickup width and length, don't forget depth of your instrument vs. the pickup's (height) you may wish to install. Most pickup manufacturers have those dimensions available, as does the bass maker. I think it'd be a good idea to be sure the bass can accomodate what you are looking to do, even by routing.

HTH

[joeyl]

don't forget about string spacing also, on pickups with polepieces, it can be a problem