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j-bass upgrading

KwanzaaLizard

KwanzaaLizard

Oct 24, 2005
64
17
Grand Rapids/Mount Pleasant MI
#1
I've got a sunburst standard MIM jazz bass I bought used, and put the Fender Noiseless pick-ups into. I like the way it sounds but it being all passive, I want to put a preamp in for when I have to plug direct into a PA, most likely a J-retro if I go for it. Right now I've got the pickguard off so someone can customise it. I might just buy a shell pickguard for the vintage look, though. My point is I was wondering if people have ideas or opinions about things I should put money into, or shouldn't have put money into. I'm looking for a mainly rock sound, but I also like jazz and am considering taking up slap and I play primarily fingerstyle right now. Thanks in advance for any input!
 
#3
KwanzaaLizard said:
I've got a sunburst standard MIM jazz bass I bought used, and put the Fender Noiseless pick-ups into. I like the way it sounds but it being all passive, I want to put a preamp in for when I have to plug direct into a PA, most likely a J-retro if I go for it. Right now I've got the pickguard off so someone can customise it. I might just buy a shell pickguard for the vintage look, though. My point is I was wondering if people have ideas or opinions about things I should put money into, or shouldn't have put money into. I'm looking for a mainly rock sound, but I also like jazz and am considering taking up slap and I play primarily fingerstyle right now. Thanks in advance for any input!
Click to expand...

for plugging directly into the PA get yourself a decent DI, like a Sadowsky, or a SansAmp BDI...don't put a preamp in your bass for this function (there are other reasons you may wish to consider a preamp but plugging into a PA is not one of them).

As far as the pickguards, that's purely cosmetic and purely your own personal taste, so we'll leave that one completely up to you.

As far as the bass...if you're digging the sound...leave the electronics alone...
 

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