Area J 250 or 500k Pots

[Funkflats11]

Installing Area Js in my Jazz. I understand these are drop in replacements.

Are 500k pots worth it?

1) Is there that much more treble? Or can I just use my amps knob to achieve the same effect?

2) Is there much more output?

Thanks.

 

[walterw]

1 there's a little more treble, and no the amp's EQ doesn't work the same way.

2 not really more output, just a bit brighter; the areas are pretty close to regular singles, but maybe slightly darker; as such, 500ks might be just the ticket. you can always roll the tone back a pinch to get back to where you were.

(3 if you do upgrade, you'll want linear volumes and an audio tone for best control)

 

[winston]

1 there's a little more treble, and no the amp's EQ doesn't work the same way.

2 not really more output, just a bit brighter; the areas are pretty close to regular singles, but maybe slightly darker; as such, 500ks might be just the ticket. you can always roll the tone back a pinch to get back to where you were.

(3 if you do upgrade, you'll want linear volumes and an audio tone for best control)

Super zombie thread revival here but I know @walterw still posts -

I have a set of Area Js incoming, do you recommend 500K linear volumes and 500K audio tone?
I often have J bass tone at/below half, and volumes turned down a little, so I know how to tame extra sizzle.
Hoping to have a series/parallel switch on a pot (for pickup combining, not individual pickups).

Also wondered about stack-knob config (just because I've never had that on a J) - think that could work?

The Area Js I'm getting are cream-colored if that makes a difference

Thanks!

 

[walterw]

I often have J bass tone at/below half, and volumes turned down a little, so I know how to tame extra sizzle.

if that’s the jazz bass tone you’re used to then there isn’t much call to go to 500ks, might as well stick with 250ks

i might still try to find linears for the volumes to make the shading between pickups little less jumpy

 

[winston]

Thanks, makes sense!

 

[basadam]

Interestingly, DiMarzio schematic shows 500k vol, 250k tone and a 0.033uF cap.

Area J™ Pair | DiMarzio

Been waiting for a bass pickup that sounds like a vintage J Bass® pickup and cancels hum? Your wait is over. Bass pickups are usually described with aggressive terms such as “amazing punch” and “thundering lows”, but that’s not the sound of vintage J Bass® pickups. They’re all about warmth...

www.dimarzio.com