Active pickups in a Lakland skyline JO? Help!

Jbyjnkx57 · #1 08-16-2011, 04:32 AM

So my original lakland skyline JO is up for sale. I'm kind of gassing for it but my biggest problem was I pretty much dislike passive P/Us. There is No cover on the back of the body so this leads me to think its not possible, but has anyone ever put active pickups in a Lakland or heard of It? I really liked the way it played and the finish is awesome too so if anyone has a opinion please share!

Basshoofd · #2 08-16-2011, 06:12 AM

I'm guessing your confusing active pickups with active basses. Almost all pickups are passive. A bass is active when it has a preamp built into it. Do you want more tonal options for your bass or do you specifically want active pickups? If you tell us what you're looking for then we could help you out.

Basshoofd · #3 08-16-2011, 06:13 AM

By the way, adding a preamp to Lakland basses works great. Drop in preamps like J-retro and Audere are simple to install and sound great

Jbyjnkx57 · #4 08-16-2011, 07:19 AM

I'm looking for a active pre amp with different pickups sorry wrong phrasing on my part. I just want the more tonal options and possibly and EQ. Maybe stacked knobs?

Avezzano · #5 08-16-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Almost all pickups are passive

Exception (notable ones, btw) are EMGs and Magnetics: both build active PUs that can be dropped in as replacement and the 9 volts battery will be hidden into the control cavity. Easy mod and radical change for your bass.

Years ago I installed a couple of EMGs in an old MIM J and the sound was "devastatingly modern and present": sort of "bass in your face".

Jbyjnkx57 · #6 08-16-2011, 07:35 AM

Yeah I've actually heard that mod before. My dad has a 60s jazz (a real one) with active EMGs in it. It sounds pretty sick maybe that'd be a good option?

rayzak · #7 08-16-2011, 07:38 AM

I personally don't know much about it, but I do know quite a few folks have done it. You may want to ask in the Lakland Owners Group thread.... here: Lakland Owners Group #51

bertbass666 · #8 08-16-2011, 07:41 AM

+1 on EMGs. Great sound.

Gougedeye · #9 08-16-2011, 08:24 AM

Get and Audere or a J-Retro and drop it in. This is a super easy mod and will give you what you are looking for and for not too much money. Loads of people have done this...good luck.

Jbyjnkx57 · #10 08-16-2011, 09:21 AM

How do the auderes sound?