Jazz Bass Pickup replacement - too many options

[Davo-London]

Folks

I'm paralysed into inaction.

There must be over 30 companies that provide J-bass pickup replacements. The fantastic thread in the sticky leaves me to consider that of the major companies, if I want a 60's Fender sound then I should be contemplating:

- Seymour Duncan Antiquities II
- Nordstrand NJ4
- Aero I
- Lindy Fralin Jazz Bass replacement

In my research I have found the UK companies:

- Bareknuckle HF J bass
- Creamery J-bass

All of the above seem to use the Fender 60's overwound American wire with Alnico 5 magnets.

I don't mind buying a couple of sets to try out but here's the thing.

The MIJ E-series Squier Jazz bass has a basswood body with relatively cheap hardware. If I replace the pickups, am I going to have to replace the pots and bridge as well?

In which case why don't I sell it and get a better (alder bodied) donor (for messing about with) in the first place? Having said that the Squier is very easy to play.

Davo

[Bisounourse]

Since you live in England, you could also try the jbass pickups of Jess Loreiro
(see here: http://www.jlguitars.com/ for information).

I have a pair of them and I like them a lot (and they are rather cheap as well; 80 € + shipping for a pair).

And I'm not an expert, but I don't think you have to replace the bridge and the pots (but don't take my word for it, let's wait for the others what they say about the matter).

[Davo-London]

Ahhh more options : )

I agree - they are very affordable!

Davo

[cnltb]

Not in the UK, but not all too far away are these three;
Delano,
Haeussel
Bassculture

...and all three make very good pickups and at least two of them, Haeussel and Bassculture do custom jobs too as far as I know.

[Five String]

The short answer is you do not have to replace anythng but the pickups if you don't want to.

However, just to make your life more interesting, you may want to to replace the pots and wiring and while you have the whole thing taken apart, shield the cavities as well. As you can see from the sticky and years of threads on the subject, Fender/Squier factory wiring is sometimes sloppy and pots can be less than optimal. Shielding the cavities with copper or some other foil or paint will reduce hum. More secure wiring connections and higher grade pots will give you a much more full sound - better in all frequencies.

If you want a classic Fender sound, why replace the cheesy bridge they put on all their instruments - that's the same bridge they've been using since Leo was around.

[Davo-London]

No, the bridge is a cheaper than normal F bridge - it's corroding!

Good response thanks!

[sbpark]

I have no experience wtih Jazz basses, but recently was on a quest to get my 70's P bass back to semi-original condition and was after the 60's sound as well. I also went through a pickup search such as yourself, and just thought I'd share my experience.

As far as replacing the pots and what not, not really a need unless you think it's necessary. You can score the same pots used on an American Standard Jazz bass off ebay for cheap, then find out what capacitor was used in the 60's Jazz basses if you think that's necessary.

As far as the bridge, Fender still makes a 60's style bridge, and it's pretty cheap, like $35 USD. I recently put one on my '76 P to replace a Badass II that was on there and that alone got me a more 'vintage' tone.

Pickups are where I was stressing, because as you mentioned, there are too many choices! I narrowed it down to the Fender '62 Original reissue pup and the Lindy Fralin. I went with the Fender pup because it was significantly less expensive, is loved on this site, and was in stock everywhere, where the Fralin was harder to find and would take several weeks to get. Again, I know you have a Jazz, but just giving my input since I did the same with a P. Looks like Fender makes a 60's Jazz set. Maybe do a search and see if they get any love around here, otherwise you really can't go wrong with a set from Lindy Fralin. HE gets tons of kudos around here and his stuff is top notch. My brother has one of his pups in his P bass and loves it.

[Davo-London]

Cheers mate.

Good call. I guess it's fun to post on such issues when GAS leads to inaction.

I spoke privately to Cliff Bordwell who suggested Seymour Duncan Antiquities II so that needs to be added to the mix : )

Davo