Gutless J Bass- New pickup help?

[zacwbass]

Hi guys

Just after a bit of advice. I'm currently using an early 90's Japanese J bass with a set of Fender Vintage J pickups in it (a recent inclusion). I've been finding lately that this instrument, whilst I love it, is just sounding a bit thin coming out of my rig compared with my other basses, and also it's output is not as high as some of my others.

I've tried navigating the large amount of J bass pickup forums but get lost in the seemingly endless reviews and ratings so I'm after some concise, cool advice as to how to get my J sounding awesome.

I'm really after that warm, punchy sound guys like Ben Kenney and JMJ are getting from they're J's.

Any advice is welcome

Cheers

Zac

 

[Hellbastard]

Audere JZ3. Exellent pre and it'll work great with the pickups you have.

 

[mongo2]

I've been finding lately that this instrument, whilst I love it, is just sounding a bit thin coming out of my rig compared with my other basses, and also it's output is not as high as some of my others.

Have you tried raising the pickups closer to the strings?

 

[frankenp]

Have you tried raising the pickups closer to the strings?

+1. An effective.... and free solution.

I just put Dimarzio Ultra Jazz pickups in my bass. They are punchy, humbucking, and still retain that jazz bass tone..... I brightened them a bit by raising the bridge pickup a bit higher.

 

[tevitag]

Seymour Duncan Antiquity IIs. I replaced my stock Fender American Standard J Bass pups with these and they are beautiful - punchy, warm, and they put new life into the low end. They will really give your bass some guts!