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Pickups for a Squier Affinity Jazz Bass?

#21
Dennis Smith said:
First thing you might want to check is your wiring in the bass guitar. Check for broken wires, loose connections, especially by the pots (volume, tone knobs) and the jack. Another problem to look for is called a Cold Solder Joint. This is where a wire looks like it is soldered, but really it is loose and doesn't have a proper contact.

Check those out first, because generally (not all cases) a pickup doesn't fail like that very often.
And like previously mentioned in this thread.... check the bottom of the pickup and see if the magnet fell off. Might be just a matter of reglueing....
Click to expand...
A cold solder joint will look different from a good solder joint. A good one is shiny. A cold solder joint will be dull.
 
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#25
Dennis Smith said:
You are correct.... and alot of times they can be corrected by simply, touching it with a hot solder iron and remelt the solder over the connection.
Just trying to keep my terminology as simple as possible.
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I understand. Just trying to help the OP in case he is not familiar with how solder looks. I suspect he may be a novice because he hasn't already opened the bass up and looked for issues. It could even be a faulty jack not making good connection.
 
#28
If it turns out that you have to replace the pickups, I wouldn't spend a lot of money on replacements. I've had really good luck buying generic pickups for both guitar and bass direct from Chinese sellers through Amazon. They've all sounded good and been quiet when grounded properly.

Here is an example of what I would typically order if I needed a set of Jazz pickups: ($9.50 and free shipping)

http://www.amazon.ca/Generic-String...47099144&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=jazz+pickups

YMMV, but hey it's ten bucks and some solder.
 
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#29
wmhill said:
these are a very good low dollar choice, bound to be an improvement. I don't know if anyone mentioned it, but I'm pretty sure the Squire jazz don't take regular sized jazz PUs- I believe both in yours are the short (neck ) versions. Measure them BEFORE you order anything to be sure. If you need two of the same, they can probably hook you up if you call -they have helped me out more than once on odd orders. They also have some complete wiring harnesses too, so I'd order that as well to be sure everything's new/good.
Custom Guitar Parts and Accessories. Everything you need to play!
Click to expand...

If the OP has the same configuration as my Affinity the you are incorrect. Short neck long bridge Jazz pickups.
 
#32
I just opened everything up to discover that there was indeed problems with the soldering. One of the pick up cables was not soldered on. I will still get new pick ups because I just really want to modify my bass and make it my own. Thanks so much to all of you who helped with such a simple problem. I would still like to get some more recommendations on what pick ups I should check out. Either way have a nice day guys!:D
 
#33
Good news.

I still suggest you wait before modifying (I assume you haven't been an owner for years).

Put a lot of sweat and milage into it...learn to maintain it and set it up..try different strings...grow and experience with it. These things will make it your own.

If you must have new pickups spend the money and buy domestic. The chinese type work all right but cannot be considered an upgrade (what do you suppose are already installed? ).
Good luck with the band and smooth grooves.
 
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#37
Good you fixed it yourself. I'm a big fan of the Lace Alumitone pickups. Good solid and clean lows with enough mids and highs for great tone from them.

Since you're in Denver you might get in touch with Samantha. She's one of the most knowledgeable people on this board and is also in Denver.

SamanthaCay

Her wealth of knowledge couldn't be anything except an asset to you.
 
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#38
fjadams said:
Good you fixed it yourself. I'm a big fan of the Lace Alumitone pickups. Good solid and clean lows with enough mids and highs for great tone from them.

Since you're in Denver you might get in touch with Samantha. She's one of the most knowledgeable people on this board and is also in Denver.

SamanthaCay

Her wealth of knowledge couldn't be anything except an asset to you.
Click to expand...
Will definitely check out the pickups & thanks for telling me about Samantha! Have a good one!
 

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