Replacing Fender CS60s?

[trothwell]

I really really like my stock Fender Custom Shop 60s Jazz pickups, but am considering if it would be worth swapping for something that eliminates the 60-cycle hum.

Maybe Lindy Fralin split coil Jazz pickups? Or EMG JV Set?

But would I be disappointed? The overall tone of the CS60s is perfect to my ears!

 

[Slater]

IMO, the Fralins are the best split-coil Jazz pickups available.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I really really like my stock Fender Custom Shop 60s Jazz pickups, but am considering if it would be worth swapping for something that eliminates the 60-cycle hum.

Maybe Lindy Fralin split coil Jazz pickups? Or EMG JV Set?

But would I be disappointed? The overall tone of the CS60s is perfect to my ears!

I love my Fralins but I would not recommend changing a tone you describe as "perfect." No humbucker sounds just like a single coil. If somebody could nail that recipe it would be all anybody bought.

 

[somebrains]

Try a set of Fralin 10% overwound singles and a blend knob.

 

[trothwell]

I love my Fralins but I would not recommend changing a tone you describe as "perfect." No humbucker sounds just like a single coil. If somebody could nail that recipe it would be all anybody bought.

Thanks, I think you answered what I truly already knew. Perhaps I will try the Fralin pickups in another bass, but it may be best to just leave this one as it is!

 

[jallenbass]

If cost isn't an issue it's no big deal to swap out pickups to see if you like something else better.

 

[somebrains]

Once i find something I like, I leave it alone and maintain it.
If I have a problem child, sometimes no amount of $ and time will ever make it sound good (to you).

They end up in whatever state I gave up on them in a gig bag.
I have a couple noisy basses that have "that" perfect sound....and the hum is just part of the package.

 

[birminghambass]

If you love your pickups, keep them. IMO humbucking J pickups never seem to sound quite as good as their single coil versions. If you do go humbucker I'd stay away from the Fralins. Excellent pickups, but they don't sound anything like the CS pickups you love. To keep a similar tone I'd recommend the Nordstrand SV or a slightly more vintage-ish option would be the Area J from Dimarzio.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Thanks, I think you answered what I truly already knew. Perhaps I will try the Fralin pickups in another bass, but it may be best to just leave this one as it is!

I'd recommend taking your own advice here and leave it as is! It wont get rid of true 60 cycle hum, but maybe try shielding the bass properly. I've had great results with killing a lot of noise by shielding my basses. My Classic 70's Jazz is dead quiet since it's shielded and I just play both pickups all the way up, so there's hum cancelling, and dial back the tone a bit.