Stack Knobs for Jazz

[Jase]

Ello,

Been thinking a lot lately about changing the volume and tone controls on my Jazz for the stack knob configuration, I like the idea of the separate tones for each pick up. I came across one site but wondered if there was the same sort of service in the UK. Also if anybody here has tried them or is currently using them, I'd love to know what you think

US site: [url="http://www.has-sound.com/harnesses.htm"]http://www.has-sound.com/harnesses.htm[/url]

Jase.

[BassBod]

I think WD sell them (maybe not the plate?) or you can get the whole lot from basspartsresource in the states.

There are a couple of wiring configurations, some also use extra resitsors to islolate the two stacks and prevent them from interacting. I went back to the three knob setup - I didn't find the two tones that useful and also found the resistors take a bit of output away, not a lot but enough to notice.

BB

[Raph]

I'd find separate tones for each pickup a bit of a handful in the heat of the moment. I even find the original separate volumes a bit much since swapping from one PU to the other means doing two moves. Obviously when piddling about at home this there's plenty of time, but going from basslines to solo mode in a gig you need a quick change.

What I use is a JE preamp - I have one in a '75 Jazz. It comes with a front plate so there's no hassle other than connecting the pickups and screwing the plate to the bass. Check out [url="http://www.east-uk.com/"]http://www.east-uk.com/[/url]. The J-retro01 is the most relevant. The first stack is volume/balance (or "pan"), the second is bass and treble and the third is mid boost/cut and frequency.

If you're really keen on separate tone controls for each pickup, the guy does a bass/treble stack module. I also tried a similar EMG module for a while and hated it, somehow the sound didn't do it for me, it was kind of brutal. The JE stuff actually sounds really good without degrading nice pickups. I'm not sure if the guy does a volume/blend stack on its own, but you can contact him, he's a very approachable guy.

For separate tones for each pickup also check out Alan Cringean - he does a Wal-style circuit, but better than the Wal in that the "overshoot peak" - the thing that made the original Wal sound like it was underwater... is adjustable so you can get really nice sounds, not just stupid ones. I have a Wal and that's what I've put in it. There's also a treble control that covers both pickups, with boost and frequency so you can tune the crassness or subtlety of the treble. There's no need for cut on the treble since the other filters only cut. It sounds a bit weird but in practice it's pretty good, I've got one on a Wal and prefer it to the original circuit. Check out [url="http://www.acguitars.co.uk/index.php"]http://www.acguitars.co.uk/index.php[/url]

[Raph]

PS the A.C. site is really difficult to navigate and find what you're after - but the info's there... somewhere!

[Jase]

Thanks guys that's really helpful, seems to be the odd disadvantage with the the configuration BassBod has mentioned, Just a quick question BB.....Any good for fretless, or wouldn't you bother?

cheers chaps

[BassBod]

I wouldn't bother - I think that Jaco chap had a point when he changed his for the more modern version! I don't know if the "non-resistor" variations of the the stack knob have the same output reduction, but I suspect its a trade off - interaction of the stacks vs more output.

The lower output isn't a massive difference, so I wouldn't want to put you off if you think you'd prefer it. But using the same pickups I found I had to increase the amp input a notch or two.

BB

[Jase]

Think I'll see if I can try a bass with them fitted first, maybe the 62 USA Jazz, just in case. Anyhow chaps thanks for the insight, tidy darts