So when the black mezzo came out had to get it, mods in progress, will post when done.
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Ibanez Mezzo Upgrade Path
- Thread starter technocraft
- Start date
Thought I would post this here. Gator Transit Gig Bag, put new velcro patches and lowered headstock pad. used that space for strap/tuner.
I'm considering replacing the electronics as well. Curious if anyone has attempted to remove the active preamp but keep the stock pickups? I don't have any experience with the Dynamix pickups so not sure if it's worth the effort or not. This is my 2nd bass. My other bassline/bassline for tone (pun intended) is a MIM Jazz bass.
Finally Finished mine, installed Hipshot HB6Y 3/8 tuners. EMG GZR Butler PJ set, EMG BTS preamp.
Everything went smooth except getting the J pickup in its cavity. Finally got it in but chipped the paint, lucky for me its satin black. Really worth sanding the edges of the pickup route and pickup cover to avoid this. Also shielded cavities with copper tape.
Everything went smooth except getting the J pickup in its cavity. Finally got it in but chipped the paint, lucky for me its satin black. Really worth sanding the edges of the pickup route and pickup cover to avoid this. Also shielded cavities with copper tape.
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My take is that the Dynamix pickups benefit from a preamp: they sound solid in the active TMB100, whereas I found them a bit thin on the passive TMB30. On the other hand, there are plenty of people who think they sound good in the Mikro. Why not try ‘em passive...if they sound too bright, see if a .001uF or .002 uF loading capacitor in parallel with one or both pickups helps (by lowering the resonant peak—an old G&L trick).
I have one of the 5 string models and I'm loving it, but when recording the J pickup is quite noisy.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a noiseless J pickup that will drop in without needing to enlarge the rout?
Thanks
Does anyone have a recommendation for a noiseless J pickup that will drop in without needing to enlarge the rout?
Thanks
What's under the pickguard? In other words, can it be left off without revealing any routing?
The pickguard is same as stock, just different color, thumbrest mounts using pickguard screws. If you leave off pickguard you will have all those pickguard screw holes. routing is stock
Seeing the EMGs on those Basses makes it look so retro!! Can’t wait for my set (I got the EMGx PJ’s) 
Update:
Ended up returning the EMGs as I went with the Dimarzio DP126 and will be expecting it's arrival next week to start with the mod!
Ended up returning the EMGs as I went with the Dimarzio DP126 and will be expecting it's arrival next week to start with the mod!
Did you manage to get it done? I'm considering upgrading the stock pickups on my Mezzo as well and am wondering if these would fit
@metzalx
I did actually! I went with a Bartolini pre and took the DiMarzio pickups at the same time but the J pickup wouldn’t fit and the tech at GC was against the idea @Kev1955 suggested so im going to a different tech later today as he’s more open minded to Kev’s idea. I’m honestly glad I had the tech go through the preamp installation first as I was able to hear how the stock pickups sounded with and without the pre (via active passive option from the Bartolini).
So far the improvement is halfway there and I’ve only had it for a week since it’s upgrade!!! Definitely a lot clearer (and cleaner) sounding than the stock electronics which is extremely loud and unsettling when boosting bass and treble.
The Bartolinis definitely colored the tone a bit as I’m having fun with string options (currently strung with GHS Roundcore Boomers).
it doesn't take very mach sanding to fit the normal J pup in there. I just used a rotary tool... even a fingernail file, back and forth a number of times would work. it is just a tiny bit too long
Just got it back and wow... that Dimarzio P punches!!!
I am a bit underwhelmed on the J pickup though as it’s a bit less output than the P. Maybe a slight adjustment should have it sound balanced and ready!
Edit: Just had the J pickup raised a tad higher and it punches through making it sound well balanced compared to the P, this mod was awesome and well worth the expense!!!
I am a bit underwhelmed on the J pickup though as it’s a bit less output than the P. Maybe a slight adjustment should have it sound balanced and ready!
Edit: Just had the J pickup raised a tad higher and it punches through making it sound well balanced compared to the P, this mod was awesome and well worth the expense!!!
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Tone update:
Got home and ran it through my GK practice amp. The whole upgrade again is such a drool although I have to report that when the Bartolini preamp is engaged and the treble knob is rolled off, the definition/clarity of the instrument can get a bit muddy.
So I’m probably going to change the strings out for some Stainless Steel to gain some of the clarity back. When in passive, the Dimarzio really sing to where even just playing the bass in passive mode you can get an awesome tone out of.
Maybe I shouldn’t sweat over the preamp so much but I would like to have some clarity when the preamp is engaged for those smooth R&B/Soul tracks I like to play along to without sounding muddy
Got home and ran it through my GK practice amp. The whole upgrade again is such a drool although I have to report that when the Bartolini preamp is engaged and the treble knob is rolled off, the definition/clarity of the instrument can get a bit muddy.
So I’m probably going to change the strings out for some Stainless Steel to gain some of the clarity back. When in passive, the Dimarzio really sing to where even just playing the bass in passive mode you can get an awesome tone out of.
Maybe I shouldn’t sweat over the preamp so much but I would like to have some clarity when the preamp is engaged for those smooth R&B/Soul tracks I like to play along to without sounding muddy
Sorry I didn't see this earlier, but thanks for the detailed replies! Definitely keeping that bookmarked for when I finally decide to go ahead with an upgrade
Hi, I'm thinking about putting a kickass on my mezzo and I was wondering whether you could speak in more detail about your installation? For example, did you have to drill all new holes to mount the bridge or could some of the existing holes be re-used? If the former, were the new mounting holes closer or further from the neck than the original mounting holes? Just trying to get a sense of how much work would be involved... Thanks!
