Pickups & Preamp Upgrade For Geddy Lee Fender JB

[phnord]

For quite some time I've been wanting to go ahead and upgrade the electronics in my Geddy Lee model JB. I know there is no "best" way to go - that it all depends on what your aiming for and taste. So, here is what I am looking for:

• Genre versatile - I like to play everything from jazz to funk to clasic rock to reggae to etc.
• A wide range of tonal possibilities (high / mid / low control, pickup balance, etc.)
• Something where I can dial in a clean, bright yet full tone (ala Victor Wooten)
• Something where I can dial in more of a raw, metallic-yet-defined tone (ala Marcus Miller)
• Something to get rid of hum / grounding issues, while not killing the high end. My current pickups buzz like crazy if there are any flourescent or dimmer lights around. I don't think it's just the single coil issue, as at a club I sometimes play a friend with single coil stock jazz pickups has no problems, where as as soon as I plug in the buzz is *way* over the top
• Nothing too expensive - I'm hoping to keep parts (and potentially labor) at a high of around $500

I really have no idea where to start with all of this. Any input and suggestions of any kind would be greatly appreciated

- Andy

[groove pump]

Aside from a preamp, I'll strongly encourage you to look into the offerings from DiMarzio. Lots of bang for the buck from both their Model J's and Ultra Jazz pickups. They're humbuckers in a J layout and I have the Ultra J's in my passive parts bass (Warmoth neck, etc.). I've kept an ear out for other pickups that seem to appeal as well in different settings, but these have been wonderful for me. Plus, their output is bold enough that I don't have any need for a preamp in my bass.

DiMarzio also has a new Jazz pickup out (I think the "Area J"), but I haven't heard them at work just yet.

[packhowitzer]

these are nice...
Audere Audio Bass Guitar Preamp with Z-Mode Switch

[TN WOODMAN]

I have a John East Retro J pre with Di Marzio Js in one of my fretless jazz and Fender SCNs, passive in my other fretless. Love both set ups.

After loving Joe Barden pickups in my guitars for years, I want to try his p and jazz pickups. The jazz set with a John East Retro J would be awesome in your Geddy I'm sure.

[phnord]

Thanks for your responses! I think I'm probably going to go with an Audere, because a) they are half the price of a J-retro and b) the main difference I see in reviews is that the Auderes are flatter while the J-retros have a bult-in eq contour. I think I'd like to be able to dial in any contour of my own volition.

Now, regarding pickups, the main thing I see you guys suggestig are the Model Js. I've heard great things about them elsewhere as well... except they seem to be built for thundering power, which isn't exactly what I'm looking for.

Power is nice, but clarity is a higher priority for me. I want something that sings. Reviews of the Model J's tend to say things like:

If you don't like muscular tone you'll hate these...

...perversely thick and beefy...

An indistinct/thick tone (which for some is a bonus)

I'm not looking for muscular. I want the power to cut through the mix, the presence to be a solid foundation - but just as importantly, I want to be able to be able to play a four-part chord and have each note resonate clearly.

Do you guys still think Model Js are the way to go, or would you recommend something else?

[jschwalls]

CS J bass 4 string set

Wish I could make up enough adjectives to describe how incredible these sound..

[f8h]

What did you end up doing? I'm soon buying myself a geddy and am also looking for a little bit more of that Marcus Miller growl!

[walterw]

Originally Posted by phnord

Power is nice, but clarity is a higher priority for me. I want something that sings.

I'm not looking for muscular. I want the power to cut through the mix, the presence to be a solid foundation - but just as importantly, I want to be able to be able to play a four-part chord and have each note resonate clearly.

Do you guys still think Model Js are the way to go, or would you recommend something else?

the model Js would be the opposite of what you want; look at the newer area Js; very close to the classic J sound, but dead-quiet hum-canceling.

i actually first auditioned the areas by comparing them (after installation in another bass) directly against a stock geddy bass: the areas were damn close to the same sound and output strength, with the geddy's true single coils having a tiny bit more highs. clear, barky, "jazz-bassy" pickups.

a set of those with a preamp would be all sorts of versatile.

(i have to say though, there's no reason the stock geddy wouldn't yield all the tones you were describing already, other than the noise, which proper shielding could reduce.)