Heathy Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I have recently read other posts about the John East retro Jazz pre-amp and different replacement pickups (SD quarter pounders appear to be about the most popular). I am considering some mods to my Jazz bass and was wondering whether the pickups would still be required if I went for the pre amp. What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I think it depends on why you are modifying it & what you hope to achieve. Most like a slightly hotter pickup than stock hence SD Quarter Pounders being popular. If looking for a traditional sound (which it doesn't sound like you are) than you'd get a different pup. Personally I'd fit the John East retro Jazz pre-amp first and if that wasn't the answer to everything only then look at pups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I'd go with the pickups first. I dropped in a set of DiMarzio Ultra Jazz and they made a huge difference-especially with a series/parallel switch. If you want more,maybe try an outboard pre amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 [quote name='BurritoBass' post='1160948' date='Mar 13 2011, 08:15 PM']I think it depends on why you are modifying it & what you hope to achieve. ............. Personally I'd fit the John East retro Jazz pre-amp first and if that wasn't the answer to everything only then look at pups.[/quote] This would be my thinking.... The pre is pretty hot itself...so adding hot pups doesn't always mean double that... I find thinner pups have more character and tone, IMV..as opposed to power/oomph and the pre can add that if required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougal Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 I ended up dropping both some Lindy Fralin pups and a John East retro in my MIJ jazz. Along with a badass pre-grooved bridge. I miss that bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomE Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 If you get an outboard the advantage is that you can use it with different basses. Sadowsky do a great outboard pre-amp. I got an Audere pre-amp installed in my Jazz Bass and am more than happy with it. Others will tell you about the East pre-amp. If you go for PuP replacement you need to be sure about what is right for you as you might end up installing a set that don't do what you want. For example, i installed some Quarter Pounders in a bass once and really didn't like them. They sounded too "Heavy Metal" to my ears. So there i was with a set of PuPs i didn't want and sold them at a loss on EvilBay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathy Posted March 16, 2011 Author Share Posted March 16, 2011 Thanks for the replies guys. I'll probably go for the pickups first as I want to try them with the S-1 switch on the bass. Less outlay as well. However, as I'm also thinking about rationalising down to one bass the John East may soon follow to provide more versatility. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 [quote name='Doddy' post='1161185' date='Mar 13 2011, 11:01 PM']I'd go with the pickups first. I dropped in a set of DiMarzio Ultra Jazz and they made a huge difference-especially with a series/parallel switch. If you want more,maybe try an outboard pre amp.[/quote]I agree with Doddy..theres no point in having a great pre if it cant be voiced well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommorichards Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 Id definitely do a parallel/series switch mod. Its a couple pence for a DPDT switch, a few minutes to solder, and then you have a major improvement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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