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Help finding a jazz bass replacement pickup

AlarmClock314

AlarmClock314

Mar 26, 2007
187
10
Southern WI
#1
I'm working on my 4-string, 00's Fender MIA Jazz Bass (^) and looking for a drop-in pickup to replace the stock. This bass has a maple fretboard with flatwound strings. It will be wired in parallel with a ToneStyler. I play mostly rock music, but dabble in other genres too. I play primarily fingerstyle. I've read reviews on TB and listened to audio samples, but am having a difficult time choosing the best pickups for me.

Above all, I want pickups that are clear and balanced. They need to work well in a band setting with flats. They should be balanced both string-to-string and in lows, mids, and highs. I'd like to have a variety of usable tones that don't require too much fine-tuning. Average or better output, average sustain, and relatively low noise is preferable. Cost is not a deciding factor.

I've ruled it down to the following pickups:

Lollar Jazz Bass
Pros: vintage sounding, balanced, wax potted with raised A and D string poles
Cons: may not be bright/clear enough
Soundcips from their website: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Nordstrand NJ4 - 70's wind
Pros: vintage sounding with some modernness, somewhat bright
Cons: unbalanced
TB post with soundclips: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f38/j-pickups-discussion-comparisons-91384/index24.html#post14568917

Fender Custom Shop 60's Jazz Bass
Pros: vintage sounding, balanced, versatile, easy to mix neck and bridge
Cons: average sounding, potential quality control issues
TB review: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f38/d...pup-experiment-123790/index3.html#post2661006
Video demonstration:

Other candidate: Delano JC 4 AL

Please share your input if you have tried any of these pickups or a pickup that may be a better fit.
 
#5
I don't have enough imaginary dollars... It would depend on the mix but even if there were a slightly detectable difference who would it matter too? The owner of the bass. Thus we buy gear to solve the "sound in our head" syndrome. Or to cure GAS of course.

I use the CS 60's and like them. I've not heard a Nordstrand pickup sample that I've liked but I'm obviously among the minority. I think they sound more modern than vintage.

What about exploring Fralin?
 
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#6
Another Newbie here. Thinking about the Bill Lawrence for my MIA Jazz Standard,2013, but would like input on the Fender Vintage Noiseless opposed to the N3s. Bass came with the Custom Shops but thinking about eliminating the single pup hum. Any info appreciated and hope this helps PKr also.
 
#7
OP, I just re-read your initial post. CS60's are even string to string but are not even across the frequency ranges. They are heavy in the low mids. I haven't gone on a pickup exploration but I would certainly assume most pickups with a vintage character are not anywhere near flat. EQ would be your friend here as would string choice.
 
#8
.
I have an '05 MIA Fender Jazz fitted with a Tonestyler and TI Flats and I too am looking for a pickup change. I play similar stuff to you, though mainly with a pick.
IMO the OEM bridge pickup in my bass is very thin sounding and I don't like it. The neck pickup isn't too bad, so I may end up just changing the one rather than the pair.

I'm leaning towards the DiMarzio Model J because "they" say they are apparently the fattest sounding pickups. Also right up there for consideration are Fralins.
I saw a Youtube video shootout (ok, not exactly the best way to scrutinize a pickup's sound!) of Jazz bass pickups and the Fender Custom Shop 60's were nice and fat too.
 
#9
After a bit more reading, I was surprised to find that stock MIA Jazz basses appear to have CS 60's pickups. From the Fender specs:
Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop '60s Single-Coil Jazz Bass
Neck Pickup: Custom Shop '60s Single-Coil Jazz Bass

I'll open up my bass and see if the pickups have cloth wires.

I'm now questioning how much of an impact switching pickups will have. I'm still leaning towards trying a set of Lollars.
 
#12
PKr said:
After a bit more reading, I was surprised to find that stock MIA Jazz basses appear to have CS 60's pickups. From the Fender specs:
Bridge Pickup: Custom Shop '60s Single-Coil Jazz Bass
Neck Pickup: Custom Shop '60s Single-Coil Jazz Bass

I'll open up my bass and see if the pickups have cloth wires.

I'm now questioning how much of an impact switching pickups will have. I'm still leaning towards trying a set of Lollars.
Click to expand...


I believe Fender started with the CS60's stock in the American Standards in 2011.

IMO they sound warmer, thicker and have a more subdued top end. The increased thickness is most apparent on the bridge pickup. At the neck it is a bit less aggressive than the earlier pickups.
 
#14
invalidprotocol said:
I believe Fender started with the CS60's stock in the American Standards in 2011. IMO they sound warmer, thicker and have a more subdued top end. The increased thickness is most apparent on the bridge pickup. At the neck it is a bit less aggressive than the earlier pickups.
Click to expand...
Ah, thanks for the information. I probably don't have CS 60's then.

Lownote38 said:
Lollar all the way in this case.
Click to expand...
Anyone care to share a review of the J bass set?
 

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