Crackly Pickup

[steviedee]

Hi 

My  trusty K&K Bassmax pick up has developed an annoying crackle. I've had it for years and it's on my backup bass. Wondering if anyone ever experienced a similar issue and any possible solutions or should I just bite the bullet and get a new one! 

[DanOwens]

Unfortunately the ceramic elements in these (an assumption on my part) can crack and cause issues. I've heard of similar happening with J-Tones and the like.

I'll be buying a spare soon.

[steviedee]

8 minutes ago, DanOwens said:

Unfortunately the ceramic elements in these (an assumption on my part) can crack and cause issues. I've heard of similar happening with J-Tones and the like.

I'll be buying a spare soon.

Cheers Dan that's very helpful. Are the j-Tones any good? They are very cheap and there is one that looks very like a bass max.

[DanOwens]

Just now, steviedee said:

Cheers Dan that's very helpful. Are the j-Tones any good? They are very cheap and there is one that looks very like a bass max.

That's the one I use on my doghouse and whilst I've not compared it to a BassMax, I really like it's sound. Of course, like all these pickups it relies on the preamp to make the most of it.

[tinyd]

1 hour ago, DanOwens said:

That's the one I use on my doghouse and whilst I've not compared it to a BassMax, I really like it's sound. Of course, like all these pickups it relies on the preamp to make the most of it.

I used to have a BassMax and now I have a J-Tone - I prefer it to the BassMax. It has a more even, usable sound and it's very feedback-proof. 

[DanOwens]

I'm ordering my second (with neck clicky) to go into a Zoom A3 / Line 6 M13. Let the nonsense begin!