Japanese Jazz Bass Active controls help!!!

Goodebassman · #1 03-11-2013, 06:11 PM

Hi

I have just picked up a great MIJ Jazz Bass circa 93/94 but it has a unique control layout which I am having trouble getting to grips with. Cannot find any other like this or any info to help me out. It has the standard 3 pot layout with the addition that all 3 are stacked pots. There are also 2 toggle switches - 1 under first pot and 1 under 3 pot. The top pot on control one seems to be overall vol control but cannot work out rest. Obv there is active/ passive switch but the controls dont seem to be the usual vol/vol/tone in passive mode, in fact any no eq controls in passive at all. Also the active eq is v confusing, not sure which is pickup select or blend etc. Any ideas or help would be appreciated
Serial No is O 067896 if it helps?
I have included pic which shows all controls except toggle switch under 1st pot.

Cheers Dan

dmusic148 · #2 03-11-2013, 06:16 PM

All I can tell you is that having the controls of an active bass act weird in passive mode is normal. You'll usually be left with a Master volume, a pickup select switch, and maybe a master tone control. They are generally not meant to be used passive except in a pinch.

dmusic148 · #3 03-11-2013, 06:21 PM

After thinking about it, I think your bass has a John East J-Retro preamp in it. Which is a good thing, if you like that sort of thing.

Goodebassman · #4 03-11-2013, 06:21 PM

Yeah I realise that - but all I seem to have is master vol and nothing else in passive.
I have had many diff active configs on various basses over the years - this just seems a little confusing to me tho. Dont get me wrong I am getting fantastic sounds from it - just really wanna clarify each control so I know what I am doing rather than just twiddling like a loon lol!!!

Cheers

dmusic148 · #5 03-11-2013, 06:23 PM

Check John East website. Pretty sure that's what you've got there.

Goodebassman · #6 03-11-2013, 06:24 PM

Indeed - looks like u knocked the nail on the head!!!
mUCH GRATITUDE TO U!!!

Dan

dmusic148 · #7 03-11-2013, 06:58 PM

No problem Dan. Nice pre, I have one.

dmusic148 · #8 03-12-2013, 01:09 PM

By the way Dan, something to be aware of-- the Bass control is boost only, so don't leave it at the center detent unless you want 50% bass boost.

Goodebassman · #9 03-12-2013, 04:20 PM

Yeah I read that. Checked out the John East site - a very nice bit of kit and a real bonus on a bass that cost me just over £600!
Had time to give it bit of a blast today, sounds sweet as a nut and that pre gives pretty much all I need.
Cheers for clearing up the mystery

dmusic148 · #10 03-12-2013, 05:59 PM

Yes, that is indeed a very nice find. Seems like a really nice bass generally. Congratulations.