Replace OBP or Pups

[MarkM13]

Greetings,

I have a Fender MIM Deluxe Jazz. I've noticed that compared to my SBMM the output of the J is considerably less. Also, I always have the mids dimed to get that classic Jazz midrange tone.

I'm wondering if the pups or OBP should be changed out. I reciently replaced the stock pickups on my ESP LTD fretless and it completely changed the instrument for the better (Nordstrand Big Blade at the bridge and Big single at the neck). I'm tempted to put in Big Jazz Blades in the Fender but wondering if the pre is what I'm after this time.

FWIW, you can probably tell I'm pretty new to this.

Thanks
Mark

 

[JustForSport]

Which model OBP?
Haven't had or heard any complaints about OBPs beong low output- must be the p"ups. Bypass the preamp to get the p'ups true output.

 

[MarkM13]

Folks seem to be pretty fond of the Agular OBP-3. I was thinking of trying it. The pickups are stock and labeled "Noiseless". They are quiet, unless you get near a dimmer switch.

Can't say I'd be too comfortable doing the work to bypass the pre. I did install the pickups in my fretless but those were just drop ins and oulynrequired unsolderimg the old and soldering in the new.

 

[JustForSport]

To bypass the preamp, just unsolder the wire from the last vol pot to the preamp, and jumper (or solder) a wire from that vol pot terminal to the center (long) terminal on the output jack. Replace things when you're done.

 

[Hopkins]

Folks seem to be pretty fond of the Agular OBP-3. I was thinking of trying it. The pickups are stock and labeled "Noiseless". They are quiet, unless you get near a dimmer switch.

Can't say I'd be too comfortable doing the work to bypass the pre. I did install the pickups in my fretless but those were just drop ins and oulynrequired unsolderimg the old and soldering in the new.

Those Noiseless pickups are very low output, anemic pickups. I would start there then replace the pre if you so desire.