• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Help needed finding suitable humbucker replacement pickup (please)

Apr 18, 2015
3,148
3,509
65
I recently acquired a Squier Jaguar Active bass "special" with single humbucker pickups. It was part of a package with a guitar and seemed like a good thing to do at the time. It played fine at first then started sounding a terrific single coil hum. The short version is that the pickup went bad. So I called Fender to see if I could replace the pickup. Not only did they not have any in stock, but couldn't even give me a source to try. I'm told by my regular tech this is an oddball sized pickup and he didn't know of many like it.

I have no idea what to buy or where to look, but my objective is to buy something inexpensive, so I could repair this bass and sell it. The dimensions of the pickup 1 11/16" x 2 11/16" and look like the photo below (sorry for the blurry photo, but you can see what it is).

Can anyone direct me to a source where I can buy any replacement pickup that will work? I would greatly appreciate it.
jaguar_humbucker.jpg
 
I have one of those. It's a standard EMG35 size. Loads of options for replacements. I used an EMG, but you could use a Nordstrand, Delano, Aguilar, Bartolini, Duncan, Lace, ...

The pickup itself should measure 3.5" by 1.5". The measurements you listed must be of the cavity.
 
Fender most likely didn't make those pickups, and just got Artec, G&B or somebody else to make them. If you can identify the OEM then you can potentially figure out what pickup model is installed. Artec to a generic Stingray pickup in a soapbar configuration, just like this pickup. I have three in slightly different pole spacings. I'm waiting on the right bass to install them in!
 
Fender most likely didn't make those pickups, and just got Artec, G&B or somebody else to make them. If you can identify the OEM then you can potentially figure out what pickup model is installed. Artec to a generic Stingray pickup in a soapbar configuration, just like this pickup. I have three in slightly different pole spacings. I'm waiting on the right bass to install them in!

I'll have the bass back tomorrow and can take an accurate measurement myself. I think it's going to be 89mm x 37.5mm or something like that. The thing is that I bought this bass as part of a package with another guitar and a case with the idea of keeping the case, selling off the guitar and bass... except the bass needed a jack and pickup which wasn't disclosed. The jack's been replaced. But I want something cheap but decent so I can just sell the thing. A Squier bass is only going to bring so much money. Fender was zero help. I've checked the offerings on AliExpress and there are a few soap bar offerings that look like they could work. I'll check out Artec which I think may be an excellent suggestion.

UPDATE... Looks like an Artec MBC4N-bk... Anyone know where I can get one?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Axstar
Duncan SSB is relatively cheap.
Thanks. Not a horrible suggestions, but it's a Squier bass that I'm looking to sell immediately and bought with that in mind. I'm not looking to put $60 into something that I if lucky I can get $150 out of. Perhaps I should be looking for a soapbar pickup out of China for $20? But I'd rather get something from someone I can reach out to.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ctmullins