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"J" pickups discussion and comparisons - PART II

#241
Just finished installing my model Js.
tmp_30458-20150720_194155491701204.jpg
 
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#243
Captain Chaos said:
Called local guitar shops and both told me backlog is 15 days to a month. Is this normal? My soldering skills aren't the best but I've gotten a few pickups to work. I'm just not comfortable to wait that long.
Click to expand...

That's precisely why I learned to do all of my tech work. I'll admit it... I'm impatient! But also, most of the shops I've ever been to take even longer when they do it, even if they quote 2 weeks. So I said "screw that!" and learned how to do it. And soldering is a BREEZE! I can swap J pickups cleanly in less than 10 minutes (aside from soldering iron heat-up time).

Congrats on the Model Js, by the way. I love those damn pickups. And your MM looks even better with them.
 
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#244
basslifter said:
I have a Squier Vintage Modified fretless jazz and find the plugged-in tone to be lacking. This bass has fender pickups instead of the Duncan Designed as some older models had.
I am thinking of replacing the electronics with this:
DiMarzio® Model J™ Pickup Set for J Bass | DiMarzio
The set of Dimarzio DP123 (Model J) with a pre-wired electronics plate.
First, would it be worth it to spend close to $200 to replace the electronics in such an inexpensive bass or would it be better to just buy a better bass?
If I do the replacement, will I notice a dramatic change?
Thanks
Click to expand...
YOU WILL SURELY DO.
 
#245
Anyone have any experience with the Norstrand NJ4 70's Jazz pickups?
I'm planning to put them in a late 70s Fender Jazz that's missing it's pu's.
Any real reason to go for the 7.25"R set (for the 7.24" fingerboard radius) over the regular set w/o the raised pole pieces? Surely the originals had the pole pieces all in a line?

NJ4 7.25"R set is same as NJ4 standard set except that these are built for vintage instruments with a tight fingerboard radius of 7.25". Poles on A and D strings are raised to accomodate these basses.
Click to expand...

Any other thoughts for a 70s Jazz? I'm going to put roundwounds on this one in contrat to my other Jazzes with flats and 60s-type pu's.
 
#247
I find my A D G strings don't have the same out put as E string. The E is much louder.
I have a MIM Geddy, and a 70's mod. Both are new, and new to me as I have always played active preamps. I want to stay passive. Any thoughts, or recommendations? Thanks
 
#248
lil nelson said:
I find my A D G strings don't have the same out put as E string. The E is much louder.
I have a MIM Geddy, and a 70's mod. Both are new, and new to me as I have always played active preamps. I want to stay passive. Any thoughts, or recommendations? Thanks
Click to expand...
If it is possible, you could try adjusting the height of the pole pieces
or even the slant of the pickup in it's cavity. The foam behind the pickup should help with slant adjustments.
 
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#250
im thinking of replacing my neck pickup with something that has some good thumping low end, and strong punch. ive narrowed it down to Seymour duncan sbj 3 quarter pound basslines or dimarzio model js. which one should i pick?

Also i have a dimarzio area j for my bridge pick up. will either of those be a good combo? or will the opposite sounds be not a good idea?
 
#251
Owen Bacon said:
im thinking of replacing my neck pickup with something that has some good thumping low end, and strong punch. ive narrowed it down to Seymour duncan sbj 3 quarter pound basslines or dimarzio model js. which one should i pick?

Also i have a dimarzio area j for my bridge pick up. will either of those be a good combo? or will the opposite sounds be not a good idea?
Click to expand...
...or maybe you just need a PJ. ;)
 
#254
cvsurg said:
I'm wanting to replace the pups in my fretless Warmoth jazz body bass. I had some Model J's in it, but they were a little too aggressive for my tastes. I'd like to see what suggestions people have to get the maximum "mwah" singing tone out of it. It's got a black limba body with a maple neck that is finished with CA (super glue)-

FLJBgoodshot5_zpsbb22125e.jpg
Click to expand...

I find that the Dimarzio Area J pickups give a good vintage J vibe.
 
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#255
cvsurg said:
I'm wanting to replace the pups in my fretless Warmoth jazz body bass. I had some Model J's in it, but they were a little too aggressive for my tastes. I'd like to see what suggestions people have to get the maximum "mwah" singing tone out of it. It's got a black limba body with a maple neck that is finished with CA (super glue)-

FLJBgoodshot5_zpsbb22125e.jpg
Click to expand...
How did you have them wired?
 
#257
cvsurg said:
I'm wanting to replace the pups in my fretless Warmoth jazz body bass. I had some Model J's in it, but they were a little too aggressive for my tastes. I'd like to see what suggestions people have to get the maximum "mwah" singing tone out of it. It's got a black limba body with a maple neck that is finished with CA (super glue)-

FLJBgoodshot5_zpsbb22125e.jpg
Click to expand...

Q-Tuners. Check 'em out.
 
#258
There are so many choices and so many combo nations that I get confused.

Here is what I have going and maybe I can get some options.

I just sold my dream bass due to some business needs and I am replacing it with a beautiful never played NOS loaded 2012 MIM Standard Jazz base body with a never played maple board neck.
I play 60's rock but want a deep strong tone. I play rather light with fingers and never slap or anything like that. I play up need the neck because I don't care for the thin sound when getting closer to the bridge.
Warmth and smooth would be wonderful. The bass will be here next week when I will mount the neck and play medium gauge Chromes.
I want to stay with passive pups and everything on the bass is original right now.
What would you guys recemend to get the most out of this setup with the the deep warm sold tone I am looking for?
Thanks
Dano
 
#260
I installed Model J's in my '75 AVRI jazz last week - and these pups are definitely as billed. I wired them in series, left the existing 250K pots, and replaced the 70's style bridge with a Gotoh while I was at it.

This took an anemic sounding J and made it pump out some serious, cutting, full sounding tone. As others have said, if you want a lot of high's than these pups are not for you. I am often playing with my tone knob on full which I generally never do on any bass.

There are two negatives...

The first is Clarity. Smash's original review 12+ years ago rated these at 2 on clarity. I would agree with this as well. When playing with the band its not really noticeable, but when practicing solo and I put them up against the GZR's in my P for example - the difference in clarity is definitely there.

The other is I am getting quite a bit of hum when my fingers are not on the strings. I soldered everything very cleanly so I am not sure why this is happening. Do you think it could be a lack of copper shielding?

Any help/opinions appreciated...
 
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