Can't get an even sound!!!

With the two pups of a J, do you get even sound when you have only one on? My first guess would have been pup height, but I'd suggest a test of the individual pups to see if either is giving uniform volume.

 

When you tried different strings, did you try balanced tension sets?

The wildling varying tension between strings with most sets can cause unbalanced volume.

 

compressor?

 

I find it hard to believe that you couldn't balance the strings volume-wise by adjusting pickup volume. What if you crank the bass side all the way down, and the treble side all the way up? Probably not ideal, but definitely a starting point and I'd be surprised if the D and G would not be significantly louder in this situation.

How is your amp set? Are you boosting bass/rolling off highs?

 

How is your amp set up? Aggressive use of EQ, especially any kind of "slap contour", can make the D and especially the G string sound thin and edgy, compared to the lower strings.

If you try to adjust the imbalance out with action adjustments and string changes, you can end up chasing string balance all over the map.

Try using a mixer channel or a recording input with the EQ set flat to monitor the output of your bass when you adjust the pickups. If the meters show an even output, then it IS even, and you can look elsewhere for the problem.

 

I also have a problem with a 2004 MIM Jazz Deluxe. The D, and G sound louder than the E, and A. I adjusted the pickups as low as they go, and the effect was reduced. Turning the treble down helps. I have a 2012 Am Dlx, and with the same amp settings, the strings all have the same amount of volume. I know the pickups are now set lower than spec. I will be changing the strings sometime in the next couple of weeks, and will do a setup, in hopes that it eliminates the problem. Any other suggestions are welcome.

 

+1