EMG JA Set vs. original J Set

rmars · #1 08-23-2010, 03:16 PM

Sorry if I have missed it in my search but anyone out there who has experience with the original EMG J pickups try the EMG JA set? Though it seems they have fallen out of favor I once had a set of the original J's in a '78 Jazz and it sounded great. The idea of those pickups with Alnico magnets like the JA have has me intrigued.

phillipkregg · #2 08-23-2010, 03:24 PM

Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3-uPgqcHuo

rmars · #3 08-23-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillipkregg

Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3-uPgqcHuo

Thanks for the link. Those sound cool and have some of that vintage grit but different than the original EMG J's. I already have some Fralin's which fill that vintage niche just looking for something different.

965martin · #4 10-01-2010, 08:15 PM

I currently have 7 jazz basses--all w/EMG sets w/ the
BTC stacked knob eq. The JV set is very close to the vintage
sound of the late 60's basses (I have a dead stock 68 with the
same strings). The JA set is clearly brighter/warmer than the other two--but the low end is much the same as the J set.
The BTC control really works with any of the sets.
BTW, I use GHS brite flats exclusively. The light guage set
They are close to the original "Precision Bass Flatwounds" in
feeling--they are a nickel alloy---but they have much greater
life and tone--and they don't beat up your vintage neck
fretboards.

Btw--I own the candy tangerine jazz bass that JohnB posted
pictures of on the 18th

965Martin