Model Js and J Retro 01 preamp - installation guidance?

[Sands]

Has anyone tried this matchup? I’ve got the Model Js installed as DiMarzio suggests, and you might know it’s not a typical Jazz Bass wiring scheme.

So, now I have a J Retro 01 pre amp, and I am wondering if - hoping there is someone with experience with these Model Js and the J Retro 01 and able to provide guidance.

If not I might try out some other more traditional Jazz Bass PUs but really would like to use these due to adjustable pole height. Plus I have them.

 

[ctmullins]

DiMarzio’s wiring diagram for the Model J is essentially a standard Jazz bass wiring diagram, other than the fact that the Model Js are first wired in series before being sent to their respective volume pots. How are yours wired?

And there’s nothing special about wiring them to the J Retro, or any preamp: just connect the hot leads and the ground leads to the correct terminals.

 

[Sands]

Other than the series wiring aspect, the DiMarzio uses 500k volume pots instead of 250k and a 033 cap I believe vs the usual 047.

From DiMarzio:
https://d2emr0qhzqfj88.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/diagrams/DiMarzio Model J Wiring Diagram_0.pdf

 

[Sands]

I’m going to try installing with preamp gain zero’d, based upon user guide suggestion. I’ll report back.

 

[ctmullins]

Other than the series wiring aspect, the DiMarzio uses 500k volume pots instead of 250k and a 033 cap I believe vs the usual 047.

From DiMarzio:
https://d2emr0qhzqfj88.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/diagrams/DiMarzio Model J Wiring Diagram_0.pdf

Ah - well that's relatively trivial, as both pot value and tone cap value are always "to taste" for any pickup.

Good call on starting at the factory baseline for the preamp gain. My understanding is that the Model J has a pretty healthy output as it is.

 

[TonyP-]

I’m going to try installing with preamp gain zero’d, based upon user guide suggestion. I’ll report back.

I prefer the John East with regular J pickups, the East thickens things up quite bit.
I like Model Js, but play them in passive mode.
Question - How did it work out with the East and model Js?
It’s clear or on the dark side now?

 

[Sands]

I prefer the John East with regular J pickups, the East thickens things up quite bit.
I like Model Js, but play them in passive mode.
Question - How did it work out with the East and model Js?
It’s clear or on the dark side now?

The preamp had issues. Sold it, unable to test. :/

 

[TonyP-]

The preamp had issues. Sold it, unable to test. :/

Bummer … I might try this

 

[Sands]

It definitely has potential. I almost bought another and tried again but went in a different direction. I still might try it someday.