So I'm wanting to get a bit of versatility out of my MIM Fender Jazz. I'm currently replacing the bridge with a badass ii, because the stock bridge was broken by the previous owner. I'm wanting to replace the pups with something that will get me a bit more girth. I want to have a little more punch and low end, but at the same time, I want to be able to have the sweet, smooth jazz option. What do you guys suggest?
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Jazz Bass Mods
- Thread starter DustinC90
- Start date
An easy mod without replacing pickups is to have a switch put in to allow you to run the existing pickups in series, which will get you something similar to a P-Bass tone. I have the switch built-in to my neck pickup volume control, so I just pull it upwards and it goes into series mode (which defeats the bridge volume entirely) - push it in, and it's a normal jazz setup.
I was able to do it myself with the switch I bought, but I don't know if I'd recommend it if you don't have much experience. Probably not an expensive job to get a tech to do for you.
New strings can make a huge difference too. Try that before you sink a lot of money into new pickups.
Personally, Id replace the bridge with a new stock Fender Jazz bridge and if youre not happy with stock MIM jazz pickups Id swap them for Fender vintage 60s pups and set up the bass with DAddario EXL170 nickel wound strings.
My first Fender was a MIM Jazz. I would start with changing the bridge and go from there also I'd suggest an Original Badass over the Badass II. My Mexican sounds amazing and I never changed the pups on it.
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I'd get a Fender bridge as well.
Long story but IMHO they sound and look better than Badass.
Davo
Long story but IMHO they sound and look better than Badass.
Davo
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Quarter Pounders, or Di Marzio's. Or your pickup of choice and a Bart XTCtT pre (about $60.00). There are so many other options as well.. Bart Pups and pre etc.
I've heard some good reviews about putting SD Quarter Pounders in Jazz Basses.
I had a Fender MIM Jazz bass a few years back. I put a badass bridge on it and a pair of Bartolini pickups in it. All passive, no preamp. Then I traded it for a different bass and have regretted it ever since. It sounded and played great.
I had a Fender MIM Jazz bass a few years back. I put a badass bridge on it and a pair of Bartolini pickups in it. All passive, no preamp. Then I traded it for a different bass and have regretted it ever since. It sounded and played great.
I also suggest a standard Fender Bridge over the Badass. As far as pickups.....I'm a huge Bartolini fan but you'd need a preamp (I suggest a Bart pre) as well to boost the gain on them. There's plenty of aftermarket pickups to choose from and for the most part, they all sound good. Nordies and Audere pres are also good combinations.
personally i like the schaller tuners, the custom shop 60s pickups, and a standard fender bridge, both the american pbasses i've experienced with the bad ass have had a different tone for the d&g string
The series mod is easy. Use this in place of an existing volume pot or the tone pot. A push/push pot allows you to use any knobs and things won't look much different when series is engaged - unlike a push/pull pot.
Link Removed.
Link Removed
Wire the switch part just like they show, with the series link closest to the pot. The series link is that link between two of the switch solder lugs.
You'll need to remember to have both volumes full up or series won't work.
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Is there another method to wiring these up? I can't remember how I did mine (push/pull pot) but as it is, the bridge volume has no effect at all when in series mode.
