Dimarzio Model J Problems

stugotz · #1 11-16-2012, 05:55 PM

Ok, I just installed the model j's in my 2005 Geddy Lee. I wired them as the instruction sheet suggested. I lost that bright "round" sound that I had with my stock pups. I play through a GK MB500 into a Hydrive 410. GHS Boomers. Is this normal for.the Model J's? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

slend3r · #2 11-16-2012, 06:56 PM

If I remember correctly the instructions have you wire them in series, which does make them sound a little "darker". Try wiring them in parallel, should help with the brightness.

stugotz · #3 11-16-2012, 07:07 PM

Thanks. What would be the procedure for that?

SGD Lutherie · #4 11-16-2012, 07:19 PM

For parallel, connect the red and white together, and these are the hot connection. Connect green and black together, and connect to ground.

The Model J was designed to give a thicker tone than the stock pickups.

You will need to change the EQ on your amp for the new pickups.

stugotz · #5 11-16-2012, 07:37 PM

Thanks. The instructions I followed was "series" Ill try parallel tomorrow. I think the Ultra J's may be a better choice for me.

walterw · #6 11-16-2012, 10:50 PM

if you liked the tone of the stock geddys but are just trying to get rid of hum, then the area Js are what you actually want.

JimmyM · #7 11-17-2012, 12:06 AM

I find the Model J's considerably darker than vintage style J pickups no matter how they're wired. I enjoy them for certain things, though. A very balls pickup.

Lee H · #8 11-17-2012, 12:49 AM

I have the ultra Js in my frankenjazz. I really like them, but they are not for everyone. They will not deliver the sound of the original Geddy Lee pups.
they have their own sound. I have heard them described as sounding slightly overdriven. I wasn't sure I agreed with that, at the time, but I do not know of a better way to describe it

stugotz · #9 11-17-2012, 05:10 AM

Thank you Gentlemen. I have ordered the Ultra's and the Area's. Guess Im gonna have my own J-Bass shootout. PM me if anyone wants the Model J's. Gonna let em go cheap.

stugotz · #10 11-17-2012, 12:05 PM

Well just put the stock pups back in and there is that bright round tone I love. Ultras and areas on the way. The next chapter begins...

Lee H · #11 11-17-2012, 12:16 PM

good luck with your shootout... I am sure I am not the only one who would like to hear updates on your results...

sound is subjective so what one person likes another will not. Still it is cool to hear other opinions

stugotz · #12 11-19-2012, 01:46 PM

Ultra J'z just arrived, hopefully I can get them in before I go on the air at 8. If not tomorrow for an update!

wrn23internetradio.com

stugotz · #13 11-19-2012, 03:43 PM

Ok here goes, quick install and the first hit of the A string I knew I was gonna like these. Nice brilliant "round" sound. Good bottom and excellent mids. I scoop my mids with my GK so thats my preference. I found myself playing Goldilox, YYZ, Vital Signs, even Lady Evil..... I like em, Area J's comin tomorrow, who knows?

ojo · #14 11-19-2012, 04:52 PM

I have a love/hate thing with the Model J's. I love the thick, powerful, beefy tone, but hate the lack of highs. I have Area J's in my fretless, and I like them quite a bit. Totally different animal.

Fuzz Aldrin · #15 11-19-2012, 05:51 PM

Yeah, I find the Model Js are thicker and darker sounding, wired in series. I still have 250 pots in my passive jazz though. While I don't mind the darker tone, I'm thinking of changing the pots to 500s to brighten it up a little. Maybe I'll add a push pull for series/parallel switching. I like Model Js, but they are definitely not for everyone.

stugotz · #16 11-20-2012, 11:09 AM

Really lovin the Ultra's still gonna pop in the Area's tonite.

NKBassman · #17 11-20-2012, 11:12 AM

I actually really love the Model Js in my Geddy, but I'd like to try Dimarzio's other hum cancelling model (Area J?) sometime too. Let me know what you think of them!

AltGrendel · #18 11-21-2012, 05:58 AM

I have Model J's in my frankenbass, I love them. I wouldn't bother with the series/parallel switch, all that seems to do is drop the lows and highs, leaving a very midrange sound. Kind of like the sound Jeff Berlin used in this intro. I only did the change on the bridge pickup so YMMV. I'm going to leave the mod, but I doubt I'll use it much.

stugotz · #19 11-22-2012, 09:32 AM

Ok, Area J's are in and sound awesome! Just a little less bright than the Ultra's. Much closer to the stock Fender Jazz pups, but hotter. More punchy mids. They might be stayin in....

NKBassman · #20 11-22-2012, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stugotz

Ok, Area J's are in and sound awesome! Just a little less bright than the Ultra's. Much closer to the stock Fender Jazz pups, but hotter. More punchy mids. They might be stayin in....

Can you compare them to the Model J's? I'm assuming they are a lot brighter, but do they still have some of the same aggressiveness?