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Squier VM Jag Humbucker?
- Thread starter Xaezel
- Start date
I've done what you suggested before and I'm really looking to just trash the pickup for a less hot humbucker. Does anyone know if the Lace Alumitone fit the routing?
Hopkins
Commercial User
I doubt you will find a drop in replacement. If I am not mistaken, that pickup isn't epoxy potted, a decent tech should be able to wire up a series/parallel/single coil switch.
I have a Jaguar Bass humbucker and calipers in my hand as I type this. It is epoxied. It does have large ceramic bar magnets attached to the bottom of the large polepieces. So it is an aggressive pickup. The pickup seems to be right at 1.5 inches wide at the bottom of the pickup, its widest point, and a shade more than 3.5 inches long. So any "35" style soapbar should fit.
Of course, the most famous soapbars are the EMG actives, which are engineered to have an even higher output than the Jaguar Bass passive humbucker. The EMG HZ's have a little less output, but many think the tone is only average. I like them, and have them in one of my basses, and they seem to be of a moderate output overall, a little bit middy in character.
Since a "35" style soapbar will probably fit, it may be time for a pickup safari. Bartolini pickups are known for having great tone, but not necessarily a high output. They make an M34 series that has several models of different tones, including the M34CBC-T, with "bright treble"; maybe one of them will be to your liking. The folks at Bartolini.net would be happy to advise you.
Of course, the most famous soapbars are the EMG actives, which are engineered to have an even higher output than the Jaguar Bass passive humbucker. The EMG HZ's have a little less output, but many think the tone is only average. I like them, and have them in one of my basses, and they seem to be of a moderate output overall, a little bit middy in character.
Since a "35" style soapbar will probably fit, it may be time for a pickup safari. Bartolini pickups are known for having great tone, but not necessarily a high output. They make an M34 series that has several models of different tones, including the M34CBC-T, with "bright treble"; maybe one of them will be to your liking. The folks at Bartolini.net would be happy to advise you.
Last edited:
- Apr 18, 2008
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Lots and lots of options in the EMG 35 size. The Panther is based on the VM Jag HB, but loaded with an EMG CS-X, which is pretty much the opposite of what you're looking for, but I mention it only to point out that it fits perfectly.
So anything in that form factor is an option for you. For less output and a J vibe, I'd suggest a Nordstrand Big Single, Big Split, or Fat Stack, all of which can be ordered in the EMG 35 shell. Another option is the Duncan SSB, which isn't exactly J-like, but has moderate output, and is relatively inexpensive. But there are many, many choices in that form factor, so do some searching.
So anything in that form factor is an option for you. For less output and a J vibe, I'd suggest a Nordstrand Big Single, Big Split, or Fat Stack, all of which can be ordered in the EMG 35 shell. Another option is the Duncan SSB, which isn't exactly J-like, but has moderate output, and is relatively inexpensive. But there are many, many choices in that form factor, so do some searching.
