I'm looking to upgrade my 2004 MIM Fender Jazz Bassfor but I can't decide which pickups. I like the look and price of the Bart's, but I've also heard that the Fender Custom Shop 60's pickups are great (comparable.in price). Which would you guys recommend? And are they that different sound wise? I'm looking for a good classic jazz bass sound, and really anything better than the stock pickups that are on it (of which are horrible).
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Bartolini Jazz Bass Pickups?
- Thread starter tjnkoo
- Start date
Do they a pretty strong old jazz bass tone, or is it a more modern vibe? I have Bartolinis on my Ibanez, and it's a very modern hifi sounding instrument.
Actually I don't think Fenders stock pups are bad at all. The CS pups will probably get you closer to what you're looking for though. The I love Bartolini's but they aren't big on the classic jazz sound. They're more modern, bigger down low, more growl in the mids, with a less aggressive top end usually.
I've heard worse pickups, but the ones on my jazz are just really, really bad. Makes the whole bass sound like a tin can. And thanks for the advise on the Custom Shop. It may be those, not sure.
Classic Series Single Coil Brights! I put these and a Bartolini 3.3AP preamp in my Jazz and it kills!
I've played, used, and own basses with passive pres, haha. In any case, thanks all and once the next pay check comes around I'm probably gonna go the Bartolini route.
I think you mean passive pickups (w/tone control). A preamp is almost assuredly active (i.e. running on 9v or 18v).
