Sparky Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 (edited) Greetings All, I bought my Jazz Bass new in 1996 and for years have felt that the output lacked presence. Recently, my suspicions have been confirmed by my purchase of a new P bass and the awesome sound it puts out. I guess the problem may be to do with the pickups, but before I go splashing out on new hardware, I was just wondering if anyone could suggest any alternative causes of low/poor/weak output from this type of bass and methods for testing. If the most likely cause [i]is[/i] that the pickups are the problem, can anyone suggest some good replacement models that I could fit easily (I have hardly Any technical knowledge of my bass and its workings) and some rough costs. Cheers peeps. Sparky EDIT: Also, does anyone know if the machine head screw positions are standard on this? If I buy a set of Gotoh Machine heads like [url="http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/acatalog/Gotoh_Machine_Heads_for_Bass_Guitar.html"]this[/url] (the GB-4N's), how likely is it they'll fit without having to re-drill? My e-string tuner is loose (the peg moves before it turns the cog - pretty sure it's not something that I can fix by tightening screws). Edited January 11, 2008 by Sparky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 When you play through the Jazz with the volume control at max, does the signal weaken or vanish for either pickup when you turn down the tone control ? Hamster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 [quote name='Hamster' post='117926' date='Jan 10 2008, 03:59 PM']When you play through the Jazz with the volume control at max, does the signal weaken or vanish for either pickup when you turn down the tone control ? Hamster[/quote] Woah, there's a question. I'll test it when I get home and let you know. Sounds like a leading question - finger's crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarPig Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Sorry to de-rail, but a quick question, if this happens: [quote name='Hamster' post='117926' date='Jan 10 2008, 03:59 PM']When you play through the Jazz with the volume control at max, does the signal weaken or vanish for either pickup when you turn down the tone control ? Hamster[/quote] What does it mean and how can i fix it? /end de-rail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 [quote name='WarPig' post='117933' date='Jan 10 2008, 04:07 PM']Sorry to de-rail, but a quick question, if this happens: What does it mean and how can i fix it? /end de-rail [/quote] It's just a first step (and one way) to track down the problem. If there's a short on one of the pickup windings you might still get some output but it'll be very weak with no depth/bass. If you roll off the treble and the output really drops to nil or barely audible then that's an indication of the internal short. Hamster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted January 10, 2008 Author Share Posted January 10, 2008 Hi Hampster, tested the bass - nope, the signal from the pickups is not affected by the tone control. Tested both pickups seperately and together at max volume and there is no drop in strength. Crackles a wee bit when turning the controls, but that's normal isn't it? Cheers, Sparky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted January 10, 2008 Share Posted January 10, 2008 Ok. How are you with a crosshead screwdriver, a soldering iron and a multimeter? Hamster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted January 11, 2008 Author Share Posted January 11, 2008 [quote name='Hamster' post='118250' date='Jan 10 2008, 11:27 PM']Ok. How are you with a crosshead screwdriver, a soldering iron and a multimeter? Hamster[/quote] Oh Dear! I'm 'average to good' with a screwdriver, 'school-years novice' with a soldering iron and I don't even know what a multimeter is!!! (but I rekon I could get hold of the equipment if i needed it) Was thinking though - when I tested the J last night, I plugged in my P straight after and the volume was actually Less - so maybe the signal isn't as weak as I thought but like I said in the original post - it just lacks 'presence'. not sure how to describe it - the volume's there but it seems to lack 'body'... not refering to the tone either - i realise the P and the J will of course sound different but I've played a newer Jazz, and in comparisson, mine sounded notably 'dull'. as if the sound's coming from next-door.. compared to the P which sounds like it's in the same room - like it should! Thanks for your time Hampster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gafbass02 Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 Fwiw my main bass is a modded to hell 1990 MIJ 62 reissue jazz and before the modding i never had any pup problems so i dont think its the model. Hope you get it sorted, i stuck emgs in mine about ten years ago and still going strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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