Bassman1974

I've just ordered another set of hot Toltec pickups for my 70's Vintera Jazz. They're that good. I've also a Fender AM Standard Jazz that was far too boomy with Toneriders, so these UK made Toltec pickups came recommended from another user on here. They absolutely transformed the Standard with some really lovely mid focused pickups. Lee at Toltec will make whatever you want to your specification, so for me it was a no brainer. All of my Jazzes are shielded to death, so I never have noise issues. I cannot wait to swap out the Fender pickups in the Vintera !

I wish I'd fitted these years ago. They're that good. Amazing how such a simple change can transform an instrument.

I never noticed that the E was in anyway lacking when I played it last night. I felt like the tone was very even across the fretboard. In all honesty, I get a little lost with lows / mids / scooping and all that business. I just know when it sounds good, or bad ! Best thing I could advise is to talk to Lee, and he'll make them to your exacting specifications. https://www.laverackguitars.com/toltec-pickups

Just received and fitted the pickups from Lee.. What a difference. The boominess has completely gone, and I'm getting wonderful clarity and brightness now. I resisted the temptation to fit a new set of Chromes, as I wanted to use my old Fender 9050's to make a direct pickup comparison. I like these so much, that I might get another set made for the Vintera.

That's the custom Precision and the Aerodyne Jazz away. Didn't see the point in keeping them to look at. I never really gelled with either of them, so I've zero regrets. I can say for sure that I'm 100% not a Precision guy. They both paid for some nice wheels for my old car, so I'm happy. I've still three Jazzes, a Hofner and the Ric, and I've no desire to change anything out just now. If it came to it and I could only keep say two, I'd hold on to the Vintera and Ric.

My old P had Toneriders fitted just before I sold it. This bass went to a professional player who has just used it at The BBC's Live Lounge. She didn't change a thing on the bass. That's how good Toneriders are on a P bass. I could sell you some EMG Geezer's, but I really don't think they're all that to be honest.

Thanks Sean. How do you find the mids with them? My Jazz is so annoyingly boomy with the Toneriders that I just don't play it at all !

Many thanks for the recommendation Lozz, I'm having some discussions with a chap from Toltec pickups about a bright overwound set that he's had success with in the past. If that draws a blank, I'll be on to those 74's ! Thanks again

It's a bit of a both. 2015 neck with a 2008 body. The 2008 neck was never right, so it was replaced.

Bretheren, My Fender American Standard 4 string Jazz is extremely dark sounding and I just can't brighten it at all. Spec: Fender 9050 flatwounds - I won't change these as they're all I use POI Cap Solderless Controls - I informed the builder I was after warm vintage tones and he recommended the POI Tonerider Classic Pickups As a comparison, I have a Fender 70's Vintera Jazz which is far less bassy sounding. Spec: Fender 9050's Orange Cap Solderless Controls Standard Vintera Pickups A few questions: *Should I consider fitting Orange Cap controls to the AM to brighten it a bit? *If not, what are a good set of brighter passive pickups? I'm liking the brightness of the Dimarzio Ultra Jazz set after watching a few vids. Any experience with these using flats? Cheers, George

Had a few over the years. My 1964 was beautiful, but just felt far too fragile to enjoy. Owned it a few years and moved it along. No regrets. I wouldn't own another vintage 500/1. I still have an Ignition which hangs on my living room wall. That's my go to bass for a quick unplugged noodle, and it feels far more solid than the '64. It doesn't give away much in sound either. I might search out a 500/1 CT someday, but could live without it TBH. Shame though. Lovely looking basses. I guess it's just a niche market.

At 51, I'm stuck right in the middle of wanting to join a band and wanting the time to myself. Have been in several bands in the past, and absolutely miss the buzz of being on stage. What I don't miss is getting home at 3am on a Sunday morning in the winter, and subsequently being tired for the rest of the day. I'm at the stage in life where one child has left home, and the other will soon enough. He's such a good kid (17) to hang around with, and he wants to spend time with his dad. That to me is more important than finding folk to jam with at the moment. I still play often in my wee music room, and that keeps my playing at a questionably reasonable level of competence. I dunno. Maybe I'll get back to it in a few years. There aren't much options where I live for new projects anyway 😞

All four of the above will be getting blasted out on my Ric tonight. Albeit with way less finesse and talent than the man himself.

Gutted for his boys to lose both parents at such a young age. RIP Mani. Such a huge influence.