Upgrading my Lakland 55-60

[Hillie]

NOTE: The Tone Styler needs Hi Z pickups not standard passive Low Z

Thanks, that's good to be aware of, thanks!

 

[Hillie]

I wouldn’t do the blend unless you are going with a preamp.

Aero makes the best pickups for these basses. They’re expensive because they are worth it. Drop a set in and shield the bass well.

https://reverb.com/item/85747909-ae...t-for-lakland-joe-osborne-drop-in-replacement

Heard good stuff about Aero too. I'm definitely going to look at the shielding. I've got copper tape and shielding paint, ready to roll on that front as well.

 

[LoveThatBass]

I had several Audere drop in Jazz bass preamps. They are high quality (using Military grade components and wire) I just could not bond with the tone. While it was clear and no noise they just sounded dull or flat to me. I have found Bartolini 3 or 4 band to be much better or surprisingly ( norm did not care for 2 band eq) the EMG 2 band to be nice sounding and easiest to install. Not had experience with Nordstrand EQ preamps but if anything like their pickups should be nice. I had Aero jazz pickups and they are the best sounding. I sold them because they do not work with Audere. Called the owner of Aero in Hawaii and he said Audere called him and ask “why do our preamps not work with your pickups.?” He told them “It is your pickups, we have no issues with other preamps” I am sooo sorry I sold them. They are even more expensive now.

That was two years ago. Audere may work with Aero Pickups now.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Note: If you already read the above I have added to it

 

[Pep]

Looking for some inputs from the hive mind! I own a Lakland 55-60 (5-string "classic" Jazz). I love the bass, it plays great, it's big, but there are some things that I, well, hate:

1. I absolutely 100% want to move away from volume/volume to volume/balance. I know, some folks say you lose volume, but not with an appropriate MN taper. Anyway, it's about the ergonomics for me.
2. The single coil noisemakers are doing my head in. I want to move to noise cancelling pickups.

I have no issue with modifying things. Resale value means nothing to me, as I want to keep this bass. I'm also not married to the idea of a passive bass. It's my only passive bass and although it doesn't have a battery box, nor do I want to add one, I can live with electronics that need power. I'm also not at all married to the "classic" sound or anything.

So yeah, pickups. I'm kind of thinking Bartolini J55J, because don't seem harsh on high strings, and a "punchy" or "tight" sound and they have 'em for 19mm string spacing. Been eyeing the Seymour Duncan Apollo 5 set as well, although spacing might be an issue. Any other recommendations? If I'm going active, I could even consider EMGs!

Electronics: Should I stick with a "standard" passive tone knob? I'm leaning to something different. Either a Stellertone Tonestyler passive tone selector, or a John East active plate.

Any things I could consider? Options to look at? Opinions that I'm crazy for modifying this perfect gem? Lemme know please!

I agree with your Volume / Blend / Tone. Here’s a link.

CTS 500K Balance-Blend w/ Center Detent Linear Split Shaft Pot Fine Spline Pot | eBay

Genuine CTS "Balance-Blend" with center detent control pot 500K ohm Linear Taper 3/8" diameter mounting shaft Fine spline split shaft (approx. 20 splines) Includes nut and washerA balance blend pot is used to blend two pickups on a bass guitar and some electric guitars. See images for detailed...

www.ebay.com

Also, on the pickups, contact Lindy Fralin. There are few companies where you can talk directly to “the man” instead of buying something “off-the-shelf”.

 

[Hillie]

I had several Audere drop in Jazz bass preamps. They are high quality (using Military grade components and wire) I just could not bond with the tone. While it was clear and no noise they just sounded dull or flat to me. I have found Bartolini 3 or 4 band to be much better or surprisingly ( norm did not care for 2 band eq) the EMG 2 band to be nice sounding and easiest to install. Not had experience with Nordstrand EQ preamps but if anything like their pickups should be nice. I had Aero jazz pickups and they are the best sounding. I sold them because they do not work with Audere. Called the owner of Aero in Hawaii and he said Audere called him and ask “why do our preamps not work with your pickups.?” He told them “It is your pickups, we have no issues with other preamps” I am sooo sorry I sold them. They are even more expensive now.

That was two years ago. Audere may work with Aero Pickups now.

Thanks. I hear that Audere has a name for being clean. I have no strong preference to any preamp brand, but they're not something I'm currently leaning towards.

I'll definitely have to look into Aero as well. I hope I can find it played next to other brands, for an easy comparison.

I agree with your Volume / Blend / Tone. Here’s a link.

CTS 500K Balance-Blend w/ Center Detent Linear Split Shaft Pot Fine Spline Pot | eBay

Genuine CTS "Balance-Blend" with center detent control pot 500K ohm Linear Taper 3/8" diameter mounting shaft Fine spline split shaft (approx. 20 splines) Includes nut and washerA balance blend pot is used to blend two pickups on a bass guitar and some electric guitars. See images for detailed...

www.ebay.com

Also, on the pickups, contact Lindy Fralin. There are few companies where you can talk directly to “the man” instead of buying something “off-the-shelf”.

I contacted Fralin a while ago and asked about 5 string splits. I understood it's being worked on. They have a great reputation and you can get some customization from them, another good thing. I'll reach out again, to see what the current status is.