Bass Pickups - Thoughts?

[bassist_25]

Howdy all,

I just wanted to get some final opinions before pulling the trigger on a new set of pickups. Some of you may recall my thread about the Squier Jazz V that I bought a few months ago. I still think it's a really quality piece. Though like most instruments in that price range, the pickups aren't the greatest. I've been talking about dropping a set of aftermarkets in and have been contemplating what to drop in.

Right now, the bass sort of has a modern Eddie Jackson or Marcus-Miller-on-steriods type of tone. I want to maintain that sleek modern sound. From a new set of a pickups, I want to get a tighter bottom-end and more punchy mids while retaining the smooth highs that are instrinsic of the bass.

I did consider EMGs and talked to Metalchurch, the resident EMG guru, about it. After some thought though, it sounded like it may be a huge PITA with switching out pots and everything that comes with installing an active pickup. I've done the measurements of the pickups, and I think that I've come down to three:

- Bartolini 59 CBJD L1/LN1
- DiMarzio Ultra Jazz
- Nordstrand NJ5ST

I make no lie; I'm a Bart dude. I have them installed in another J of mine. I like the dark timbre they produce. I like the refined tone that they have. I really wasn't considering them at first for this bass, but after some thought, I think that they may be a strong possiblity. I do worry though that they won't give me the brightness that I'm seeking. I have experience with DiMarzios and thought that they sounded great as a retrofit on Fenders. DiMarzio seems to offer a lot of output and punch. I have no idea how they would sound when connected to active circuitry though. Now, I don't ever recall playing a bass with Nordstrand (so yes, I am name-dropping somewhat here), but every person I talk to raves up and down about these pickups. They're the most pricey on the list, but that doesn't exactly mean that they're going to be the best pickup for this bass. Unless you're an experienced luthier or an audiophile to the nth degree, it's difficult to always predict how a certain pickup is going to interact with the preamp and woods of an instrument.

Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone here could give any insight or experience with this pickups. I'm really leaning towards the Barts right now, but I am always open up for suggestion. Also, if anyone else has any other ideas, I'm very open to hearing them. The bass takes two standard non-Fender J pickups, which means two pickups the same size of around 3.7" for five-strings. I'm only interested in hum-cancelling and stacked designs. I'll probably be ordering these either today or tomorrow.

I greatly appreciate anyone's opinion or expertise.

[BassFinger]

Hey Paul,

I'm also searching for some pickups for my Fender 5er. I'm a big EMG fan but discovered they don't have replacements for 5 string jazz style pickups.

I've been looking into the Nordstrand line. I'm going to stay away from the Bartolini for now. I like Barts but I'll trust the overall opinion that they take away some high end response that I would like to maintain on my bass. At the risk of name dropping, check into Delano pickups also. Their website has a listing of all the bass guitar makers that use their pups. If I can find a retailer for them, I may buy a set of these.

http://www.delano.de/english/index-eng.html

Good Luck!

[skipisode]

Just a thought Paul. I know you already have a Carvin bass (5 string).
I have never tried them, but maybe their H50S pickups could be an option
as well. Dimensions should be the same, etc.

[bassist_25]

Guys, thanks for the recommendations. As of right now, I'm seriously leaning towards the Nordstrands. That's a good point about the high-end reponse of the Barts, Bill. I really want to maintain the smooth highs of this bass. Besides, I think that it will be cool to try something a little different. Bart and EMG are pretty standard, and I like being different.

Scott, actually my next move is going to be to rip out the stock J99s in my Carvin and replace them. A lot of Carvin owners aren't hot on the stock electronics. I tend to agree. They're professional sounding, but they don't have that extra pizzazz that "boutique" electronics have. Do you still have that Aguilar preamp, Bill? If so, I'm still interested in it. LOL I haven't tried their H50 pickups. From what people tell me, they're a little thin sounding, which is strange from a stacked humbucker. I hear that the electronics in the new Icons are awesome, though!

[orangekick]

I've been interested in picking up a set of Nordstrand pickups for my 55-01. I've heard nothing but good things about them. I may be doing that after Uncle Sam gives me back my cash this year. I'll be sure to post if I do that.