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Fender SCN J Pups

DocGeorge

DocGeorge

Feb 6, 2011
214
91
Indio, CA
#1
Here's what's going on... I have a '95 MIJ Jag Bass and I've grown displeased with the stock pickups in it. I mostly play Classic Rock and Blues. I was looking at the SCNs because I've heard that they have a really nice deeper tone. Has anyone used them? I can't find a review of them anywhere... If these aren't the way to go, I'm open to any and all advise from the vast collective knowledge of this site. Thank you

Doc
 
#2
These pickups were used in the American Deluxe Jazz Bass between 2003-2009. I had one of those basses and it was one of the best basses I ever had. The preamp was nothing special, but the pickups seemed nice enough. They were dead quiet and had a slightly darker tone than typical Jazz pickups, but not so dark that they didn't get a nice Jazz-y slap tone. The neck pickup was particularly good at copping a P-bass tone when soloed, though I did use the preamp to bump the bass and mids a hair when doing this.

In short, they are nice pickups and I wouldn't rip them out of a bass that came with them. Depending on what else is out there, they might be a good option. Dimarzio Model Js are also a classic, noiseless, darker-sounding Jazz replacement worth looking into.
 
#4
I have SCNs in a passive fretless MIM jazz and love them. Dead quiet and great tone. Good choice for the money. They were designed by Bill Lawrence for Fender. I have the Di Marzio Js in my other fretless MIM Jazz with a J-Retro pre and they would be another good choice, active or passive. If money is no object try the Joe Bardens. I've yet to try his bass p/u but have several guitars with them and they are excellent.
 
#6
That's a real close call. I wish you could hear an A-B for yourself. Price is even close as well. One thing, if it's important to you, the SCNs have traditional looking poles, where the Js have black adjustible hex head poles. You can request the silver poles if you order direct from Di Marzio, I understand. The Js have been around a lot longer and get a lot of love on TB, but I think you would be happy with either.
 
#8
Check the Di Marzio website for further info, but if memory serves the area js are close to vintage tone, the ultras are more modern hi-fi and the j's are the longest running, most popular, noiseless and the only ones I have personal experience with. So they have 3 choices at last look.
 
#10
TN WOODMAN said:
Check the Di Marzio website for further info, but if memory serves the area js are close to vintage tone, the ultras are more modern hi-fi and the j's are the longest running, most popular, noiseless and the only ones I have personal experience with. So they have 3 choices at last look.
Click to expand...

All the DiMarzio J pickups are noiseless. I have an Area J set on order for my G&L JB, because I wanted something close to the G&L "vintage alnico" tone without the noise. We'll see! The price is right too.

I've tried a few basses with the SCN pickups, and I've heard others with them on stage. I've always liked them. I think Double Agent's description is accurate. In a band mix, they produce classic J tone IMO.
 
#11
Thank you all for your help. I ended up ordering the SCNs. Can't wait to have them installed and hear how they sound on the Jag with the Chromes that are already on there. Feel like a kid at Christmas waiting to open presents...
 

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