[quote name='surfguy13' timestamp='1469269808' post='3097047']
What can I say but a BIG thank you for all the info and advice! I think you're right, the EMG makes perfect sense and if it's available in ivory then it will look right too. Great that the width isn't an issue, I guessed this might be the case and 0.025" isn't going to be an issue at all!!
The control cavity is huge and with only the two pots there's loads of room to install a battery and accomodate the new active wiring. I think I'd probably go with the EMG stacked tone as the more tonal options the better and I can just lift the two existing pots out complete and put them to one side in case I ever want to revert back.
I'm guessing that if I lifted the existing volume and tone pots out, and indeed the jack socket too as I see the EMG kit includes one, then the small electronic box would be bypassed completely? Therefore I guess I could just leave it in situ and install the EMG system around it?
I'll look into the TV Jones options as they sound interesting....never played a Gretsch bass but I understand that the TV Jones guitar pickups are really nice.
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You won't be able to use the jack supplied with the EMG kit (without reaming out the hole and having some sort of mounting plate on the front) - it is a standard open jack socket, your bass uses a panel/barrel jack socket. If you're not sure if the barrel jack you have is stereo (and it might be a good idea to get a new one anyway) - Maplin do a suitable stereo replacement as found here: http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/neutrik-nys2203-635mm-stereo-long-reach-chassis-socket-n39gb
The small electronic box, I presume you mean the switch? There's no coil switching options with EMG-HB pickups so it won't be much use. I would lift the whole wiring loom - disconnect the pickup, the jack socket and the earth wire and lift the lot out as is - will make reverting to stock much easier should the need arise. However you choose to remove the innards - keep notes of where the wires go!