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Pickups vs Pre-Amp

D

Dan_reeves

Guest
Jun 14, 2013
1,290
1,810
#1
So I picked up a new to me bass the other day, a ESP-LTD B50. It had been sitting around in the back room of my church for months - I took it home and cleaned it up and put on some fresh Regular Slinky Cobalts. I really like the way it plays - for an "entry-level" instrument it is a keeper. Great neck, great fret work, decent weight. I am amazed at how nice it is considering the cost.

With that being said, I do really like the way it sounds, but I would categorize the PJ (passive) pickup set in it as "anemic". What I mean is that I had to crank my amp higher than I ever have with any other bass to hear myself. And I am standing right next to the amp, within a couple of feet.

Based on that info, would a pickup change be in order, or maybe add a preamp of some kind? I guess I can continue to crank the amp - I don't dislike the way the stock pups sound, but I really think I need more output. My friend has an Ibanez that has Quarter Pounders in it that like the sound of, so I am thinking of those. Or would it be better to add a preamp of some kind instead to get myself some more output?

Sorry, I am a bit of a novice with this stuff, so if I need to add any more info, I can. For tone, I prefer a more aggressive sound - we play mostly rock and ballads type music, but the electric player generally has a heavy hand so I need aggression to keep up. The drummer is pretty aggressive also. So I'd assume vintage is not what I would be going for!

Anyways, what would you guys suggest? What would you do if you were me? Thanks for your thoughts!

Dan
 
#4
LoveThatBass said:
Question: If you turn the J pickup to zero and the P to max does it get louder? And how about the J when you turn the P to zero and max the J? Do they get louder or do you find one of them anemic sounding?
Also, how far from the strings are pickups?
Click to expand...

Yes, I have found it works like a typical Jazz bass in that when both are dimed there is a small decrease in volume. When I turn one or the other down a little the volume goes back up. Solo'd both are the same output level. There is a noticeable decrease in sound when the tone control is turned all the way down, but because I am looking for attack I basically always play with the tone on full blast. From my limited experience, they are all working as they should? The pickups are as high as I can get them without the weird overtones. Not sure on actual distance, I can measure them later when I get the chance.
 
#5
No need to measure distance. Sounds like you have it adjusted about right (high as possible without it affecting the strings).
Dan_reeves said:
Yes, I have found it works like a typical Jazz bass in that when both are dimed there is a small decrease in volume. When I turn one or the other down a little the volume goes back up. Solo'd both are the same output level. There is a noticeable decrease in sound when the tone control is turned all the way down, but because I am looking for attack I basically always play with the tone on full blast. From my limited experience, they are all working as they should? The pickups are as high as I can get them without the weird overtones. Not sure on actual distance, I can measure them later when I get the chance.
Click to expand...

Get a set of new pickups with higher output
that are a matched set if possible.
 
#9
Dan_reeves said:
So I picked up a new to me bass the other day, a ESP-LTD B50. It had been sitting around in the back room of my church for months - I took it home and cleaned it up and put on some fresh Regular Slinky Cobalts. I really like the way it plays - for an "entry-level" instrument it is a keeper. Great neck, great fret work, decent weight. I am amazed at how nice it is considering the cost.

With that being said, I do really like the way it sounds, but I would categorize the PJ (passive) pickup set in it as "anemic". What I mean is that I had to crank my amp higher than I ever have with any other bass to hear myself. And I am standing right next to the amp, within a couple of feet.

Based on that info, would a pickup change be in order, or maybe add a preamp of some kind? I guess I can continue to crank the amp - I don't dislike the way the stock pups sound, but I really think I need more output. My friend has an Ibanez that has Quarter Pounders in it that like the sound of, so I am thinking of those. Or would it be better to add a preamp of some kind instead to get myself some more output?

Sorry, I am a bit of a novice with this stuff, so if I need to add any more info, I can. For tone, I prefer a more aggressive sound - we play mostly rock and ballads type music, but the electric player generally has a heavy hand so I need aggression to keep up. The drummer is pretty aggressive also. So I'd assume vintage is not what I would be going for!

Anyways, what would you guys suggest? What would you do if you were me? Thanks for your thoughts!

Dan
Click to expand...
No need to go active. You might prefer better.
Lace Sensor “Man O’ War” Bass pickups are passive in design yet yield higher output, tighter low bass response, more string definition and ultra low noise operation. They are voiced for an aggressive yet controlled tone. The design features precise harmonic content with an attitude that cuts through in any situation. Low magnetic pull increases sustain and its broad dynamic range will drive amps and effects better. Tone is vintage vibe with modern punch and definition. These versions stem from the world famous patented Lace Sensor technology.
2txr4.jpg

They were designed especially for players desiring clear low noise operation, but without the need for additional electronics and or need for a battery. The output of the “Man O’ War” series of pickups equals many active systems on the market today.

Put on your headphones and take a listen.
 
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#10
If you're looking for a killer sounding preamp/DI, check out the Tech21 SansAmp Bass Driver. I play a junky old P bass copy with the stock pickups and it sounds great. Used it live and recording. Sounds a little thin in this video, but it's great in person. Also, jd65hawk is right on the money. Lace pickups RULE!

 
#13
DeepEndJim said:
If you're looking for a killer sounding preamp/DI, check out the Tech21 SansAmp Bass Driver. I play a junky old P bass copy with the stock pickups and it sounds great. Used it live and recording. Sounds a little thin in this video, but it's great in person. Also, jd65hawk is right on the money. Lace pickups RULE!

Click to expand...

Hey, that made my old cheap bass sound twice as good!
 
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#14
If you like the sound of the pickups, I would suggest an Aguilar OBP-3 preamp. It will give you volume and tone to spare.

But if you don't like the pickups then try high output pickups, as previously suggested here by someone else. If you then like that sound, you might not even need a preamp.
 
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#16
While this isn't exactly a current thread, it is almost exactly the same question I have. I am the owner of a Fender Deluxe Jazz V. The previous owner replace the original pickups with Bass Lines. I like (not love) the bass well enough, but the tone bothers me. The tone is big, but is is unfocused. I am not really sure if this is mostly the result of the preamp, which I believe is stock, or the Bass Lines pickups. Any recommendations for keeping the big sound, but focusing the tone? Would a preamp or pickup change be most likely to get me the focused tone?

Thanks!!!
 

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