Could use PU advice on '74 Fender Jazz

[BigBud]

Took my '74 Jazz into a big-box store with a tech today. He said I wasn't getting that much out of either pick-ups and guessed that the insulation on the windings had deteriorated thus shorting the output (pots seem to work fine). Who would you guys reccommend I send the pick-ups to for rewinding? OR...would it make better sense to pop something else in substitute of what I have? Of course I'd keep the originals and would hope not to have need of any alterations. Would like to hear options and opinions.....Thanks guys.........Bud B

[derridiandrift]

What was the problem that prompted you to take the bass to a tech?

I'd consider taking it to a reputable guitar tech instead of the big-box person. My experience with techs in those places has been mixed.

If there is actually a problem with the pickups (sorry for my skepticism with respect to the big-box tech) and you're concerned about the resale value, consider sending them to Lindy Fralin to be rewound. If you're indifferent about resale value or you don't plan on ever selling it, or you want a simpler solution, consider replacing the stock pickups with Fralin or Fender Custom Shop 60s reissue pickups. I've had experience with both and I'm very pleased. There are plenty of other after-market pickups that are spectacular, but those are the two brands that I own and love.

[doc540]

Michael Dolan does an old school rewind back to stock.

Can't say enough about his service and the tone of my '78 Jbass pups.

http://www.dolanguitars.com/

Good luck!

[Craig_S]

Originally Posted by BigBud

Took my '74 Jazz into a big-box store with a tech today. He said I wasn't getting that much out of either pick-ups and guessed that the insulation on the windings had deteriorated thus shorting the output (pots seem to work fine).

I don't trust it. Isn't it usually an issue of the magnets getting weaker with age?

[Quadzilla]

Originally Posted by Craig_S

I don't trust it. Isn't it usually an issue of the magnets getting weaker with age?

It can be either case. In speaking to Fralin before sending my 77 Jazz pups there, they said that it can be a coil issue or a magnet issue or a combo of both. They check all of the above. If there is not an issue, they send em back, no charge. If there is an issue, they can fix either case. They can recharge your magnets and/or rewind your pups.

He rewound mine last week. What a difference. More output, stronger and thicker tone. And most of all, good string to string balance which was the biggest issue I had with this bass before having the pups gone over by Lindy!

Best $118 investment I've made in a long time! Get your pups rewound by the man, Mr Lindy Fralin!

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

Originally Posted by Quadzilla

It can be either case. In speaking to Fralin before sending my 77 Jazz pups there, they said that it can be a coil issue or a magnet issue or a combo of both. They check all of the above. If there is not an issue, they send em back, no charge. If there is an issue, they can fix either case. They can recharge your magnets and/or rewind your pups.

He rewound mine last week. What a difference. More output, stronger and thicker tone. And most of all, good string to string balance which was the biggest issue I had with this bass before having the pups gone over by Lindy!

Best $118 investment I've made in a long time! Get your pups rewound by the man, Mr Lindy Fralin!

+1

[BigBud]

Great advice guys! Got the Fralin phone # and just about to call.......Thanks to all.......Bud