Which pick-ups for mex Fender Jazz?

MattParasite · #1 02-07-2011, 05:55 AM

Hi,

I have a Fender Jazz bass which I want to do up. It has a Fender Mexican body and a squire neck, very nice to play. I have the pots for it but it has some rubbish pickups in at the moment, sounds dull.

I'd like to put some Seymour Duncan pick-ups in it. Which ones do people suggest I get for it?

Cheers
Matt

MattParasite · #2 02-07-2011, 05:56 AM

Would the standard Seymour Duncan SJB-3B Quarter Pounders be sufficiant?

dougjwray · #3 02-07-2011, 06:02 AM

I depends on what kind of sound you're going for. The Quarter Pounders are fine pickups, and not "dull", for sure. I have a Jazz Bass with Fender Custom Shop 60s pickups, and I love them. I was going for a warm "vintage" tone with a bit more presence, and they do that well.

DWBass · #4 02-07-2011, 06:10 AM

I put Fender Noiseless in mine. Sounds great.

MuzikMan · #5 02-07-2011, 06:21 AM

I don't think you will get a consensus here. I dropped in some Seymour Duncan Antiquities II pickups in my jazz build and wouldn't hesitate to do it again. They literally stopped my GAS for another bass. I don't know how to describe the tone other than to say I can hear a lot of character, as if there are many discernible overtones present.

MattParasite · #6 02-07-2011, 08:42 AM

Cool, I'll go for those then.
Thanks guys!

musicpbass · #7 02-07-2011, 08:46 AM

Matt, I'm not hijacking your post, but, I have the same issue. Have a MIM jazz that I do not use.... Would just replacing the p/u's be sufficient enough for a good gigging bass, or is it suggested to replace the bridge too?

Seymours sound like the way to go!

MattParasite · #8 02-07-2011, 09:02 AM

no problrm musicpbass, i was also wondering about that myself! the bridge on mine looks like it's seen better days.

dougjwray · #9 02-07-2011, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicpbass

Matt, I'm not hijacking your post, but, I have the same issue. Have a MIM jazz that I do not use.... Would just replacing the p/u's be sufficient enough for a good gigging bass, or is it suggested to replace the bridge too?

Seymours sound like the way to go!

I have a MIM Jazz and a MIM Precision, both with the stock bridges, and I've had no problems. The way I look at it, these are basically the same bridges that were on the basses used by Jamerson, Jaco, Jerry Jemmott and everyone else "back in the day"... Of course, you can experiment with higher-mass bridges (Badass, etc.) if you want to try to get a different sound. I had a Badass once on a '68 Jazz Bass, and I felt that it added clarity but took away "punch." Other people around here will argue that bridges' effect on tone is exaggerated.

**Syco_bass** · #10 02-07-2011, 09:37 AM

Before spending a bunch of money on pickcups, bridges, etc. I would highly recommend replacing the pots and tone cap first. I use USA made CTS 250K or 500K pots (500 will be a bit brighter) try either orange drop, or green "chicklet" style .033uF or .047uF tone caps and you'll be amazed at how different your bass will sound. If you want to go a step further, upgrade even more to a PIO (paper in oil) tone cap. I re-wire everything with vintage style "push back" cloth wrapped wiring. It comes pre-tinned and solders easily. I upgrade a lot of basses this way. Trust me, I would love to sell new pickups to all of my customers, but when you replace the tone circuit with quality parts, the difference will be like night and day. (all for about $20 - $30 in parts) Don't forget to ground everything well.

Good luck.

acebase62 · #11 02-07-2011, 06:03 PM

I agree that I would try the pots & cap swap first.

I currently use Seymour STK-J2 pickups with 500k volume pots and a Fender TBX tone control in my Warmoth JJ (passive).

I get a variety of good tones and complements on the sound (including from other bassists).

I would like to try the Dimarzio Area J pickups in a future Warmoth project...

antimack · #12 02-08-2011, 02:39 AM

I just replace stock pickups on my Fender American Series Jazz Bass 2003, put SD SJB-1 and i want to tell you, that this pickups open up the sound, more vintage, good balance, warm and huge tone, and SJB-1 is no expensive(around 115$ on ebay). I look more close to specs and they are plain enamel(vintage specs from late 60's to late 70's). But, as people says in a thread, i'd replace pots,cap and wires first(or maybe sell mim and buy american).

Bobster · #13 02-08-2011, 05:46 AM

I also recommend rewiring the bass. As to pickups, I've got a set of Lollar single coils that I'm extremely happy with. To me, they sound like a vintage Jazz.

Good luck with the choice!

Bob

Lublin · #14 02-08-2011, 06:54 AM

SD or Dimarzios will do you well.

J Schroder · #15 02-08-2011, 07:05 AM

It really depends on the sound you are looking for. Also, be aware that pickup slots in MIM jazzes can be a bit smaller than other jazzes. Not all replacement PUPs will fit. Bartolini makes a nice set sized specifically for MIM Jazzes.

John

MattParasite · #16 02-08-2011, 09:57 AM

On another note. I want a fuller yet growly sound out of my USA Precision bass. I know this is largely dependant on what amp/pedal I use, but what pick-ups would people suggest for this?

Same question for the Jazz whilst I'm at it!

I play fast hardcore punk, rather aggressive in places! I don't want the tone-up kind of sound alot of bassists use in this genre though, I want a more fuller beefier sound.