Best Passive Hum-Cancelling J-bass Pickups

[ELG60]

Thanks for this! The SD Apollo seems to be getting some love here, for being more single-coil-esque which I like

VERY interested in this. I think Bill Lawrence was a genius. Do you use the staggered or flush pole pieces?

They're flush.

 

[Bodeeni]

I have been very happy with the Delano JSBC 4 HE/M2. They sound great and silent. The cover poles eliminate any possible 'touching the poles and getting ground noise issues'. I have had these on my #1 jazz for many years now.

 

[darwin-bass]

It's a shame Fender doesn't produce the Super 55 pickups anymore.
They are still my favourite split coil pickups (having experience with various DiMarzio and Nordstrand models).

Fender Super 55 is my favorite as well. But alas, they are no more.

I did not like Ultra Jazz - too much mid scoop.
I did not like Model J - To dark and muddy.
I liked Area J.
I was a bit less thrilled with the Nordstrand PUs.

Currently running Lawrence Wilde J45s.

 

[sumeursault]

Fender Super 55 is my favorite as well. But alas, they are no more.

I did not like Ultra Jazz - too much mid scoop.
I did not like Model J - To dark and muddy.
I liked Area J.
I was a bit less thrilled with the Nordstrand PUs.

Currently running Lawrence Wilde J45s.

And what's your take on the Wilde pickups?

 

[edwinhurwitz]

I swapped out my Wilde J45s flat to staggered. It worked well for me. Consequently, the flat versions are listed in the Classified section.

 

[sumeursault]

I swapped out my Wilde J45s flat to staggered. It worked well for me. Consequently, the flat versions are listed in the Classified section.

What's the radius on your fingerboard?

 

[edwinhurwitz]

What's the radius on your fingerboard?

Good question. According to the specs, it's 9.5" which the flat pole pickups should work with, but I think it's a tighter radius than that.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I cannot make any "gigged with" claims, but I will throw in another vote for the Bartolini B-Axis pickups. They are very deep and bassy, but still retain growl and clarity. If that makes them land in "modern/hi-fi" territory, then sure, 'cuz they do not sound like rank & file single-coils, to me.

 

[sumeursault]

Good question. According to the specs, it's 9.5" which the flat pole pickups should work with, but I think it's a tighter radius than that.

I feel like 9.5” could go either way

 

[darwin-bass]

And what's your take on the Wilde pickups?

Too early to tell. They sound good. Darker than I was expecting yet bright when slapped. Output was lower than expected and they are very sensitive to height adjustment.

 

[Nedmundo]

Good question. According to the specs, it's 9.5" which the flat pole pickups should work with, but I think it's a tighter radius than that.

I prefer raised inner poles with 9.5” radius fretboards, and even with 12”, though it depends on the pickups. On my G&L JB with a 12” radius, I noticed much better balance when I switched to DiMarzio Area Js, which have raised poles under the A and D strings, but the balance is fine with Lace Man O’ Wars, which have flat covers. I think many J bass pickups could benefit from a slight radius to the poles, especially pickups for fives.

 

[acebase62]

Great results with Dimarzio Area J 4 string and 5 string sets. Vintage and clean IMO.

Used Seymour Duncan Hot Stack set in different bass with good results some years ago.

I changed out the Hot Stack set for Fender Super 55 set I came across, great results there too.

Would love to hear a Super 55 vs Seymour Duncan Apollo set comparison.

(These basses all have Warmoth necks, love their radius profiles)

I agree with others that feel the side by side split coil J pickups sound more single coil than stack coil designs.

 

[sumeursault]

Emailed Wilde to get their recommendation, but I'm leaning toward trying a pair of staggered-pole L45

 

[Akiyama]

DiMarzio Area Js do the classic Jazz Bass sound without hum. They’re also pretty affordable as far as name brand pickups go.

I can't think of a better avi.

 

[Akiyama]

Looking for gig-tested recommendations for the best all-around passive J-bass hum-cancelling replacement pickups. Thanks!

What single coil Jazz bass pickup best represents your "best all-around" sound? There are many iterations of Jazz bass single coil pickups with "all-around sound", even just from Fender. The Pure Vintage 62, the 66 the 74, the... The most efficient, effective way might be by first finding the single coil Jazz bass pickup that best meets your ideal then getting a custom-wound hum-cancelling pickup that mimics that pickup's tonality. Back in the day, Seymour Duncan would do that type of service. I hope that helps.

 

[sumeursault]

What single coil Jazz bass pickup best represents your "best all-around" sound? There are many iterations of Jazz bass single coil pickups with "all-around sound", even just from Fender. The Pure Vintage 62, the 66 the 74, the... The most efficient, effective way might be by first finding the single coil Jazz bass pickup that best meets your ideal then getting a custom-wound hum-cancelling pickup that mimics that pickup's tonality. Back in the day, Seymour Duncan would do that type of service. I hope that helps.

I guess I'm attempting to describe something that balances clarity and definition with output and punch. I'm not necessarily trying to approximate any particular sound.

 

[Akiyama]

I guess I'm attempting to describe something that balances clarity and definition with output and punch. I'm not necessarily trying to approximate any particular sound.

I am not trying to put you on the spot but, for most people, sonic adjectives are not as useful as reference point(s). There are so many pickups out there that have "clarity and definition with output and punch". Maybe give Lindy Fralin a call and see what he suggests? He has been making guitarists/bassists happy for decades. Split Jazz Bass Pickups by Lindy Fralin: Noiseless Jazz Bass Pickups

Lindy Fralin Split Jazz Bass Pickups offer a loud, clear and even response to four string bass players with no hum. This bass pickup allows you to get all of the Jazz-Bass vibe that you love, minus the hum. Being a hum-canceling Jazz Bass pickup, it’s fat, thick, and a little thicker sounding than a single-coil Jazz Bass.

Our -5% Underwind is our ’70s Jazz Bass output. Select “5% Underwind” for your output.

The Stock Output best resembles the "60s" Jazz Bass Sound.

Unlike other pickup manufacturers, we absolutely do custom work. However, our scope is limited to what we already manufacture. Contact us and let us know what you’re thinking, and we’ll let you know what’s possible!

 

[Alrick]

I’ve just fitted some Dimazio ultras in my jazz and the volume is very very low compared to other basses. Checked wiring and black and white connected on each pickup separately red to hot green to pot lugs, any ideas, should the black and whites be linked?

 

[manchego_eggo]

I’ve just fitted some Dimazio ultras in my jazz and the volume is very very low compared to other basses. Checked wiring and black and white connected on each pickup separately red to hot green to pot lugs, any ideas, should the black and whites be linked?

id make sure the white and black are electrical taped together so they dont interfere. the UJs are meant to be a hotter set.

 

[Alrick]

id make sure the white and black are electrical taped together so they dont interfere. the UJs are meant to be a hotter set.

I soldered and taped them my amps on 1-2 with my other bass over. 5 to get similar volume in the Jazz and yes they should be pretty hot