Jazz pups that are piano-like

matttheaxe · #1 01-23-2013, 12:54 PM

Need replacements for MIM jazz pups. Looking for piano-like qualities. Crisp treble and punchy low end. I don't much care for middy sounds like so many put out.

The bass is not an MIM, but 70's USA neck with 1 piece ash body. It was a parts thing.

What am I looking for?

F-Clef-Jef · #2 01-23-2013, 01:15 PM

Active EMG's and brand spankin' new strings maybe?

keiththebassist · #3 01-23-2013, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-Clef-Jef

Active EMG's and brand spankin' new strings maybe?

+1 I have always found EMG's with the right preamp to give this quality

matttheaxe · #4 01-23-2013, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keiththebassist

+1 I have always found EMG's with the right preamp to give this quality

I was considerting going active. My LTD has pups similar to EMG's and it kills.
I found a complete active set including electronics on Ebay for $100. Sounds like a deal to me.

JimmyM · #5 01-23-2013, 03:24 PM

Not all active setups are equal. Some are just plain garbage. And as always, you get what you pay for. Me, I use EMG's. In your case I'd try the JX's.

keiththebassist · #6 01-23-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matttheaxe

I was considerting going active. My LTD has pups similar to EMG's and it kills.
I found a complete active set including electronics on Ebay for $100. Sounds like a deal to me.

My LTD has the "ESP" pickups which are made by EMG and printed with the ESP logo. Why I don't know. but they are EMG's through and through.

selowitch · #7 01-23-2013, 03:41 PM

You can't go wrong with X-series pickups. I have them in my MIM Jazz, and to my ears they are simply perfect with the bass strung with Chromes. Thick, punchy, and easy to hear in the mix.

DWBass · #8 01-23-2013, 03:46 PM

Bartolini Classic Series.

joelb79 · #9 01-23-2013, 06:02 PM

EMG JX's and new Stainless Steel Strings. Might I recommend RS99's if you want real piano like tones. I'm using those pickups with D'addario Prosteels right now. Yep, that tone is there.

"Q" · #10 01-24-2013, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F-Clef-Jef

Active EMG's and brand spankin' new strings maybe?

+1 Of all these type of threads, this tone is probably the easiest to nail.

selowitch · #11 01-24-2013, 06:14 AM

It is a cool sound, that piano-ish thing.