Not like Fralins?

brewster · #1 05-24-2009, 04:41 PM

I have these in my Skyline Joe Osborn, they always seem to have a lack of definition or something, no matter how I set the tone controls. I want a little sharper more defined sound, I guess I would say. Anybody else not like the Fralins? Maybe I should try a classic Fender type set or something along those lines? The guitar is nice and plays well, just can't get the sound to work for me. Thanks!

r379 · #2 05-24-2009, 05:00 PM

I had a set of Fralins in a USA Joe Osborne and I thought the D and especially the G were kinda weak. I don't think I'll use Fralins on a Jazz again. Might be tempted to try a set of his P Bass pickups but I haven't really researched those.

steveinohio · #3 05-25-2009, 07:58 PM

Funny you should mention the G and D being weak. I have a Duck Dunn (Fralins) with the same problem. I love the sound. Just a weak sound from those strings.

GeneralElectric · #4 05-25-2009, 08:07 PM

I've used Fralin's before and have loved them. Be sure to properly set up your bass before reserving judgement.

Fralins are a vintage type set of pickups. It sounds to me you want a more modern sound.

brewster · #5 05-26-2009, 04:55 PM

Yeah, the set up could be a problem, but it appears fine to me. I'm always trying to decide how much of the problem is gear and how much is the operator; usually more of the latter. Thanks!

r379 · #6 05-26-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveinohio

Funny you should mention the G and D being weak. I have a Duck Dunn (Fralins) with the same problem. I love the sound. Just a weak sound from those strings.

I guess this means I'm going to scratch the Fralins from the list of Bass pickups I want to try.

4Mal · #7 05-27-2009, 08:36 AM

Odd - I didn't really like the Fralins in JO either. To my ear they were kinda harsh. Maybe a little brittle sounding. A J bass pickup is supposed to have some single coil edge to it but the JO I tried was over the top there. undefined and uncelar were not two of the things that came to mind for me...

If your D&G are weak, it is entirely possible that it is more to do with string selection and setup. Some string sets seem to balance well on a J (Thomastic Super Alloy's and Jazz flats for instance) ... some don't. You may need to play with pickup height a bit to get any particular string set to work the best it can.

If the D&G are really driving you nuts. Maybe go custom and order a traditional wind J pickup but with adjustable pole pieces...

r379 · #8 05-27-2009, 07:25 PM

4mal;

My JO was set up properly and had TI Superalloys on it so I don't think that was the problem in my case. I didn't have a problem with the tone, just the uneveness (is that a word?) on the D and G.

All in all I've got to say the JO was a good bass. It sounded great and played great but I worried about someone stealing it.

If I ever get around to sticking another set of pickups in the Hwy One that's replaced the JO I'm gonna try Aeros although it sounds pretty good as is. Heard lotsa good things about Aeros.

Sorry if I derailed things brewster.

jazz-e-j · #9 05-27-2009, 07:38 PM

I currently have Fralins in my 5string jazz bass. To my ears they sound great because they have a more grindy, growly flavor to them, which isnt everyones sound. Im into the Marcus Miller tone, so Fralins were my choice. I'd try Nordstand single coils(which i just recently swapped-out for fralins) for the tighter more modern sound. Nordstrands are excellent when it comes to "definition" and "tight, clean" bottom end. Fralins have a "looser" booty.

brewster · #10 05-27-2009, 08:15 PM

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. I need to try a couple jazz basses with different pick ups and try to get a better handle on what I'm trying to get sound wise, I think. And some different string makers, that could be the whole thing right there.

HitByABlimp · #11 05-28-2009, 01:00 AM

Hey Brewster,

I recently opened a similar thread with my dislikes anbout my Lakland JO with Fralins. Here's the link:
...what I don't like about my Lakland JO4... help needed
Maybe you can find some helpfull tips in there.

What I did till now:
- Change the setup. Raised the neck PU a bit. Little higher at the D and G side.
- Swap the pots. They were 500K and now I use 250K. It helps to give it some balls, but you'll loose some treble.
- I ordered some DiMarzio Ultra Jazz PU's, which arrived yesterday. I will drop them in tonight and then it's testin' time

pickles · #12 05-28-2009, 08:01 AM

The output problems all sound like pickup height adjustment issues.

Rano Bass · #13 05-28-2009, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HitByABlimp

Hey Brewster,

I recently opened a similar thread with my dislikes anbout my Lakland JO with Fralins. Here's the link:
...what I don't like about my Lakland JO4... help needed
Maybe you can find some helpfull tips in there.

I ordered some DiMarzio Ultra Jazz PU's, which arrived yesterday. I will drop them in tonight and then it's testin' time

I'm curious at how those two pups compare.

brewster · #14 05-28-2009, 04:27 PM

Yup, I'm trying different heights, changing pots and the filter cap would be an easy thing to try as well. I like the bass, but maybe I'm not a jazz bass guy. I've had several go through my hands, and didn't really bond with any, come to think of it. Maybe I'm fishing with the wrong bait.....

ghiadub · #15 05-28-2009, 04:35 PM

I had a dunn and the frailin pickups sounded like a typical P.

I have a Lull jazz with frailins as well and the pickups are underwound (on purpose). Output is very low but it just takes a twist of the pre on my amp to make these pickups come alive.

I am mostly an active player but I would not change out these out for anything. Very punchy once the amp is adjusted to suit the low output.

BTW; I hear you can send them to Lindy to be "overwound" for a hotter output for a nominal fee if that is your thing.

Just my opinion....etc....