Replacement Pickups for a Road Worn Jazz Bass

G_RANTW · Hobbyist Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 13

I recently purchased a new Road Worn Jazz Bass. The only real complaint I have is the noisy pickups. What kind of replacement p/up's can I get to make the noise go away or at least get a good bit better. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. One more thing, I can't figure how to post a pic! Thanks[/img]

BCbassman · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:03 pm Post subject:

Don't replace the pickups, sheild the bass!

Early Jazz basses were and are noisy when you solo either pickup. The answer is to start ground the bass so that the noise or 60 cycle hum in minimizeed.

There are many sites on the web that illustrate proper gounding techniques and you can use copper or aluminum sheilding tape to do the job.

It is worth it! I know your bass won't be original any more, but do you really want to put up with all of that noise?
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eyecandy · Roadie Joined: 28 Jul 2009 Posts: 291

single coils tend to be noisy when solo'ed.. but if you really insist on replacing the pickups... try the noise cancelling pickups.. there are tons by the way but it would change the color (tonality) of your bass...

some suggestions... DiMarzio Area J, haven't really tried them but they say they'd replicate a vintage jazz bass sound without the hum..

DiMarzio Model J, these aren't really vintage but they're warm, less clarity and punchy..

Nordstrand NJ4SV these replicate the sound of the NJ4s but the model is hum cancelling..

well there's also the Fender SCN...

rocketbass · Hobbyist Joined: 08 Nov 2009 Posts: 3

Check out Dimarzio Model J p/u's...Very high output because of ceramic magnets AND they're 'humbucking' as well, so no noise when either p/u is soloed.

eyecandy · Roadie Joined: 28 Jul 2009 Posts: 291

one thing though.. the dimarzio model j doesn't sound purely vintage if thats what you're looking for... they are deep, big and bad... Surprised

CAFeathers · Posted: Mon Nov 09, 2009 10:14 pm Post subject:

If you must replace them try Bill Lawrence ( www.billlawrence.com ) Jazz Bass Pickups.

I use them in my Jazz Bass and they are great!!
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G_RANTW · Hobbyist Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 13

Thanks for all the suggestions. I recently took it to the local shop and got them to shield the cavity. It got probaly 90% of the humm gone!! Very Happy

eyecandy · Roadie Joined: 28 Jul 2009 Posts: 291

G_RANTW · Hobbyist Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 13

So, I got the noise down, but.... I think I wanna go with an active set. I love the vintage tone but I could be equally happy with a little change in the tone. I guess my question is what components do I need to purchase i.e. wiring, etc. Thanks.

anubis16 · Roadie Joined: 19 Jan 2009 Posts: 241