Which pickups with an Audere pre on a US Deluxe Jazz Bass ?

Ian774 · #1 08-20-2008, 04:48 PM

Hello people !

I own a Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass 4 string (Alder body, maple fretboard), I must say that I'm very happy with it but I'd like to make it even better... My plans are to change the pickups and the preamp, to make it even more versatile.

As for the preamp, I settled on an Audere, I don't know yet if I take it with the 3 way Z mode switch or with the 6 way Z mode knob... Anyway I want it with 3 band EQ. One question while I'm on it: what's the aim of getting a tone knob on an active preamp, that already has a 3 band EQ ??? So I'll see which one I choose on time...

As for the pickups, I don't know what to pick... I want a sound close to the original pickups', with more punch, more clarity, more growl... I mostly play rock stuff (90% fingers, 10% pick), I want something that is gonna make the bass cut thru the mix...

I've seen the Basslines pickups, they seem interesting... But which combination ???

A set of STK-J2??? A combination of SJB1 (neck) and SJB2 (bridge) ? I read a review of someone who has the latest combo and he says it's great...

What about Fralins ? Nordstrands ? DiMarzios ? I'm not a "vintage" guy, I want a big bass sound, growly but not too muddy...

I'm waiting for advices...

Thanks a bunch.

Y.

Valerus · #2 08-20-2008, 04:48 PM

NORDSTRAND

Ric5 · #3 08-20-2008, 04:49 PM

I'm a big fan the Seymour Duncan 1/4 pound pickups ... they work good with my j-retro preamp ...

Ian774 · #4 08-20-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerus

NORDSTRAND

How do they sound ? vintage? modern? scooped ?

**Syco_bass** · #5 08-20-2008, 06:58 PM

I'm a big fan of the Seymour Duncans, but I would not use the Q-pounders if you use a "hot" pre-amp. Too much gain. Just my opinion.

4StringTheorist · #6 08-20-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian774

How do they sound ? vintage? modern? scooped ?

My answer

Ampeg SVT · #7 08-20-2008, 08:22 PM

I have heard mixed results with the Audere in the AM DLX, I dont remember what they said exactly, I might go look it up.

Honestly it was a good bass with the stock electronics. However if you want more growl get Delanos, the ones with those huge musicman style pole pieces, I heard those things growl like a Mother Bleeper.

Ian774 · #8 08-21-2008, 10:12 AM

Well, about Delano's I must say that I had some on my previous Sandberg and I wasn't a big fan of its sound...

@ampegSVT, when you say you heard mixed results with the Audere in the AM DLX, it's probably because the Audere preamp doesn't go well with the stock "SCN" pickups... Some say the results aren't great... But if I change the pickups as well, I just can't see why it wouldn't sound great, it's a "normal" bass after all, if you put these particular pickups aside, right ?

I think I'll go with Basslines pickups, more reasonnable for my wallet... Now I have to decide which set to choose.

tranceFusion · #9 08-21-2008, 10:16 AM

I just put the NJ4SV's in mine and they are awesome!! They might not have quite high end that other pickups have, but they have loads of punch, and being able to use my blend knob free from fear of the hum is certainly makes it worth it.

Ian774 · #10 08-21-2008, 11:15 AM

You have an AM DLX Jazz ? With what preamp ?

tranceFusion · #11 08-21-2008, 12:19 PM

I have a MIJ '75 RI Jazz w/ the Audere JZ3 and the Nordstrand NJ4SV pickups.

I wasn't responding to your question as much as chiming in on the fact that nordstrand pickups are sweet

The NJ4SVs are the vintage ones, and they have a more modern split coil humbecker (the NJ4SE), though I don't know whether or not its the sound you are looking for.

Ian774 · #12 08-23-2008, 02:15 PM

I'd like to get close to that kind of sound...

http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec4qCuf9F7U

Not exactly the same, because although being a jazz with single coils, my bass has not the same configuration of woods... But something close enough... With that "growl", that particular type of sound... With maybe a little less treble cause my Jazz has a maple board which has already plenty of brightness...

Any advices ? Fralins???

KirinRammer · #13 08-23-2008, 10:56 PM

I've hooked up quarter pounders to the Audere on my MIJ 75RI.
Dark tone with plenty of punch, slightly modern tone though.

Its my cup of tea. But if you want a vintage tone, stay away from quarterpounders.

Ian774 · #14 08-25-2008, 02:23 PM

Anyone?

lonote · #15 08-26-2008, 07:38 AM

My Bacchus (J-Bass clone) came to me with DiMarzio Ultra J pickups and an Audere preamp (3-band, 3-way Z-mode switch). I play in a traditional blues band and it works very well in that context but has a whole lot more juice if I need it. The Ultra J's and the Audere are a match maded in heaven, IMHO.

9mmMike · #16 08-28-2008, 08:30 PM

I have NJ4SE's in my Ash MIM w/Audere and I am delighted. It the first bass I ever did so I cannot compare it to anything except my passive Squier but it really sounds good to me. Great sales pitch, eh? LOL

JFace · #17 08-28-2008, 08:35 PM

I just bought a set of Dimarzio Model J's and they are excellent. They have a clarity in the low end that I've never heard. The high end is subdued, with a somewhat compressed sound, which makes it sound really tight.

mcm · #18 09-02-2008, 07:50 PM

Dimarzio Model J's kick ass.

slyjoe · #19 09-03-2008, 12:50 PM

I currently have a bass with Model Js and the Audere JZ3. That and my American Deluxe (stock) are my two favorites.

Ian774 · #20 09-03-2008, 02:13 PM

As for now, I think I'm gonna stick with the stock preamp... But I'm still planning on swapping the pickups...