MIJ 62 re-issue Jazz Bass- Pickup replacement

stinky_UK · #1 08-11-2006, 06:24 AM

I am thinking of changing my pickups on my MIJ 62 re-issue Jazz. i am not sure of what pickups to go for (Fender Originals or Dimarzio Ultra Jazz). Fender originals would seem to be the good choice as they are on the MIA version.I am also unsure of the relevancy of the earthing strip from the bridge pickup to the bridge. and not haven taking anything apart yet just wondered if it is obvious/easy to replace or if its needed.
Lastly is it worth it? i like how it plays so would rather get a new lease of life from it, but if it will de-value, ruin the re-issue thing then theres not a lot of point!
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

shooter_mi · #2 08-11-2006, 06:48 AM

The earth strip is there because its a reissue and that's how the jazz bass was done in '62. If it bothers you, you can take it out and run an wire inside the cavity from the bridge to pickup, but it won't change sound or playability and when it comes time to sell it, some '62 RI fans will undoubtedly be turned off.

The pickups in there are already pretty good. On many of the MIJ models they're even american pickups, so I'd think twice before I swapped them out, unless they're really not working properly.

stinky_UK · #3 08-11-2006, 06:58 AM

unfortunately for me i have the basswood/non-usa pickups version (as opposed to the alder/usa vintage pickup version). they sound ok but i am getting GAS for anything and have never upgraded pickups before!
The earth strip doesnt bother me and like you said it belongs there so i wont move it. what i meant was is it easy to re-attach if i do change the pickups?

basadam · #4 08-11-2006, 07:39 AM

What kind of sound are you looking for? For a smooth J-bass tone I would recommend Lind Fralins. For forward and slightly aggressive tone I would recommend Aeros.

stinky_UK · #5 08-11-2006, 08:06 AM

agressive full warm edgy?!
A versatile pickup i suppose! I play in covers bands so play 60's (beatles/henrix/stones), blues, rock, etc

Nick Ioannucci · #6 08-11-2006, 10:15 AM

lindy fralins ma boy, lindy fralins.

ToneRanger · #7 08-12-2006, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinky_UK

unfortunately for me i have the basswood/non-usa pickups version (as opposed to the alder/usa vintage pickup version).

How can you tell?
I'm looking to buy a Jap Jazz but find it hard to tell which is which.
Ideally I'd get one of the '80's ones, but people who own them seem to want to keep them (I have an '83 Jap Squier Strat that's one of the best Strats I've played - clearly better than more recent USA Fenders)

stinky_UK · #8 08-12-2006, 04:57 AM

you can tell by the price - the alder/usa pickup ones are more expensive.
Also if you check out fenderjapan.co.jp you can see the different model codes for each.
There is nothin wrong eith my bass i hasten to add, just would have preffered the alder/usa pickup one!
Good luck blindly clicking on the japanese site!

momo · #9 08-12-2006, 10:16 PM

Custom shop RIs are a great PU as well. I had the origionals in my Geddy, and I think the CSs are better by far. THey aren't much more expensive. Fralin makes great PUs as well, but I haven't used them.

Stay away from the UltraJazz if you want to stick to a traditional oldschool jazz tone. I was always bummed about my tone while those were in my bass.

*Munkeh* · #10 03-21-2007, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinky_UK

The earth strip doesnt bother me and like you said it belongs there so i wont move it. what i meant was is it easy to re-attach if i do change the pickups?

BUMP!

I'd like to know an answer to that question above^

Baleen · #11 03-21-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinky_UK

The earth strip doesnt bother me and like you said it belongs there so i wont move it. what i meant was is it easy to re-attach if i do change the pickups?

I have a later model MIA 62RI, but I'm pretty sure you won't have to reattach anything as the ground strip isn't connected to the pickup in the pickup cavity, i.e. you should be able to replace the pickup without disturbing the ground strip.

Determining body materials, etc.:
Just call Fender with the serial number. The number's in a FAQ document under customer support. They happily gave me lots of info about basses that I was considering buying.

Powdered Toast · #12 03-21-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinky_UK

Lastly is it worth it? i like how it plays so would rather get a new lease of life from it, but if it will de-value, ruin the re-issue thing then theres not a lot of point!
Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

I can't recommend a pickup for you, however I will say that if you like the bass for its playability and look, but aren't pleased with the sound, doing a pickup change will certainly bring this bass back to life for you. You will be amazed by the difference in sound from a different set of pickups. The physical act of doing the change is fairly easy too. I was blown away by the improvement in tone when I swapped out the pickups in my MIM Standard Jazz. It was my first mod and I so pleased that I kicked myself for not doing it sooner. If you love the bass but are contemplating selling it due to the tone, a pickup change is for you.

As far as resale is concerned - as long as you keep the original parts so that it can be restored to original condition I would think it'll be fine.

J.Wolf · #13 03-21-2007, 09:14 PM

I just bought a CIJ 62 RI here on TB, it should be here within a few days. The main selling point for me is that it has been upgraded to have dual concentric CTS stacked pots, and orange drop caps, as well as a set of Nordstrand NJ4SE pickups.

I'm a big big fan of Nordstrand pickups and very eager to see how the bass sounds. I'd reccomend those pickups any day, and if you do a "nordstrand vs. lindy fralin" search, the results are very interesting.

Good luck!

RHFusillo · #14 03-25-2007, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinky_UK

agressive full warm edgy?!
A versatile pickup i suppose! I play in covers bands so play 60's (beatles/henrix/stones), blues, rock, etc

I would recommend Duncan Antiquity II pickups. I personally prefer the Antiquity I's, but the II's have a bit more edge to them. And they have reasonably high output.

bassman10096 · #15 03-25-2007, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Stay away from the UltraJazz if you want to stick to a traditional oldschool jazz tone. I was always bummed about my tone while those were in my bass.

+1 UJ's are definitely not a vintage-style pu. I'm about to swap them out of a MIA J I just bought. I had and dumped a UJ bridge pu in a P/J a while back. The pickup lacked the old-time grit I like. What has surprised me about the UJs on the new bass is how smooth and powerful the bass comes across at performance volumes. I hate the "bedroom tone" at low volumes though. Go figure.

spc · #16 03-25-2007, 09:01 AM

"For a smooth J-bass tone I would recommend Lind Fralins"

I disagree with the above from my own experience with Fralins....

but you said you wanted aggressive, full, warm, edgy, and I think the Fralins would definitely fit the bill there. Good luck!