5 string bass hum canceling pickups & Preamp with low end and great sound

Jaze Bass

Jaze Bass

Jaze Bass
Supporting Member
Dec 2, 2004
186
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4,631
New York
#1
I have an early Xotic 5 string jazz bass and I like the feel & playability of the bass but not the electronics. Before I go on, I should give strong shoutouts to Xotic whose customer service has been top notch. I don't like the pickups nor am I crazy about the preamp. The single coils were noisy and I replaced them with Aguilar hum canceling pickups. Now the bass his humming like crazy and I took the bass back to the installer who checked and according to him everything appears to be grounded.
The Aguilars (my first time trying them) does not yield the kind of tone that I am looking for. To me, they don't have enough low end punch that I'm looking for, plus that humming!!! I'm looking for suggestions on hum canceling pickups with low/low mid pinch whilst being quiet ( for studio work).
I've tried Nordstrand (which I like) EMG (which I'm not crazy about) Lindy Fralin (which I find like the Aggies, don't have enough low end imho) Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
#5
First thing I would do is get a second opinion on the hum issue. From the description, you have a ground conflict secondary to a bad install (probable) or defective components. A seasoned tech should be able to isolate the cause and make the necessary corrections. There's a good chance this may also change the tonal character for the better.

Riis
 
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#6
I agree with the comment above, but also I would venture a guess that your weak, humming link is somewhere in the preamp. I'd leave the Aggies alone for a bit and perhaps focus on what kind of preamp tones and controls you like to maybe make a purchase in that department before tearing out the new pickups you just got.

If you like infinite, powerful lows the Aguilar preamp is a popular ticket. More subtle and transparent, maybe try Norstrand, Glockengang or Audere. Like your low mid-bump with some color, Bartolini's are known to excel there. All of that to say, you have options that combined with a good shielding job MAY cure your problem.
 
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#7
Zombie thread raised
but I just installed jazebass' pickups from his Xotic in my AM Standard 5 Jazz and WOW...I have to say they are the nicest jazz bass pickups I have ever owned
fat ,clear , growly and higher output....I am loving them and no desire to add a preamp
 
#8
Not sure if this is the right place to post this, and if you know of a better thread please let me know. My issue or problem is I purchased a Xotic Xpj-1T Chuck Rainey new about six months ago and since I do not use an amp I just discovered after using one that when a solo the rear (bridge jazz) pickup there is a loud hum. It doesn't seem to be a ground or shielding hum. The body is routed for HRI but it's not present (not sure if it should be as Xotic doesn't mention it in their specs, and there is a P pickup present). The hum is not present in passive mode which of course points to the preamp. I've contacted Xotic California and they referred me to Xotic Japan (what a pain!) Does any have any useful info that can guide me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance! Larry
 
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