Pickups for an alder jazz

avi

avi

Supporting Member
Jun 14, 2017
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#1
Hey, I know this is subjective but wondering what pickups people are using in their alder jazz basses. I've had EMG's in it for a year or so and I'm just not loving them. I've used EMGs before (in my Spector and my Thinderbird) and liked them a lot but not in this. Thinking of going passive with this bass. It is very resonate and loud when not plugged in. In fact it sounds pretty fantastic unplugged. Looking for something warm but not muddy. Not playing out anymore so I basically play whatever I want. Funky, rock, chordy things. Whatever. Thinking about Bart's, Aguilar 60's or HC, or maybe Fender cs 60's. I've had Barts and Duncan's in my old 78 jazz basses (had 2) and my Warwick Thumb had the Duncans with the dip switches that you can't find anymore. Just wondering what others are doing.
BTW Its actually a Yamaha BB Nathan east series alder jazz style bass with rosewood neck.
Thanks!
 
#7
I agree. Struggling with that a bit when you hear some of the other ones though. The linear humbuckers sound really good and really close but I can't put my finger on what's differant. Over the long haul will the difference bother me? I like the idea of them being dead quiet. I am leaning towards a 60's style pickup though because of the alder. CS60's are on the list for sure as are the Ag 60's. The apollos I've only heard in the Duncan video and they never seem to change the pickup balance at all. Would love a set of the old Duncan actives with the switches.
 
#8
Fender CS-60s are good. Growly, airy sort of tone on my passive Jazz. Respond well to playing nuances (digging in etc). The EMG JVX in my other Jazz is clearer and even more growly due to greater top end range. It perhaps has a slightly less breathy feel. Possibly slightly compressed due to being active which is often referred to as “modern” sounding. I usually end up reaching for the Jazz with the EMGs.
 
#10
Custom shop 60’s are nice but there is a huge range in J pickups to choose from. I have EMG J’s in two alder basses, I tend to roll the tone back 1/3 and they sound great. I love that they are noiseless.
 
#15
I have gone through a few and have settled on the S.D. STK-2J's they are a higher output stacked humbuckers and sound great! Also you can get real aggressive and they will follow along with you.
Very underrated pickups.
 
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#19
jallenbass said:
I'm using DiMarzio Ultra J's in my American Standard Jazz and have no desire to look at anything else.
Click to expand...
I’ve got a J with Ultra J’s and another one with Model J’s. I use the Ultra j’s for country, Americana, etc, while the Model J’s roll out for R&R, electric blues, etc. either one works great i just prefer the extra boom from Model J’s when i want to be the god of thunder.
 
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