Switching pots and PJ p-ups, suggestions?

fetfet · #1 11-09-2008, 08:24 AM

Hey,

I'm looking to switch out the thin-sounding, microphonic pots and pickups on my squier PJ. I'm looking for a more modern sound, with more punch and definiton, with clarity. Not looking for a scooped sound, just a focused tone.

Any suggestions?

fetfet · #2 11-09-2008, 10:47 AM

ANyone?

GabeN · #3 11-09-2008, 10:53 AM

For modern you're gonna want EMG. Get the PJ set, it comes with everything you need.

fetfet · #4 11-09-2008, 11:14 AM

I heard EMG's sound really scooped.

This is the kind of tone i'm looking for:

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=-0Ryw2...eature=channel

ampegfuzz · #5 11-09-2008, 12:34 PM

Heres a good link helped me make my choice for pups.

Nordstrand NP4 and NJ4SE Fender Hwy1 PJ -=with soundclips=-

Just do some searching on here. The more leg work you do the happier you will be with your choice

fetfet · #6 11-09-2008, 02:37 PM

A question.

First off, thanks for the info, but I'm looking to keep my tone passive if possible, and also wondering if there are sound samples of the dimarzio PJ set? I was thinking of putting a split P and a model J together. I'd only have about 200 AT MOST, probanbly around 150, to spend on pickups and installation. Also, is the EMGHZ set any good?

Gintaras · #7 11-09-2008, 02:46 PM

First thing is to switch the pots. Easy way is to get a prewired harness from Bayou Cables or Rothstein Guitars. This change and the right strings will make a great difference in sound.

My favorite inexpensive pickups is the Dimarzio DP126 PJ set. Expensive is Nordstand's. I keep hearing about Lindy Fralins and looking forward to trying a set. (also expensive)

fetfet · #8 11-09-2008, 02:56 PM

I've heard good things about CTS pots, how hard would it be to install and affix the pots and pickups? It would save money.

Gintaras · #9 11-09-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fetfet

I've heard good things about CTS pots, how hard would it be to install and affix the pots and pickups? It would save money.

There are a lot of posts in this forum that recommend CTS pots as the first upgrade to do to an inexpensive bass.

JPaulGeddy · #10 11-09-2008, 02:59 PM

EMGs are the opposite of scooped, they're more mid-based than most. Love 'em. SD Quarter Pounders are nice, too.

fetfet · #11 11-09-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gintaras

There are a lot of posts in this forum that recommend CTS pots as the first upgrade to do to an inexpensive bass.

How hard would it be for a person with no soldering skills go about installing pots and pickups in the bass. It would cost $30 to have them installed professionally.

JPaulGeddy · #12 11-09-2008, 03:19 PM

I'm only speaking from experience, not trying to shill EMG... but if you buy their PJ set, it's super-easy. No soldering. Clip out the old ones, put in the new pots and pickups and they have a quick-connect thingie to hook 'em together.

Again, not trying to sell EMG necessarily, I'm sure others do it to. My first pickup upgrade was just like you're talking about, made a huge difference.

fetfet · #13 11-09-2008, 03:42 PM

If the EMG HZ set is as good as the regular active set, then I'd pick those up ASAP.

jefkritz · #14 11-09-2008, 03:49 PM

i have the dimarzio model p and j in my pj. i like them a lot - very punchy, plus they're hum-cancelling. way better than stock. to be fair, i haven't tried any others (including the EMGs).

fetfet · #15 11-09-2008, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefkritz

i have the dimarzio model p and j in my pj. i like them a lot - very punchy, plus they're hum-cancelling. way better than stock. to be fair, i haven't tried any others (including the EMGs).

Was the installation easy?