Changing Bass Pick-ups

[bass4fam]

First of all, let me say that I don't know the first thing about modifying a guitar, so if I sound ignorant, it's because I am. I recently purchased of set of EMG's (J-set) to replace the pick-ups in my Fender Jazz Bass 5-string (made in Mexico). I was thinking that I would just pop out the old and put in the new with no modifications to my guitar -my first mistake. Actually, maybe my second - I shouldn't have bought the new pick-ups until I knew exactly what I needed.

I am now thinking that replacing the pickguard will take care of the problem with the neck pick-up, but what about the bridge pick-up? The length on the new pick-up is about a half inch shorter than the old and the mounting holes do not line up (same for the neck pick-up). Even if I get it mounted in there, what do I do about the open spaces on each end of the bridge pick-ups (where there is no pickguard coverage)? My thought was to make a rectangular piece (possibly from the old pickguard) just big enough to fit around that bridge pick-up and cover the left over space.

I was hoping to hear some feedback before I went to see a guitar tech. I don't know of any any, so I don't want to go in totally clueless and possibly get sucked into something that's going to cost me a lot of money.

Paul

[Phil Mailloux]

Sounds to me like you bought 4-string pickups for your 5-string bass. The only thing you can do is exchange your pickups. The pole pieces won't even line up with the strings (I know, the pole pieces are hidden. You can't see them under the coat of epoxy but they are there.) so there's not much else you can do.

BTW this post would be better under the "electronics" section next time.

[ddgman2001]

EMG doesn't make a 5-string J-style pickup. You'll have to go for the soapbar style EMG-40 size and have your bass routed.

You might consider installing a pre-amp and keeping the old pickups intact.

EMG makes a couple. Sadowsky is the gold standard of Jazz pre's.

[skibum5545]

Actually, Phil, EMG uses blade polepieces except for on the vintage model pickups with exposed poles.

Bass4fam, I guess this leaves you with a couple options:

1) Get a preamp as suggested. You won't get that crystal clear EMG sound, but you'll have the volume boost, and can get some preamp EQ while you're at it!

2)Get Bartolini pickups instead. I like the sound better, myself, and I wish I had gotten Barts instead of the EMG's I have now. The clear tone sounds great for a while, but gets old soon. The warm growl of Bartolinis doesn't ever wear IMHO.

[bluespresence]

2)Get Bartolini pickups instead.  I like the sound better, myself, and I wish I had gotten Barts instead of the EMG's I have now. The clear tone sounds great for a while, but gets old soon. The warm growl of Bartolinis doesn't ever wear IMHO.

I second that! Bart's are the best sounding off the shelf p'ups IMO. I don't know a bass player that ever regretted using them. I have several basses with EMG's in them and I love them, but the Bartolini warmth and depth is something you'll never grow tired of hearing.

[lovekraft]

Maybe we ought to start a Bartolini fan club! I agree completely - they're a bit more expensive, but until Lane Poor gets his ducks in a row and goes back into production, there's not another bass pickup out there that sounds better. I'd use them in every bass I own if I could afford it!