EMG J question

[Belka]

Hi all,
I'm thinking about changing the pickups in one of my basses and for a change I was considering EMGs (at present the bass has Duncan lightning rods in it). Typically I like Bartolini and wouldn't want anything too hi fi, so I was thinking about either the JA (alnico) or the CS (ceramic and steel) sets. Has anyone compared these two sets before? Is there much of a difference between them? Does either of them really sound vintage? Also, what is the real world difference between the standard sets and the EMG X sets? Do I really need more headroom? Can't say I've missed it up to now.
I might also consider the new Fender '74 set or the Nordstrand set if the EMGs are going to be super bright. What do you guys think?

 

[iiipopes]

I did find notable high end extension between the standard actives and the "X" actives. I'm running a 40JX in the bridge of my 5-string. Because of the lesser string excursion, I didn't need to change from 9v to 18v. But to take advantage of the new preamp with an "X" pickup in the neck position, it seems that would be a good idea. The "A" pickups are a little bit warmer, and the CS are dark but clear.

 

[JimmyM]

If you don't want super bright, stay away from the X series.

 

[Belka]

If you don't want super bright, stay away from the X series.

Aha, that's what I thought.
Just out of interest, does that mean that something like the Alnico X and ceramic and steel X are brighter than the standard J set which are in turn brighter than the standard Alnico and CS sets? Gets a bit confusing with the two product lines they have.

 

[JimmyM]

I'm not sure because I have no hands on experience with anything but the PJX set, but the X stands for "extended" so I would guess yes.

 

[Funkinthetrunk]

The JAXs are a little bright...but you can always turn down the active tone knob. I also own orig Js and CS, not really too much differences to my ear, maybe with the Js being a tad more aggressive sounding. But those are way more 'in your face' than my JAXs. I feel the JAXs are smoother sounding....but definitely not 'tame' by any stretch.

Would it not be great if we can actually try out pickups in our own basses before buying them? I'd have a lot more skrillas in my account right now...maybe I should start a pickup 'rental' service.