Jazz Elite gets LOUD in active mode. HELP!

[Matty Koff]

Any time you boost a frequency, you're adding decibels to your signal. So say you want to boost your lows all the way.. you counter this by lowering the input gain on your amp (you're liable to drive the amp to clipping if you have it setup for your passive signal otherwise).. or.. many amps have a -10dB switch for active basses. Even then my basses with active pre's could push my amp into overdrive if I don't lower the input gain on my amp when boosting lows or mids.

 

[BobBass56]

I may just go with the Audere kit and be done with the issue all together. I'd be giving up the passive function since their kits are active only and I also take a "back-up" bass with passive mode to a live gig so no worries there.
I've heard good things about their preamps and could make my good Jazz bass better?
Their balance circuit is designed for active use and they claim to have better tonal control and options.

 

[powerplant]

Have a look at John east preamps
You keep tone pot an it weary simple to change as it mounted on the plate

 

[BobBass56]

I think the John East just might be better since it offers a true passive mod. For now I'm going to divert my attention to my other "project" which is my new '20 Ultra PJ-Bass.
I'll be adding a 3rd pup closer to the neck.
I've made a temporary rig using an inverted "U" shape jig out of wood to mount the test pup upside down to face the strings from the top. The bass was laying flat on the bench and I could move the pup freely wherever I wanted. I used a passive Seymour Duncan J Bridge pickup I had laying around closer to the neck. I wired it in parallel with the existing bridge pickup and OMG!
It was one of those moments when you hear an angelic choir sound coming from heaven!
I think I just may have found the most awesome bass sound ever!!! LoL. I gotta have it!
The initial results were a big boost in bottom end but with extreme clarity. No muddy boomy sound but a huge increase in bass tone. The results were awesome in both Passive AND Active modes!! I gotta have it!
The Fender preamp didn't put up a fuss with the added PU at all. No noise, phase issues whatsoever.
The sound that came out is very rich, full and OMG AMAZING! I MUST HAVE IT! (Did I mention that before???)

I'll add it's own volume control and MAYBE a DPDT switch to add it to either the OE Neck or OE Bridge pickups.
But the initial test with the new pickup wired in parallel with the OE bridge sounded amazing first try.
The added pickup did not seem to effect the Blend/Balance pot either.
The independent volume control will be it's ON/OFF as well or I could add another balance/blend pot to balance between either P or J pups.
Just adding in the 3rd pickup closer to the neck will make me smile with it in the mix without any other control other than volume. Anything added after will be "optional"?
So on to routing we go......