Period correct pickups for 77 Jazz

[FirewalZ]

I have an old 77 Jazz Bass that's been in the family for decades...my brother had bought it in the early 80's and had installed a set of Bartolini's not long after he got it....along with a brass nut(it was the 80's after all). Dont get me wrong it sounds good, just different than a typical Jazz, a bit smoother and fuller. I've always wondered what it would sound like with more 70's sounding pickups and would like to try something different than the barts and closer to the original sound. Maybe Nord 70's wound or the Fender PV 74's?

 

[Snaxster]

I have an old 77 Jazz Bass that's been in the family for decades...my brother had bought it in the early 80's and had installed a set of Bartolini's not long after he got it....along with a brass nut(it was the 80's after all). Dont get me wrong it sounds good, just different than a typical Jazz, a bit smoother and fuller. I've always wondered what it would sound like with more 70's sounding pickups and would like to try something different than the barts and closer to the original sound. Maybe Nord 70's wound or the Fender PV 74's?

Hello. In addition to Nordstrand and modern Fender, you can add these to your list of possibilities:

• vintage Fender (usually expensive and often in need of a rewind, they are around)

• O.C. Duff Pickups custom

• The Pickup Wizard custom

• Sullivan Music Equipement Link Removed, of whose bridge pickup I wrote

The SME JB71-9 J bridge pickup is sweet, growl-y, and glassy sounding. On the live side of even-keeled, it is dynamic and harmonically rich enough. Though not obviously exciting, if you bring your own excitement, this pickup's integrity will let you make the sounds. It has guts, but does not flaunt it.

 

[Jim C]

I don't know about a 77' but I have found the SJB1 pickup from Duncan very close to early 70's Fenders.
Vintage Jazz Bass Pickup | Seymour Duncan

 

[7dollarbologna]

I’d look for an original set.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Another vote for the SDs.

 

[Geri O]

Nordstrand Vintage 70s Wind.

Those things will go in any Jazz or Jazz-style bass I’ll ever own.

 

[funkinbottom]

I don't know about a 77' but I have found the SJB1 pickup from Duncan very close to early 70's Fenders.
Vintage Jazz Bass Pickup | Seymour Duncan

Another vote for the SDs.

Another vote for SD. The Vintage Jazz and Antiquities both very Fender sounding.

 

[iiipopes]

Either SD's mentioned above or Fralins. Tell Lindy what you want, which is to essentially reproduce the stock pickups, and he can wind them for you. Read: Invalid Link Removed " 'The mid-‘70s Jazz Bass is extremely popular,' said Mike Lewis, who heads up the Fender Custom Shop. 'The block inlays are very compelling, and the pickups are wound with enamel wire and are dipped in shellac instead of wax. The original wire was formvar, which was brighter sounding. The enamel has highs that are a little bit rolled-off, and the midrange is more accentuated. It’s a growlier tone.' "

 

[Picton]

I play a '75 and I used to own a '78, both with original pickups. They both sound good, but the '75 sounds really raunchy. That thing growls.

I've had outstanding experience with Fralins. Never tried to get them to replicate a particular design, but I'd trust them to do it.

 

[narud]

Either SD's mentioned above or Fralins. Tell Lindy what you want, which is to essentially reproduce the stock pickups, and he can wind them for you. Read: Invalid Link Removed " 'The mid-‘70s Jazz Bass is extremely popular,' said Mike Lewis, who heads up the Fender Custom Shop. 'The block inlays are very compelling, and the pickups are wound with enamel wire and are dipped in shellac instead of wax. The original wire was formvar, which was brighter sounding. The enamel has highs that are a little bit rolled-off, and the midrange is more accentuated. It’s a growlier tone.' "

the custom shop needs to spend more time with old basses. this info doesnt jive.

 

[iiipopes]

the custom shop needs to spend more time with old basses. this info doesnt jive.

OK. Here is another source that says the same thing about which wire and magnets were used when; but with no subjective comments about the differences in tone:
Link Removed

 

[narud]

OK. Here is another source that says the same thing about which wire and magnets were used when; but with no subjective comments about the differences in tone:
Link Removed

the strats were heavy formvar. those ended up making a switch to plain enamel. the basses were always pe. ive posted a picture of the windings on my own 62 jazz years ago here in the forum. you can also do an image search for pre cbs bass pickups and theyre not heavy formvar. you can see the difference from the strat pickups from the same year.