Dimarzios in a Fender Marcus Miller JB?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by frenfrins, Jun 28, 2020.

  1. frenfrins

    frenfrins

    Dec 7, 2012
    Hi, would you think it's good idea to replace the original pickups of a Fender Marcus Miller MIJ with Dimarzio Model J's?
    I just find the sound a little "weak" in passive mode (and not very natural in active). Another reason is getting rid of any hum, as the Dimarzios are noiseless.
    Any cons? What do you reckon?
    Thanks!
     
    rojo412 likes this.
  2. Geri O

    Geri O Endorsing Artist, Mike Lull Guitars and Basses Gold Supporting Member

    Sep 6, 2013
    Florence, MS
    Depends on what you consider a “good idea”...:D

    The tone will certainly change. Whether it’s a positive change or not can be determined only by you in the end. The only thing anyone can realistically assure you of is that the tone will certainly change.
     
    frenfrins likes this.
  3. jallenbass

    jallenbass Supporting Member Commercial User

    May 17, 2005
    Bend, Oregon
    Or Ultra J's depending on what you want to hear. The Model J's are a little dark for my tone goals though they might be perfect for yours. Ultra J's are brighter but still have good output and low end. I would think they would play nice with a preamp since they are similar to Sadowskys.
     
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  4. frenfrins

    frenfrins

    Dec 7, 2012
    I heard that Dimarzio Ultra jazz sound scooped. I'm looking for low mids, and more presence. Model P works great in another bass I have.
    Adjustable poles is another think I like on those pickups
     
  5. rojo412

    rojo412 Sit down, Danny... Supporting Member

    Feb 26, 2000
    Cleveland, OH.
    I'd LOVE the Model Js in a Marcus. Those are my fave pickups anyway, but they would kill in that bass. So if you're taking a poll, I vote YES!
    (and in CREME, but that's me...)
     
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  6. jallenbass

    jallenbass Supporting Member Commercial User

    May 17, 2005
    Bend, Oregon
    Here's what mine sounds like. I'll leave it up to your ears to determine if they are scooped or not.
     

    Attached Files:

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  7. frenfrins

    frenfrins

    Dec 7, 2012
    Sounds really nice, thank you!
     

  8. Ultra Jazz pickups and John Easy preamp
    Fast forward to 8:55 for playing examples

    I have a set of the 5-string Miller Signature pickups, and they are quieter than my Squier VM Jazz V pickups (odd because they are 8.0k ohms and the Squier pickups are 7.5k ohms), but they do sound really good. I will eventually be pairing them up with a boost-only 2-band Pensa preamp.
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2020
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  9. frenfrins

    frenfrins

    Dec 7, 2012
    I found this video on YouTube, 70's jazz, ash, maple fretboard, model J's... I think it gets pretty close to how it would sound and to what I'm looking for .