replacing pickups

[trymone]

i play an American fender jazz deluxe 5string. I was thinking about getting a new bass but i can't seem to find anything i like that's in my price range. Someone told me instead of buying a new bass, replace the pickups. what are your experiences in replacing your pickups. I was thinking about doing it myself (i think i'm pretty handing with my hands) or should i pay someone?

[ddwilkins]

Pickups are not that hard to replace if you know what you are doing.  For the jazz bass though, I probably wouldn't switch them out if you have the noiseless pickups in.   I've played one and they sound good to me.  I know with my Ibanez SR506 i'm going to get EMG pickups put in as soon as I get another bass just because I want that EMG sound.  You should keep shopping around for basses that fit in you price range, I'm sure you will find something.  By the way, what price range are you looking at?

[trymone]

i was thinking about going with the EMG pickups too. I use to own a Musicman stingray 5 used. it was all i needed. i paid about $1000 probably around 7 years ago. I didn't have it 2mons and someone stole it (but if i told you how it was stolen u would agree that i really gave it away). So then i got the fender. i paid about $600 used for my Fender, so my price range is around $500-$800. the Schecter 5 is about the only thing i've tried so far that might work, it has a nice sound but it has to much gloss on the neck.  as we all know there are so many things we look for in a bass and we all know when we can say "this is the one"

[ddwilkins]

You hit the nail on the head.  I was going to mention a Schecter because the bass that I'm going to get soon is the Schecter Elite 5.  It has the passive pickups with active electronics.  I love it.  I heard one first then played one and after seeing the price I couldn't believe that I could get a neck-thru bass with such a reasonable price.

[TorontosFinest]

I own a 6 string Corvette Pro Line Warwick Bass.  I changed the pickups from the stock MEC pickups to the Bartolinis and it made a world of difference.  I can get so many tones out of my bass not to mention it compliments the wood. The mid range is amazing I would suggest Bartoliinis to anyone.

[B3Wannabe]

I'm going to try changing the strings on my 8-string first....but then again, it IS a lower end bass. I like it, but it doesn't have the same tone as my Warwick.

[browntree]

I replaced my PJ's in my Alverez with some EMG PJ's.  Difference was night and day...bass came alive.  It's not hard to replace electronics on basses as long as you aren't changing the body (like going from PJ's to sobars).  I'm actually thinking about putting some Bartolonies in my Schecter elite 5. 
Can someone tell me the difference in the Bartoloni sound as opposed to EMGs?  Are they better for slapping?

[ddwilkins]

A sales rep at Samash told me that Bartolini pickups have a warmer sound than EMG's.  I haven't experimented with them both yet but I will be soon.  Since you asked this question, I may just switch my SR506 pickups to Bartolini pickups after I get my Schecter Elite 5 string with the EMG pickups.  Then I will be able to judge for myself.

[fatbaby78]

With those Fenders, it being an American 1. I was told they will lose there worth if tweek with. Check on that first. Might need to get another 1 for what you lookin 4

[Jellitoe]

Unless you go very high priced on your replacement pick-ups (Bartolini's) or High range (EMG) dont do it. American Fender pickups are as good as any other make out there. Get a pre-AMP and youll be fine.