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Reed James Neo J/MM set

phillybass101

phillybass101

Jan 12, 2011
4,578
2,460
Disclosures
Artist, Trickfish Amplification Bartolini Emerging Artist, MTD Kingston Emerging Artist. Artist, Tsunami Cables
#1
I recently had my Brubaker Brute MJX-5 upgraded with a set of Reed James Neo J/MM Pups matched with a Bart NTMB Pre (4.6AP). Also added a 3 way coil splitter (series/singlecoil-south)/parallel. The Jazz pup is a split Neo blade, and the MM is a dual Neo Blade. Long story short, my Brute is straight up killin. Still has the aggressive Brute sound but much more hi-tech and refined. When I run the MM Pup in series it's a monster and still has clarity, definition, and sizzle. Funk Bass Player Dream Axe. Well Mine, and IMO. This is not a James Jamerson Tone type of Axe. It's modern, aggressive, clean, articulate and a slap machine. Great punchy fingerstyle tone as well. Running this through a Tecamp Puma 500 and M212 Cab. Happy!!!!
 
#2
Pic of bass
reedjames2.jpg
 
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#4
From a purely selfish perspective I'm happy that not a lot of players have picked up on this yet. Therefore, very few players have what I have. However I encourage all players to check out Reed James Pups. You will not be disappointed. This Neo J/MM set sounds damn good. The Brute in my Avatar will get a set but with an Aggie OBP3 Pre.
 
#5
I have to agree about the Reed James Pups, they are killer. I am going to grab me another set once I grab another bass, because honestly they are great sounding. You can dial in any tone you need with those bad boys. Question though, I have never heard them active, what is your take? I have only had passive basses.
 
#6
Burquebass505 said:
I have to agree about the Reed James Pups, they are killer. I am going to grab me another set once I grab another bass, because honestly they are great sounding. You can dial in any tone you need with those bad boys. Question though, I have never heard them active, what is your take? I have only had passive basses.
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Sounds great with the Bart 4.6AP. This setup has taken my Brute up a step in terms of tone. Does not sound like a $600 Bass. More Sparkle, Hi-Fi and still Brute Aggressive. A killer combo is a set of Reed James VVN Jazz Pups and an Aggie OBP3 pre. You have to be careful in your selection of pre when using the RJ NEO's.
 
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#7
phillybass101 said:
Sounds great with the Bart 4.6AP. This setup has taken my Brute up a step in terms of tone. Does not sound like a $600 Bass. More Sparkle, Hi-Fi and still Brute Aggressive. A killer combo is a set of Reed James VVN Jazz Pups and an Aggie OBP3 pre. You have to be careful in your selection of pre when using the RJ NEO's.
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phillybass101, thank you for the reply, I know I may sound naive but do you have to have a certain set of Pups and a certain preamp? I am not really sure how installing preamps and stuff like that really works. I know there are preamps from Aguilar and other companies I just don't know how to go about choosing the right one so I do not mess the pickups/electronics up. I would be installing a setup in a Fender either 5 or 4 string Jazz, any suggestions? Also would I have to route the body to make the preamp fit? Sorry for all the questions, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and I hope you have a blessed day! God bless....
 
#8
Burquebass505 said:
phillybass101, thank you for the reply, I know I may sound naive but do you have to have a certain set of Pups and a certain preamp? I am not really sure how installing preamps and stuff like that really works. I know there are preamps from Aguilar and other companies I just don't know how to go about choosing the right one so I do not mess the pickups/electronics up. I would be installing a setup in a Fender either 5 or 4 string Jazz, any suggestions? Also would I have to route the body to make the preamp fit? Sorry for all the questions, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and I hope you have a blessed day! God bless....
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There are many great combinations out there. One great combo for sure is a set of Reed James 5 string VVN's and an Aguilar OBP3 Pre. Bart JB Pups with a Bart NTMB or Aguilar OBP3 sound great as well. Aguilar JB Pups with Aguilar OBP3 is great. Nordsrand JB Pups with just about any Pre to include Nordstrand Pres sound good as well. If you get into discussing or considering something like a John East Pre you're looking at over 3 Bills just for the pre. The important thing is the combo of Pups with pre to get the most out of that combo and one that best fits your budget. I don't know what kind of tone you like. I like modern, hi-fi tones so I know what to pick for myself. For instance I am upgrading a Geddy Lee Jazz with a set of Reed James VVNs, and an Audere 4 band pre. Why? I like RJ Pups, and the Audere is just a simple install without modifying my GL in case I want to sell later as all original parts. Good luck in your choice. Spend some time on youtube and search for various JB upgrade combos and let your ears decide for yourself. You can ask as many people on here what to use and get that many different responses :)
 
#9
Burquebass505 said:
phillybass101, thank you for the reply, I know I may sound naive but do you have to have a certain set of Pups and a certain preamp? I am not really sure how installing preamps and stuff like that really works. I know there are preamps from Aguilar and other companies I just don't know how to go about choosing the right one so I do not mess the pickups/electronics up. I would be installing a setup in a Fender either 5 or 4 string Jazz, any suggestions? Also would I have to route the body to make the preamp fit? Sorry for all the questions, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and I hope you have a blessed day! God bless....
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If your JB's are passive, yes you would have to rout the body for a battery box. However if you chose an Audere pre, you would not have to rout the body for a battery box. You can even save yourself a little money by choosing a Bass Mods pre. I heard they were modeled after Bart preamps.
 
#10
phillybass101 said:
If your JB's are passive, yes you would have to rout the body for a battery box. However if you chose an Audere pre, you would not have to rout the body for a battery box. You can even save yourself a little money by choosing a Bass Mods pre. I heard they were modeled after Bart preamps.
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phillybass101, thank you for your reply's and input, I greatly appreciate it! Man I have a lot of research to do...:) Have a great day my friend!
 
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