Squier VM Fretless Jazz Bass : PU's & preamp upgrade suggestions ?

hi guys

again it's about my Squier VM Fretless JB......

been playing around with it for a few days now ( new half round D'Addario's, adjusted PU height.. ) & yes i do like it's playability & tone BUT....i can't help feel there's something missing & think that upgrading it's electronics would make it

i HAVE read as many preamp/PU upgrade threads as i could lay my hands on here & elsewhere but if anything, i got even more confused...

basically what i'm thinking about is to install either a pair of PU's, an onboard pre or both in order to bring forth every last ounce of it's ''fretlessness'' & take it to another level

if i understood it right, a big part of how a fretless sounds ( the so called ''mwah'', the harmonics.. ) is down to the mids & how they're...how can i say this ?....processed ?
with that in mind i've come up with a shortlist of preamps i THINK would be able to do that :

1 - a Glockenklang 3 band, stacked 4 pot ( requires moving the output jack to side of body, no problem.. ) as this one :

http://www.thomann.de/pt/glockenklang_3band_electr_stacked_4_poti.htm

2 - an Audere Pro JZD as this here :

http://www.audereaudio.com/Pro_JZxD.htm

3 - a John East J-Retro Deluxe as this here :

http://www.bestbassgear.com/j-retro-preamp.htm

as far as PU's, i have ABSOLUTELY no clue ! the ones installed are mostly devoid of hum & sound rather nice even if in a ''plain jane'', basic sort of way - not too many layers or lushness to their tone

i know this is a highly subjective thing, each his own, etc....but considering i have absolutely no way of trying or listening to any of this gear without some major traveling & expense involved, i was hoping you guys could chip in w/ some suggestions derived from your own experiences - maybe even some links to some sound clips ?
to make it even harder, here's a tone, a type of fretless sound i REALLY, REALLY like, amps/cabs, effects & chops notwithstanding :

i love all of it but between 1.55 & 2.40 or so that is the sound that KILLS ME - in the best possible way

thanks a lot for ''enduring'' through this post, any help will be greatly appreciated

cheers

Nuno

 

hi guys

& thanks for your input ! yes, that video is pretty intense isn't it ? if only there was a store near me where i could get some of them chops & a couple of drummers like that to boot !! ;-)

as far as amps my home practice combo is a Eden Nemesis RS410, at the band's rehearsing room i have a Hartke LH1000 + a Warwick WCA411 cab. w/ both i use my Zoom B3 effects

let's face it, in either situation the bass sounds good enough but pretty much as fine as my Cort GB35 sounded w/ it's original electronics
then following a friend's advice i replaced them w/ Delano pickups & a Delano Sonar2 preamp & it was like OH....MY.....GOD !!!...

a world of difference, you know what i mean ? i could go on for hours defining the difference & would NOT make it justice
& that's what i feel with the Squier - yes it sounds fine BUT.......i KNOW it can give me more if i throw in there some ''vitamins''

bh2 - what do you mean it sounds dead ? as in flat or ?...

suggestions please, suggestions !! ;-)

 

Hi cvsurg

thanks for sharing, i checked them out & holly crap, just when i thought i managed to narrow down the list you pull something like this on me ? oh man.... ;-)

VERY attractive prices that's for sure, you wouldn't happen to have a couple of sound clips would you ?

thanks