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NBD! Jazz bass special

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Rocker47, Dec 8, 2014.

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  1. Dec 8, 2014 #1
    Rocker47

    Rocker47

    Nov 3, 2009
    Alberta, Canada
    I have finally got my hands on a late 80's Jazz bass special! I have had one other bass in the past with this pick up configuration and really liked it. My question is, does anyone know if these were known for a weak j pick up? This one seems to be very weak in comparison to the p pick up. I've searched threads here and haven't come across any info to deny or confirm. Some help would be greatly appreciated! ImageUploadedByTalkBass1418084313.512947.jpg
     
  2. Dec 8, 2014 #2
    reykav

    reykav Guest

    Nov 28, 2014
    I just got my Jazz bass special few days ago! it's exactly the same as yours
     
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2014
    Rocker47 likes this.
  3. Dec 8, 2014 #3
    wild4oldcars

    wild4oldcars

    Jan 22, 2012
    Garner, NC
    Duff McKagan replaced the J in his with a Seymour Duncan Hot Stack, so maybe its a common problem.
     
  4. Dec 8, 2014 #4
    Rocker47

    Rocker47

    Nov 3, 2009
    Alberta, Canada
    Awesome! Thank you! That's not surprising after playing it for a few hours. I'll look into changing it as well. Maybe even change the p too! Quarter pounders or the hot stack seem like popular choices. Thanks again for the information!
     
  5. Dec 8, 2014 #5
    Rocker47

    Rocker47

    Nov 3, 2009
    Alberta, Canada
    reykav, do you know what the color is called? It changes is different lighting. I think it's amazing!
     
  6. Dec 8, 2014 #6
    wild4oldcars

    wild4oldcars

    Jan 22, 2012
    Garner, NC
    Personally, I'd recommend the Dimarzio model p and model j set :thumbsup:
     
  7. Dec 8, 2014 #7
    Rocker47

    Rocker47

    Nov 3, 2009
    Alberta, Canada
    I've never changed pick ups in any bass before. I'm going to check into those as well. Very cool, thanks!
     
  8. Dec 9, 2014 #8
    Malak the Mad

    Malak the Mad Over the River and through the Looking Glass Supporting Member

    Oct 20, 2012
    The Archduchy of DuPont
    I was talking to a Duncan-rep last year about upgrading a Jazz's pickups. I asked if a SJB-3 (Quarter Pounder) in the neck position would work well with an SJB-2 (Hot) pickup in the bridge spot. He said yes, and that an SJB-2 would work well "in the less-hot bridge position." In other words, a hotter bridge pup should provide a bit more output and thus balance things out.
     
    Rocker47 likes this.
  9. Dec 9, 2014 #9
    FloridaSam

    FloridaSam

    Feb 7, 2013
    Under a palm tree
    I picked mine up last Saturday. Seems our previous owners had the same idea for new knobs.
    proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.postimg.org%2Fljplebfef%2F20141205_150605.png
     
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  10. Dec 9, 2014 #10
    reddog

    reddog

    Mar 5, 2013
    Philly burbs
    love my p/j's.
    have to upgrade myself.

    the quarter pounder "p" might be a tad hot, from what i'm reading.
    would suggest doing just the bridge "j" first.
     
  11. Dec 9, 2014 #11
    Laurie Bass

    Laurie Bass

    Nov 2, 2008
    Bridgewater Nova Scotia Canada
    I am no expert on this...(Malak the Mad is IMHO) but the jazz pickup (stock) will never sound as strong as a Precision pickup (stock) because basically I think the split P pickup is more like a humbucker than the single coil jazz pickup there for has a greater out put. The Jazz pickup in a PJ bass is (I think) just a way of adding additional "high end" or "zing" to the traditional Precision bass sound.

    So it is quite normal for a Fender or Squier PJ bass (non active) to have a stronger "P" bass sound and giving the impression that the "J" pickup is weak.
     
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  12. Dec 9, 2014 #12
    Dave W

    Dave W

    Mar 1, 2007
    Westchester, NY
    In a PJ setup the P usually overpowers the J pickup to some extent.

    EDIT: What he said...
     
  13. Dec 9, 2014 #13
    reykav

    reykav Guest

    Nov 28, 2014
    THe color is call burgundy mist, I love the color too

    do you usually play with the p or j pickup ?
     
  14. Dec 9, 2014 #14
    devinp17

    devinp17

    Jun 26, 2014
    Ontario, Canada
    Let me know (PM me) if you end up replacing the P pup!
     
  15. Dec 9, 2014 #15
    devinp17

    devinp17

    Jun 26, 2014
    Ontario, Canada
    For pickup replacements I would recommend the Seymour Duncan SPB-1 + STK-J2. It's a great combo!
     
  16. Dec 9, 2014 #16
    Malak the Mad

    Malak the Mad Over the River and through the Looking Glass Supporting Member

    Oct 20, 2012
    The Archduchy of DuPont
    Pretty much what Laurie said…except for the "expert" part. That's hardly the case and is makin' me blush! :oops:
     
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  17. Dec 9, 2014 #17
    BeastBassNJ

    BeastBassNJ Supporting Member

    May 19, 2005
    West Orange, NJ
    Just got my second one yesterday. I usually change out the bridge to a Badass II. The J is definitely weaker. I usually swap out most of the electronics too, and put in either EMG PJ or Bartolini PJ with a BTC control preamp[​IMG]
     
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  18. Dec 9, 2014 #18
    Laurie Bass

    Laurie Bass

    Nov 2, 2008
    Bridgewater Nova Scotia Canada
    God! I am gassin for a Precision Bass Special (passive) so friggin much............sigh.
     
  19. Dec 9, 2014 #19
    SirMjac28

    SirMjac28 Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion

    Aug 25, 2010
    The Great Midwest
    Congrats I love those basses and whatever you do keep the original pups.
     
  20. Dec 9, 2014 #20
    Rocker47

    Rocker47

    Nov 3, 2009
    Alberta, Canada
    Ahhhh "Ron Burgundy" mist. Very nice! Haha! It truly is a unique colour. I've only had one rehearsal with it and I played it with both pick ups for the most part. I had it in just the p pup for a little. Never really noticed when the j was on or off. When playing alone it is easily heard how soft it is. It's not a bad thing. I was just curious. I'll play it for a while and decide about changing one or both.
     
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