I'm contemplating getting rid of my Squier Jazz V active b/c it just doesn't give me the tone I'm looking for. I love the feel of it to be honest but the tone just isn't there. I've tried adjusting my intonation and my action and to no avail same old tone. I've been told to try an audere preamp or a obp-3 aguilar. The problem with that is if I change the pre should I change the pups too? I was looking at Delano pups. I love barts but everybody and their mother recommends them. I want to do something noboby else is doing. I also don't want the same tone as everyone either.
I have also read that audere pre have a bad hiss and require a ground from the pups. Has anyone heard of this??? I know Torch put one in his SX 5-string. I also have a problem with the pups as far as size goes.
Squier's website says that they are 5-string jazz pups but they look a lot like 4-string pups that work on a 5-string. I have it running through a Sansamp RBI that I picked up off of Craigslist for 150 bucks(the guy was hurting for cash) and a QSC 900 power amp that still works on either channel when in bridge mode! Can't quite figure it out but it still packs plenty of punch! Help a brotha out y'all please. I believe someone on here has this same bass!!
Okay so I just got rid of mine, so I hope I can help you
First of all, I upgraded my Squier with Bartolini Jazz pups and the Aguilar OBP-3 preamp. I also had mine wired to add a passive/active switch, to save batteries if they were running low. The upgrade added a new level of versatility that wasn't there with the factory system. I had plenty of sizzle from the highs, enough midrange to cut through anything, and bass boost that could shatter windows...seriously!
You don't HAVE to change the pups if you get a new preamp, you may find that a new preamp will give you what you're looking for. That said, unless you're doing the install yourself you have to factor in the installation cost of having a preamp installed first, and then a set of pickups later. I've never tried the audere, but the obp-3 is an extremely punchy preamp. It has volume for days, and the bass boost is out of this world! Honestly, I hardly ever had to turn the bass knob past the center detent. I liked the Barts in mine, but if you want something different, try whatever you desire. I know delano pups are extremely expensive though, and you may want to buy a new bass for the amount of money you'll spend buying those AND the Aggie preamp AND having them all installed.
Again I don't know much about the audere pre, so I can't help you much there. As far as the pickup sizes go, you'll have to purchase five string pups for the Squier, and they will be bigger than the existing pups. That's another thing that will add cost to the install, the body will have to be routed. Some shops charge quite a bit for this type of operation, so it's something to think about. I actually purchased the 4 string Barts at first, because they are about the same size as the existing pups, but I had to return them and buy the 5 string set. The pups only had 4 pole pieces (for a four string bass) so there would've been an issue with string volume and balancing on the A and D strings.
Have you ever played your bass through different amps, like at a music store or something. Perhaps a new amp will solve your problem, especially if you're considering undertaking an upgrading task like replacing the pups and preamp. Also, do you know what sound you're looking for? You should do a lot of research on the individual components so you can be sure that what you purchase will give you what you want.
Hope this helps you, I know it was a long post, but maybe it will point you in the right direction.
God Bless
