Highest output J pickup?

[kringle77]

I've got a new bass with a dimarzio Will Power P that has an output of 175mv. It's matched with a dimarzio ultra jazz in the bridge position that has 250mv output. The p is still way louder than the J. What is the loudest J out there? I need something to keep up with the p.

[SGD Lutherie]

Make sure the J is fairly close to the strings, and then try lowering the P and see if that helps.

[kringle77]

I use the p as a ramp so it's got to be close so, I need a hotter J. The current J is as close as possible.

[SGD Lutherie]

Try wiring the P in parallel.

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by kringle77

I use the p as a ramp so it's got to be close so, I need a hotter J. The current J is as close as possible.

Unfortunately, you may just have to deal with it. The age-old formula with a PJ pickup height is just as SGD described. You crank the bridge as high as it will go and lower the P PU until they balance.

P pickups are really hot by design. I would be very surprised if you are able to find a PU in a singlecoil frame that can match the output. Plus, the position of the the PU itself gives the P a huge advantage. It is under much stronger, lower freq harmonic nodes than in the bridge. There just isn't as much going on back there harmonically.

If it really bothers you, use the blend pot to favor the bridge PU.

[SGD Lutherie]

Also I'll state my opinion that ramps are junk. There's no reason why your fingers should ever extend blow the strings to touch the ramp. If they do, you need to alter your technique.

An alternative to this problem, is to install a small trim pot in series with the P to attenuate the out to match the J.

[kringle77]

As far as using the p as a ramp, tell that to billy sheehan. He picking technique sucks right? Right. Thats not a bad idea about using a trim pot though. Of course, I would have to adjust alot of things in my amp rig to compensate. I knew there would be a miss-match but, with the j's output, I thought things would be closer I guess.

[walterw]

well, the J isn't usually run by itself with a P/J setup anyway.

the J is just there to modify the tone of the P pickup as it's brought in, which it will do just fine even if it isn't as loud as the P pickup.

[BulbousMoses]

Originally Posted by kringle77

As far as using the p as a ramp, tell that to billy sheehan. He picking technique sucks right? Right. Thats not a bad idea about using a trim pot though. Of course, I would have to adjust alot of things in my amp rig to compensate. I knew there would be a miss-match but, with the j's output, I thought things would be closer I guess.

Why not consider a custom winding? Or is that not in the cards, financially speaking?

[walterw]

+1 to wiring the P in parallel to make it more even with the J.

(also, starting simultaneous side-by-side threads on the same subject in the same forum is considered poor form )

[Gear_Junky]

I'm about to build a P/J parts bass, so this is going to be relevant (and I've read about this problem before, but haven't really experienced it). A friend has an Aerodyne and it sounds fantastic and I haven't observed that problem there.

I'm wondering: how about using a weaker P-pup? Like Chasarms said, P is designed to be powerful. But then, when I see the word "Dimarzio" added in, it makes me want to cower in a soundproof room

I don't mean to be presumptuous, and I realize there's different styles and tools, but as someone who thinks that "less is more" (and who likes weaker "vintage" pickups in his guitars and basses) I can't help but wonder: why the need for such "hot" pickups in the first place? Why not turn up the amp or the preamp and let more of the bass's character come through? (I'm not looking for any trouble )

[walterw]

agreed, actually.

a vintage-type P pickup plus an ultra jazz (or even their new, more accurate area J) sounds great together.

[kringle77]

I've wired a parallel switch in on of my other basses but, I don't like the way it changes the tone. Thins out the mids.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by kringle77

As far as using the p as a ramp, tell that to billy sheehan. He picking technique sucks right? Right. Thats not a bad idea about using a trim pot though. Of course, I would have to adjust alot of things in my amp rig to compensate. I knew there would be a miss-match but, with the j's output, I thought things would be closer I guess.

Everyone has a different technique. A lot of great players don't use a ramp and their picking doesn't suck either, like Stanley Clarke. I don't use a ramp and my picking doesn't suck either.

I said it was my opinion. I think ramps are a crutch.

But the trim pot will fix you up.

[kringle77]

It's not as close as most ramps but up there. I don't need it but, prefer it. Common, how can you compare billy sheehans right hand plucking to Clark's. Not in the same universe. I use a fairly well developed 3 finger technique as well. I'll either just except that it is what it is or tame the p alittle. I'll probably just use it the way it is. That super hot p close to the strings is what a large part of my sound is and what I've built my gear around.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by kringle77

Common, how can you compare billy sheehans right hand plucking to Clark's. Not in the same universe.

Meaning what? Clarke can play circles around Sheehan. And it's not all hammer ons and sliding. Also Clarke did it first. No one was playing bass like him back in the early 70s. Don't go by his playing now.

Play this riff at the beginning of this video.

YouTube - ‪Stanley Clarke 1975-2008 Bass Violence‬‏

I use a fairly well developed 3 finger technique as well.

You also don't need to use three fingers. Two will do. Just pluck faster.

[kringle77]

OK, first let me eat alittle crow about stanely. He was really good back then. But, let's be objective about technique. Most of the fast stuff he is doing with his right hand is done with raking. And he uses action so low that you hear fret smack on every not. I can play that fast finger style but it's with higher action, heavier strings and it's cleaner sounding. A setup that you can use at any regular gig. I hate when people say how fast a guy can play but all you hear is fret and pick attack noise. Thats not fast, it's messy and useless. Im not saying he isn't great but, judge it fairly. Is playing with extremely low action that rattles, ultralite strings, etc cheating? No, but you can't compare if fairly to someone playing on an average setup. Anyway, thanks for that clip, he is a great player. I forgot that he used the cool distorted tones.

[darkstorm]

Loudest and fullest sounding J pup Ive played is the J pups by rockfield. Rockfield bass pups have been used on some traben basses

[walterw]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

YouTube - ‪Stanley Clarke 1975-2008 Bass Violence‬‏

stanley was definitely badass start to finish, and this is totally OT, but i gotta say, at the end there with stanley, marcus and victor trading licks, marcus owned both of them by sounding the most like a real bass player playing actual bass.

[countrybass007]

I don't know what Lakland uses, but my Laklands seem to have a much louder pickup than my Fenders.