• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Jazz Bass pickups... with the "original" look

Which "normal looking" Jazz Bass pickups should I go with?

  • Total voters
    7
InstantEctobass

InstantEctobass

Feb 18, 2018
2,741
3,962
#1
So I got myself that 2017 Fender Special Run 70s Jazz Bass, which did NOT came with the original Fender Pure Vintage 74 pickups because the previous owner changed them and apparently broke them while removing them. Nevermind. Long story short: I don't like pickups with no pole pieces and the brand name on that. Yeah, they sound good, I mean, nothing to complain, I'd like them more "open toned" but I guess the 250K pots are to blame, too(?)...

And so in short, too, I'd like pickups with pole pieces. I'm not rich and I don't have super high expectations. I like to play with EQs. I just want reliable pickups.

My ideas so far : Fender Originals, Fender CS 60, or Dimarzio Area J, but sadly these Dimarzio are hard to find of my country (France). Any options I've missed? Thanks a lot for your time!

Cheers
 
#7
When you say "open tone" do you mean treble or distortion? In general, weaker pickups will yield an airy, cleaner sound than an overwound pickup, which will give a more distorted signal with more bottom end. If you like the sound of weaker pickups there are plenty of no name varieties available for low prices on eBay. Just make sure the sizes are compatible with your instrument. Hope this helps.
 
#8
1bassplayinfool said:
These

60's or 70's wind...
Click to expand...

They cost 235 dollars (converted) in my country... I can't put such a price for sure ! #poor

lz4005 said:
If aesthetics are your priority, get new covers for the ones that are alread on there. Or sand the logo off and paint silver dots on them.
Click to expand...

Sadly, the ones I have actually are sealed, can't replace anything on them.

jamro217 said:
When you say "open tone" do you mean treble or distortion? In general, weaker pickups will yield an airy, cleaner sound than an overwound pickup, which will give a more distorted signal with more bottom end. If you like the sound of weaker pickups there are plenty of no name varieties available for low prices on eBay. Just make sure the sizes are compatible with your instrument. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

So for you, a quality pickup is only a one that has more bass because it's overwound? A more open sounding can only be found at cheap eBay prices? What's the deal there? I'm sorry if I'm being mistaken
 
#9
InstantEctobass said:
They cost 235 dollars (converted) in my country... I can't put such a price for sure ! #poor



Sadly, the ones I have actually are sealed, can't replace anything on them.



So for you, a quality pickup is only a one that has more bass because it's overwound? A more open sounding can only be found at cheap eBay prices? What's the deal there? I'm sorry if I'm being mistaken
Click to expand...
No. Quality pickups can be found in all varieties. What I meant was that many of the cheaper generic pickups are not overwound. Cost being the main factor, cheaper to under wind them. Underwinding usually creates the airy, less bassy tone, hence cheapo generics may be the way to go IF you like that sound. If you like a grindy overdriven tone, go after that style pickup. I wasn't sure what you meant by an "open tone". I assumed you meant airy. Just trying to give you a cost effective alternative. Hope this helps.
 
#10
If you want to eliminate single coil hum, get the DiMarzio Area J. They're excellent pickups and a great value. My favorite hum-canceling J-bass pickups are Lindy Fralin's Split-Jazz, but the DiMarzios provide about 90% of the tone at half the price.
 
#12
Nedmundo said:
If you want to eliminate single coil hum, get the DiMarzio Area J. They're excellent pickups and a great value. My favorite hum-canceling J-bass pickups are Lindy Fralin's Split-Jazz, but the DiMarzios provide about 90% of the tone at half the price.
Click to expand...

I'm not typically looking to eliminate the single coil hum, but what I like about the DiMarzio Area J is that they get the raised pole pieces! Fender do not offer that possibility, from what I've read; and my fretboard is said to be a 7,25" radius. It might be a good choice?
 
#13
InstantEctobass said:
I'm not typically looking to eliminate the single coil hum, but what I like about the DiMarzio Area J is that they get the raised pole pieces! Fender do not offer that possibility, from what I've read; and my fretboard is said to be a 7,25" radius. It might be a good choice?
Click to expand...

I think so. My set had raised poles under the A and D strings, and they were raised so high that I was concerned about string-to-string balance with my G&L's 12" radius fretboard. DiMarzio assured me they would be fine, and they were. The raised poles should work at least as well with a vintage radius board, maybe better.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back