New pickups for Geddy Lee Jazz?

[TC.65]

I'm looking to replace the pickups in my Geddy Lee Jazz and I really don't know much about them. All I know is I want pickups with a hotter output and a bit more aggressiveness with a hard hitting mid punch. any and all info and opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

[dirtbeard]

I felt the same about the stock pickups in my gl. I put dimarzio model j's, and love the sound now. Very punchy and dead quiet when either pickup is soloed.

 

[john_g]

Ever thought about putting in a preamp? Like an Audere?

 

[Andy D]

I installed a set of DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups in my GL and they sound magnificent.

 

[peledog]

DiMarzios

 

[JimmyM]

DiMarzio Model J's. That's what they do.

 

[pacojas]

Fender Custom Shop 60's!!!

(you'll thank me later)

 

[Stone Soup]

Fender Custom Shop 60's!!!

(you'll thank me later)

The pickups in the Geddy are probably close to the same output as the CS 60's pickups (and I think they sound as good). The OP wants a hotter pickup.

 

[TC.65]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I may need to give the DiMarzio's a try. Does anyone know where i can hear some sound clips?

 

[TheButlerdidit]

Dimarzio's Model J. Just check out JMJ's Geddy Lee with NIN. Awesome sound.

 

[JimmyM]

He also has tons of distortion on them pretty much all the time, so that's not really showing off the pickups so much. There are Youtube clips, but I don't know how good they are. I just tried to do one for you, but my bass with them installed seems to have developed a ground noise.

 

[sxaxsx]

Dimarzio makes atleast three split coil Jazz pickups, you may want to consider all three.
They all will be slightly hotter output than the stock Geddy Lee's but they all will give you different tone.
These three are:
Model J
Ultra J
Area J
The Model J's are supposed to be the least traditional "Jazz sound" of the three, some complain they are too boomy. The Area J's are supposed to sound the most like traditional J pickups, with the Ultra J in the middle. The Ultra J's certainly have a hotter output than what you have now, and will sound a bit more modern, the only reason I am weary of suggesting these to you is because many people complain that they are too "scooped" and you specifically asked for a pickup with "hard hitting mids".
Check out Dimarzio's website for some comparisons of the three as well as search around the forums for comparisons, and shootouts.

 

[TC.65]

What about the Seymour Duncan QP's? Are they even close to the DiMarzio's? Anyone have any input or experience with these or both?

 

[svp]

I bought a Geddy without pups in it so I could put Delano JMVC 4 FE/M2, they are the one's with the big Alnico poles and all of a sudden a Jazz bass with BIG balls

 

[millsbass5]

I'm looking to replace the pickups in my Geddy Lee Jazz and I really don't know much about them. All I know is I want pickups with a hotter output and a bit more aggressiveness with a hard hitting mid punch. any and all info and opinions are greatly appreciated.

Are you psychic? Apparently so. Because you just described a set of DiMarzio pickups.

 

[JimmyM]

What about the Seymour Duncan QP's? Are they even close to the DiMarzio's? Anyone have any input or experience with these or both?

The Duncans are good, but they're more mid scooped than the DiMarzios. I prefer the DiMarzios.

 

[Mofo-Kang]

Yeah, a lot of people like the Model J's. I've put in Ultra Jazz with an Audere. Nordstrands have a great rep, too. Be careful when you order new ones to make sure the pickups will fit the routed holes--some have a larger bridge pickup, and some have the same size.

 

[TC.65]

Thanks everyone for the help Looks like I'll be going with the model J DiMarzio's. I will let you all know how I like them once I get them.

 

[Herbie Chesnutt]

I had Model J's installed for a couple years and LOVED them. The Area J's came out and for whatever reason I pulled the Model Js, sold them, and put in the Area Js. Bought into the sounds like single coil hype. The Area Js are good pickups, great even, but in comparison to the Model Js they are too.... polite? They sound fantastic and are easy to dial in a decent tone, don't get me wrong, but Model Js just make me NEED to play them. Get them installed and you'll be like "I wish I knew how to quit you."

Just my experience. I've read others who absolutely hate those pups so ymmv.

Dimarzio makes atleast three split coil Jazz pickups, you may want to consider all three.
They all will be slightly hotter output than the stock Geddy Lee's but they all will give you different tone.
These three are:
Model J
Ultra J
Area J
The Model J's are supposed to be the least traditional "Jazz sound" of the three, some complain they are too boomy. The Area J's are supposed to sound the most like traditional J pickups, with the Ultra J in the middle. The Ultra J's certainly have a hotter output than what you have now, and will sound a bit more modern, the only reason I am weary of suggesting these to you is because many people complain that they are too "scooped" and you specifically asked for a pickup with "hard hitting mids".
Check out Dimarzio's website for some comparisons of the three as well as search around the forums for comparisons, and shootouts.

 

[missbassfreak]

you could give EMG's a try. It is nice because they come with new pots and wiring so you upgrade all of that at the same time as your pickups and the emg's are hot and sweet with lots of everything!!! That is if you wanted to go active. I love the Dimarzio's too.