Softer D string on a MIJ fender Jazz

Try getting a new set of strings.

 

You said you raised the pickups, but did you think about lowering the D string?

 

I also have a 1993 MIJ 62 RI Jazz!! first thing i did when i got it was to change out the pick up's,i put in a set of D'Marzio model j's;the original japan pu's aren't the greatest,i've had no problems at all since then.

hope this helps

 

so ur suggesting that perhaps there's a problem with a single pole on bothh pickups? Possible, but i'd lower the string a bit. If that doesn't do anything, try a new set. If you're liking the tone, working from the least drastic up is probably the better choice.

-chris

 

Raise the poles on the pickups for the D string.

 

Especially if you're considering replacing the pickups try raising the individual pole pieces for that string. It's pretty easy to do and I do it regularly on all pole piece pickups whether they're adjustable or not.

 

You have to take the pickups out so you can press the pole pieces up from the underside of the pickup and you also want to be cautious not to move it more than necessary, as that can cause the pole piece to become loose inside the pickup.

I use the tip of my Leatherman pliers to gently press the piece up while keeping my hand anchored against the pickup surface so I can control the movement.

If you've tried new strings and it still has the low output problem on that string, both pickups, then yes, do it to both pickups.

 

Check the volume of the string with the bass unplugged before you do anything. If it's still weak check the volume of the notes going up the neck on that string. If you can go up a few frets and the volume comes back, you might have a dead spot.

I had the same problem with my P-bass but on the "E"-string. The notes were weak sounding up un till I got to the 4th fret or so. I tried adjusting the pickup, changing the string, every thing. Then I relized the string had the same problem unplugged. Turns out I had a dead spot centered around the low "G" (almost no volume or sustain, just a "plunk"), going down to the "E" and up to the "G#". The bass was still under warantee so I was able to get a fret leveling for free, which took care of everything except the "G". I got a Groove Tubes "Fat Finger", a brass clamp the attaches to the head stock and increases it's mass moving the dead spot. It worked OK, but in the end I ended up putting a BadAss bridge on the thing and that worked 100%.

This may not be what your experiencing, but it's worth checking before you go messing with your pickups and stuff.

Good Luck!

~Paul