DiMarzio UJ's or Model J's Pups?

Having owned both I can tell you that the Model Js have more mids and the Ultra Js have less mids and more highs. Bass and output is about the same but the Model Js seem a little louder despite Dimarzio's tone chart. I personally like the Model Js better but if you want to slap than go with the Ultras.

 

Uh, "wetness"? In my lexicon, this refers to an effected signal. As opposed to non-effected...

Of these two choices, you definitely want the Ultra Jazz. Its tone has "modern" written all over it. The highs have some nice sparkle too...not at all subdued as with the Model Js...

MM

 

The Ultra Js have pretty good punch, hell they are Dimarzio, can't go wrong with em. They have a brighter attack but more scooped, less mid range growl. Some people say that the Ultra Js lack of mids will prevent them from cutting through in the mix but I haven't had that experience. I've recorded two albums with a bass that had those pickups and the results were great.

 

Don't be too sure. The lows are actually pretty comparable, in my experience. Let's just say you will not be disappointed in the lows of the Ultra Jazz.

IME, the thing about the Ultra Jazz being scooped is exaggerated. Yes, they are both deep and bright - and for that reason many players will assume that they must not have sufficient midrange presence.

Such is not the case. Simply dial back those lows and/or highs a bit as needed, and you'll find all the midrange content you need. It's all relative.

The thing I love about them is that they sound very refined and hi-fi. If that's your kind of thing as well, then you'll probably love 'em too. But if you have any kind of traditional, lo-fi "grunt" in mind, I warn you: Don't go there.

I *heart* my Ultra Jazz pickups...

MM

 

Yeah, I meant scooped compared to the Model Js which have more emphasis on the mids.
Not scooped like SD quarter pounds. They are definitely a more high fi pickup. Probably the best passive Jazz pickups you can get. I have one in the bridge of my Pbass paired with the Will Power. I ended up giving that Jazz bass with the Ultras to my little brother and since he hardly plays it, I might take it back.

 

How do you like the pairing? I was just considering that same combination, a Will Power P with a Ultra J at the bridge.

 

It's a great match. The only downside is the will power is a lot louder than the ultra j. If you were to solo the bridge pup in the middle of a song there would be a big volume drop'

 

I thought that may be the case. I was thinking of running them passive with a Vol/Blend/Tone config. But it may be better to run them with 2 Vols. Should be easier to balance them that way. How do you have yours set up?