Pickup Upgrade For Fender Jazz American With S-1 Switch

[daveinbrooklyn]

I have a Fender Jazz MIA with the S-1 switch. I'm considering upgrading the pickups to a nicer passive set. Will any passive jazz pickups work with this bass and is there anything I need to consider in order to make sure the S-1 switch still works once I replace the pickups? Any recommendations on a set? Maybe EMGs?

[Mr_Dave]

The S1 will work with any passive pickups. EMGs need to use 25k pots because they are active pickups and will not work with the standard S1 wiring harness. I personally really like the Seymore Duncan Attiquity IIs & Nordstrand NJ4s. Dimarzio Ultra Jazz are a nice clear sounding modern set.

[Davo-London]

What don't you like about the Fender PUPs?

Davo

[Mr_Dave]

Originally Posted by Davo-London

What don't you like about the Fender PUPs?

Davo

I actually think the stock pickups work fine. I just like them pretty close to the strings so you get a nice hot output - i would probably only change them if something went wrong. I've played S1 jazz basses and the new '08 standards and i'd be happy with the stock pickups in both

[daveinbrooklyn]

Originally Posted by Mr_Dave

I actually think the stock pickups work fine. I just like them pretty close to the strings so you get a nice hot output - i would probably only change them if something went wrong. I've played S1 jazz basses and the new '08 standards and i'd be happy with the stock pickups in both

I've spoken to a few bass players and I've decided to hold off and enjoy the stock pickups. I might consider raising them closer to the strings, though. Wouldn't mind a little more output. Anything I should be aware of when I do this?

[Mr_Dave]

Originally Posted by daveinbrooklyn

I've spoken to a few bass players and I've decided to hold off and enjoy the stock pickups. I might consider raising them closer to the strings, though. Wouldn't mind a little more output. Anything I should be aware of when I do this?

I think just if they're too close the magnetic field of the pickup will interfer with the strings vibrations - I think it creates an audible chorus effect when you're plugged in... But you might need to get a bit more specific advice, i don't know much about it from the technical side of things.

[BillMason]

Originally Posted by Mr_Dave

I've played S1 jazz basses and the new '08 standards and i'd be happy with the stock pickups in both

I believe they're the same pickup. The P pickups are the same from year to year.

[Nedmundo]

Originally Posted by BillMason

I believe they're the same pickup. The P pickups are the same from year to year.

I actually asked Fender Customer Service if the pickups changed for the 2008 Jazz basses, and was told they are the same. I asked because the stock pickups in my 2008 Jazz V sound so fantastic -- almost identical to the noiseless Fralins in my 2003 American Series four string Jazz. The Fender rep told me the tonal improvement more likely results from better woods in the 2008's, but who knows?

I highly recommend the Fralins. I liked the stock tone in my 2003, but wanted to go noiseless, and these were a great choice. The S-1 switch functions, but doesn't have quite the same effect as it did with the stock pickups. It makes the bass sound about the same as just rolling off the bridge pickup a bit, which with noiseless pickups produces no hum and is a perfectly viable option at all times. I thought the S-1 was very useful with the stock pickups, and presumably would be with other pure single coils.

[capbass]

i went with bartolini 57J's (wired passive) in mine and couldnt be happier. the output is not nearly as much as some of my other basses but the clarity is incredible. & the thing is dead quiet (when not playing, that is).