DiMarzio "Relentless J" pickups?

[Rosie C]

Is anyone playing with DiMarzio "Relentless J" pickups?

 

For a while I blamed my old amp that some notes seemed quiet on my jazz bass, but last time I was in the studio (she says casually, as if not a rank amateur) the engineer was grumbling that notes on the A string were lower in volume. My technician had a look and recommended changing the pickups and suggested:

https://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/jazz-bass-hum-canceling/relentless-j-bass-pair

 

They're not cheap and not readily available in the UK, so I wondered if anyone else was using them before going ahead? I mostly play jazz, folk-rock and worship music. 

 

 

 

[Beedster]

I guess there might be a very specific reason these were suggested (?), but there's plenty of other hum-cancelling J-PUPs out there that are easy to get hold of in the UK, and many/most of which people here will probably have far more experience with 👍

[Rosie C]

1 hour ago, Beedster said:

I guess there might be a very specific reason these were suggested (?)

 

Yes, they were recommended because of the "adjustable pole pieces to improve the string balance".

 

Also, six months ago when we looked into this, I think they were more readily available. Now I have the funds to go ahead, time has moved on and they're not as available as they were at the time. 

Edited August 4 by Rosie C

[Beedster]

8 minutes ago, Rosie C said:

Yes, they were recommended because of the "adjustable pole pieces to improve the string balance

 

Most Dimarzios have those, I'd get the Model Js https://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/jazz-bass-hum-canceling/dimarzio-model-j

[Beedster]

Might also be worth understanding why the strings sound unbalanced?

[Rosie C]

43 minutes ago, Beedster said:

Might also be worth understanding why the strings sound unbalanced?

 

That's why I took it to my technician, who I've a good and long relationship with - she recommended changing the pickups and I'm happy to go with that   

 

I'll look into the DP123BK you mentioned though - as well as being locally available they're a chunk cheaper.

Edited August 4 by Rosie C

[lemmywinks]

All J pickups should have adjustable pole pieces IMO, been a few times where I've struggled with the A on a 5 string. 

 

Btw if the pole pieces on your existing pickups extend down below the bobbin base you may be able to tap them up to create a radius, I did this on my old Nordstrands (after getting the go ahead from the company) and it worked a treat.

 

Entwistle pickups look to be adjustable if you're after for a cheap but good option, again I'd message them and check:

https://entwistlepickups.com/alan-entwistle-bass-guitar-pickups/

Edited August 4 by lemmywinks

[Rosie C]

Just now, lemmywinks said:

All J pickups should have adjustable pole pieces IMO, been a few times where I've struggled with the A on a 5 string. 

 

Btw if the pole pieces on your existing pickups extend down below the bobbin base you may be able to tap them up to create a radius, I did this on my old Nordstrands (after getting the go ahead from the company) and it worked a treat.

 

Entwistle pickups are adjustable if you're looking for a cheap but good option:

https://entwistlepickups.com/alan-entwistle-bass-guitar-pickups/

 

Thanks Lemmy. The Entwhistle pickups are particularly cheap, definitely worth considering!   

 

[lemmywinks]

I've edited that post as I have no experience of Entwistles so can't confirm if they're adjustable or just for show, best message them to confirm.

 

I think Retrovibe also do adjustable J pickups.

[neepheid]

I have the Entwistle split P pickup and unfortunately they're for show by the looks of things - I did try turning mine but they wouldn't budge and I eventually chickened out.  They may be cheap, but I'm still not ruining one finding out if the pole pieces are adjustable

 

[JJMotown]

Should try a different set if strings to rule out its not a dodgy string. Most dimarzio pups have adjustable poles, and sound great.

[Rosie C]

 

Well, I pulled the trigger - ordered the Dimarzios from Thomann and my bass is with my local guitar technician. I've a couple of studio sessions coming up, so I'm looking forward to how they sound!