My Jazz Bass has no balls. Help!

[PeaveyPlayer]

Get a set of Aguilar hot
With roto rounds

 

[Nunovsky]

Maybe these will help...

 

[AcridSaint]

I have a made in japan Fender Jazz bass 62 reissue. It is a thing of beauty and has a great neck but I don't know why but it just feels like it doesnt have any balls. It's hard to describe what I mean but basically my precision feels like Harley davidson and the jazz feels like a Yamaha bike. I hope that makes sense haha. So my question is I was offered a Fender Aerodyne to trade for this bass which would give me the balls I need BUT is there a way to get my Jazz to sound more inspiring? A set of pickups maybe?

I didn't read all of the replies to this, but I just want to say that the Aerodyne doesn't seem like a great trade.

And yes, pickups can help. There are several split coil J offerings out there. Since I'm a Delano fan, I'll throw out the JC4 HE/M2 as an option. But you might also consider the Nordstrand 51 Split-J or the Frailin Split Jazz. Just retain the original pickups so you can put them back in if you don't like the upgrade.

 

[LowRick]

I know, right? Plus.... so angry... Way angrier than any HD...
View attachment 3587777

I know, i know, totally off topic, but slandered sideways which of course causes a reaction....

Awesome bike mate! You ride that?

 

[lug]

Another vote for series. My Jag has a series switch and it makes a big difference.

 

[mrjim123]

Before making major mods you might try different strings. Also, check the distance between your strings and the pickups.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

Listen to the people who are suggesting the Series wiring mod. It's the quickest, least expensive way to get more whomp out of any Jazz pickup configuration bass. Heck, even if you DO change to different pickups, the series wiring will STILL make it beefier.

No lose, easily reversable, inexpensive....

 

[Ric5]

I have a made in japan Fender Jazz bass 62 reissue. It is a thing of beauty and has a great neck but I don't know why but it just feels like it doesnt have any balls. It's hard to describe what I mean but basically my precision feels like Harley davidson and the jazz feels like a Yamaha bike. I hope that makes sense haha. So my question is I was offered a Fender Aerodyne to trade for this bass which would give me the balls I need BUT is there a way to get my Jazz to sound more inspiring? A set of pickups maybe?

The jazz bass scoops mids

Try soloing the neck pickup

or try adding a 4 band Audere preamp

 

[Hardbassjunkie]

I have a pair of the MIM 60s classic series jazz pick ups laying around. Anyone know if those are any good?

 

[Systolic]

Another vote for a string change a raising pickups. My ballsy strings of choice are the EB Cobalts and Fodera SS's.

 

[DavC]

maybe your bass is Gender Neutral ..??

sounds like you need some different pickups ..?? something with a bit more oomph ...

or maybe get your strings a little closer to the pups ..?

strange comparison - MIJ bass ok , but MIJ bike not ok ..?

 

[jw23mind]

Some have suggested lowering the bridge volume so as to emphasize the fatter, more P- position neck pickup sound. Problem is you'll lose some of the hum-bucking this way. Instead I would suggest lowering the bridge pickup and/or raising the neck pickup to get the same effect while still maintaining hum-bucking.

 

[Planespotter]

A series/parallel switch is a very easy mod that is totally reversible if your worried. If your handy with a soldering iron it only costs about $10 and a half hour of your time. I put one on my USA Geddy (hidden on a push/pull volume pot) and love it. And it’s not obvious that it’s been modded. There’s really no reason not to give it a try.

 

[Hardbassjunkie]

Another vote for a string change a raising pickups. My ballsy strings of choice are the EB Cobalts and Fodera SS's.

You know I found the EBs too ballsy for the p bass but it might work for jazz

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Check pickup height and don't be afraid to turn up you amp's input gain.

 

[Jim Carr]

I play Jazz and P basses and have several of each. I feel you.

@Joeykun suggested an onboard preamp, but this one, being a pedal [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] ($290) and its little sibling the sb2 [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] ($190) will more than do the job. They are the same except for the DI. No need to route your bass for a battery or even disturb the wiring. Plus it works with ALL your basses.

With a passive Jazz or P, the Sadowsky is my "always on" secret weapon. There are only two bands of EQ, but the eq circuit design nails low-end and low-mid ballsy bass, and can add some upper mids and as much sparkle as want, too.

Pickup heights and strings have to be dialed in. What strings are you using? The DiMarzio J pickup recommendation is good.

I have a Nash Jazz and a pink Flea Jazz. The Nash with DiMarzio's has more balls than the Flea. The Flea is great, but the "Pure Vintage '64" pickups have a pronounced mid-scooped quality that is the opposite of what you need, IMHO.

 

[SactoBass]

Another choice for pickups would be Lollar. I have Lollar pickups in my J bass, and it rocks!

 

[jd56hawk]

I have a made in japan Fender Jazz bass 62 reissue. It is a thing of beauty and has a great neck but I don't know why but it just feels like it doesnt have any balls. It's hard to describe what I mean but basically my precision feels like Harley davidson and the jazz feels like a Yamaha bike. I hope that makes sense haha. So my question is I was offered a Fender Aerodyne to trade for this bass which would give me the balls I need BUT is there a way to get my Jazz to sound more inspiring? A set of pickups maybe?

The Lace Man O' War J Bass pickups utilizes patented Lace Sensor technology, voiced in an aggressive yet controlled tone.
Features precise harmonic content with an attitude that cuts through in any situation. Low magnetic pull increases sustain and its broad dynamic range will drive amps and effects better.
The Man O' War provides vintage vibe with modern punch and definition.

As for the Aerodyne, which one?
I'd consider trading for the one one the left but not for the one on the right.

Of course, you can try a bass expander.
I used this with good results some years ago with a rather lethargic bass...$55.

 

[Zoobiedood]

A hotter set of pickups may help, indeed. A Hot Jazz or Quarter Pound Set are pretty much the definition of 'balls'.

 

[musicman556]

View attachment 3587701
I like the extra mid range it gives but I just want it to be angrier haha. Like when girlfriend nags me to wash the dishes I can play her a note to scare her away.

You need a Stingray, not a Jazz bass! Hahaha! I'm halfway joking, but mostly serious.

I have been playing at bass for over 20 years nowand have had dozens of basses throughout the years, but just recently got a Stingray and MAN! Growly and mean right out of the gate, before ANY amp/pedal tone/drive controls. Fun stuff!