New to forum - looking for input!

[bradneym]

Hey guys, I've been playing bass for about 5 years now, started on a crappy Dean Edge, and a while later bought a MusicMan Sterling (real Sterling, not the "Sterling" brand). Now I'm looking to buy another bass just for the hell of it and I'm not sure where to go. I'm hoping to spend less than $700, so I was thinking of buying a MIM Jazz bass and replacing the pickups. Any idea on what pups could give me that flea-like growl? Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Pet Sounds]

Uh, didn't Flea play a Music Man?

 

[nickbass79]

I put EMG pups in my MIM with a 2 band eq. Sounds great, and was a great deployment bass.

I'm probably going to sell it soon, though.

 

[Pilgrim]

Why would you buy an MIM Jazz and replace the pickups without playing it? (Mine sounds great.)

It always amazes me how many people have decided that the pickups in a bass they have never touched must be inferior. No evidence, just a decision with no basis.

Buy what pleases you, but for heaven's sake PLAY IT for a while before changing anything...except strings. They make a big difference in sound, and if you have a preferred string, install them immediately.

 

[Dave W]

Buy a used MIA Fender, you can find them all day lone for around that price.

And I totally agree...play it first before deciding to swap anything.

 

[bradneym]

I've played a MIM Jazz at Guitar Center quite a few times and I never really got the sound I wanted. I could probably attribute that to old strings that have been played to death and never changed. I'd like to get some fresh Ernie Ball slinky's on one and try it out. I might just buy it with stock pickups and change the strings because I love the way Jazz basses feel and my tax return is burning a hole in my pocket.

 

[Catbuster]

MIM, yeah. Add a lot of bottom/lo mids & some OD for Flea's sound.