Need some help from the bass players

[UFORocks]

I was jamming with my father-in-law today at his place, and before I left I was looking at some of his axes. He's got this "old" MIJ epiphone strat bass with two pickups, chrome covers. He was saying that he'd been thinking about replacing the pickups with something more powerful so he could gig it. So I was thinking that I would get him a set of bass pups for christmas. But I dont know squat about bass gutiars, and Im not really sure what type of pickup to get, or what model.

Any thoughts, suggestions? Also, the serial is 0081486, if that helps.

Later,

Steve

[Jack The Riffer]

I know nothing of bass pickups but what about asking what he's thinking of putting in there. Steer the conversation to music and intruments and then nonchalantly ask him. Sorry, it's the best I can do.

[HoWheels]

I was jamming with my father-in-law today at his place, and before I left I was looking at some of his axes. He's got this "old" MIJ epiphone strat bass with two pickups, chrome covers. He was saying that he'd been thinking about replacing the pickups with something more powerful so he could gig it. So I was thinking that I would get him a set of bass pups for christmas. But I dont know squat about bass gutiars, and Im not really sure what type of pickup to get, or what model.

Any thoughts, suggestions? Also, the serial is 0081486, if that helps.

Later,

Steve

Strat bass? I believe you're talking about a Fender Jazz.
I wasn't aware of Epi Jazz's coming with the pickup covers? If so that's pretty cool.

Jazz bass means you'll need a full set of J pickups. And as for brands / models, there's litterally gazillions of them to choose from. There are tons of pickups that fall into the "more powerful" category. You'll need to figure out if you're going for a more vintage or hi-fi approach, active/passive etc. Active pickups are WAY more common in the bass world than the guitar world. If you wanted to give that bass a massive tonal make-over, you could get a complete active pickup / pre-amp setup (passive pickups with an active pre-amp works too). There are plenty of packages that include everything you need that will work with the Fender Jazz pre-drilled holes, including a 3-band EQ (or more if you get something with concentric knobs). They even have complete pre-wired pre-amps that include a replacement J-plate that come with all the concentric knobs and switches to your heart's content (example: http://www.bestbassgear.com/j-retro-preamp.htm ).

Common brands ... Seymore Duncan Basslines, Antiquity, Bartolini, EMG, Dimarzio, Rio Grande, .

Some pickups that I've used that I particularly like ... Basslines Quarter Pounder (super-beefy with a vintage edge), EMG-J (hi-fi tone, great 80's slap tone, but sort of sterile-sounding), Bartolini J's (super smooth tone, very quiet, piano-like).

Read thru Harmony Central for some more in-depth reviews. Bass players are very opinionated

-a

[UFORocks]

Strat bass? I believe you're talking about a Fender Jazz.
I wasn't aware of Epi Jazz's coming with the pickup covers? If so that's pretty cool.

Jazz bass means you'll need a full set of J pickups. And as for brands / models, there's litterally gazillions of them to choose from. There are tons of pickups that fall into the "more powerful" category. You'll need to figure out if you're going for a more vintage or hi-fi approach, active/passive etc. Active pickups are WAY more common in the bass world than the guitar world. If you wanted to give that bass a massive tonal make-over, you could get a complete active pickup / pre-amp setup (passive pickups with an active pre-amp works too). There are plenty of packages that include everything you need that will work with the Fender Jazz pre-drilled holes, including a 3-band EQ (or more if you get something with concentric knobs). They even have complete pre-wired pre-amps that include a replacement J-plate that come with all the concentric knobs and switches to your heart's content (example: http://www.bestbassgear.com/j-retro-preamp.htm ).

Common brands ... Seymore Duncan Basslines, Antiquity, Bartolini, EMG, Dimarzio, Rio Grande, .

Some pickups that I've used that I particularly like ... Basslines Quarter Pounder (super-beefy with a vintage edge), EMG-J (hi-fi tone, great 80's slap tone, but sort of sterile-sounding), Bartolini J's (super smooth tone, very quiet, piano-like).

Read thru Harmony Central for some more in-depth reviews. Bass players are very opinionated

-a

Thanks, Much appreciated

[Endrik]

well, our own bass extradoinaire Bill Z Bubbles will see this thread anyway and he will come hear and start praising G&L Magnetic Fields pickups, tell me I'm wrong Billy

That being said Magnetif Fields truly are amazing.

If you can't get those, then buy some vintage sounding J type pickups and a kickass Sadowski preamp.

[UFORocks]

well, our own bass extradoinaire Bill Z Bubbles will see this thread anyway and he will come hear and start praising G&L Magnetic Fields pickups, tell me I'm wrong Billy

That being said Magnetif Fields truly are amazing.

If you can't get those, then buy some vintage sounding J type pickups and a kickass Sadowski preamp.

Well by what I understand he plays the bass at the church once or twice a week and for a local orphanage, so considering the music he plays he probably doesnt need EMGs.

I guess something vintage sounding but more powerful than stock epiphone pickups.

I've had a hell of a time decoding the serial number, so I have an email in to [email protected]. I'm hoping they'll get back to me this week with some details.

later,

Steve

[mwm70]

Pickup configuration will cut your options down unless either of you are handy with a router. If it is a Jazz setup (looks like a single coil) then a standard fender replacement will give him a nice classic tone. Not real aggressive sounding but relatively versatile.

[UFORocks]

Response from customer service...

Thanks for the email. Unfortunately, many Epiphone guitars from the 70's all the way to the 90's had a 7 digit number which no list is available, so I am unable to tell which model it may be. If you would like to send in detailed pictures of the bass to [email protected] we should be able to help in identifying the model.

Looks like Im gonna have to try and snag some pics of this thing. Hopefully my wife can get some pics without raising suspicion, I really want this to be a surprise.

Its really looking like I might end up having to just get him a gift card from MF or GC.

[horns666]

well, our own bass extradoinaire Bill Z Bubbles will see this thread anyway and he will come hear and start praising G&L Magnetic Fields pickups, tell me I'm wrong Billy

That being said Magnetif Fields truly are amazing.

If you can't get those, then buy some vintage sounding J type pickups and a kickass Sadowski preamp.

You are correct old wise one..

Yes. G & L are THE most versatile sounding basses I have EVER had the joy of owning/playing
They do it all!!!..

G & L "L-2000" or "The Tribute" RULE!!!.. .both have the same active "Magnectic Field" pups..

Bill Z