Just bought an Ultra Jazz and I love it. For me, it’s the most comfortable bass I’ve ever played and has a lot of tonal options. However, I’m always looking to make something perfect…. Curious is anyone here has upgraded the pickups and/or preamp with positive results? I do like the sound as is, and a noiseless instrument is essential for me. However, not massively keen on the mid control as it sounds a little harsh to me. Have been considering John East pre with maybe Bart’s?
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Fender Ultra Preamp and Pickup Upgrades
- Thread starter ashleysfyoung
- Start date
I'm a bit of an Ultra fan as many here know. Think I've only read of one other person wanting to do that but never heard how it worked out. I also wonder if the changes made between the Elite and the Ultra might be to satisfy people like you(maybe). I would never advise against it but suggest you give the stock PUs a chance. Different strings may give you a cheaper solution. If you do, please let us know. I would LOVE some audio samples. Good luck.
You’re right and I’m committed to working with what I’ve got for now, with trying different strings etc. was just curious if anyone had tried yet and managed to get some interesting/good results!
I’m very happy with it so far, except a slight dislike toward the mid control but that might change once I take it out (currently just going tone hammer into interface and studio monitors).
Thanks for your input!
I’m very happy with it so far, except a slight dislike toward the mid control but that might change once I take it out (currently just going tone hammer into interface and studio monitors).
Thanks for your input!
I would start with the pre-amp first. The Noiseless Pickups sound good in my opinion and with so many options in the market today, it's never been easier. Especially with many pre-wired, drop-in options. From there, you can then decide if the pickups need a swap to suite your tastes but I think an after market preamp would do the trick. But, before you go this route, I always suggest living with something for a while before modding. Give it some time putting it through the paces with rehearsals, practice, and/or gigs. That may help dial in what you're hoping to change/improve. I know that's easier said than done.
I just purchased a jazz ultra. It’s still in the return period. It’s picking up quite a bit of electrical noise from my ampeg PF50. The passive setting is much better than the active setting. The hiss moderates as I orient the bass in different positions. The hiss in passive setting is much less than in active, about the same as what I get from my American standard jazz.
Fenders marketing says “Vintage pickups and redesigned preamp provide endless tonal possibilities - without hum”. Technically this isn’t hum, it’s more a static hiss.
My Fender Precision elite in active is quieter, but also exhibits some in active mode.
I was expecting dead quiet, especially for the price. Maybe I’m expecting too much, is this normal? Should I return it and try another?
Fenders marketing says “Vintage pickups and redesigned preamp provide endless tonal possibilities - without hum”. Technically this isn’t hum, it’s more a static hiss.
My Fender Precision elite in active is quieter, but also exhibits some in active mode.
I was expecting dead quiet, especially for the price. Maybe I’m expecting too much, is this normal? Should I return it and try another?
There are multiple factors that could be causing that hiss. Dirty Power, too many other electronics in the room, which is the boat i'm in. I use a noise gate on my Quad cortex, and it works great. dead quite. both of my Ultras are quieter than my Duff McKagan. Live (which is even a bigger question mark) I run all of my equipment thru a power conditioner, no hiss thru my amp or the Quad.