East preamp in Jazz Bass

[evan47]

Thinking of putting an East preamp in my 2022 MIM Fender Jazz Bass, ..... has anyone tried a similar mod to a MIM Jazz? 

 

[Beedster]

Pretty standard mod and, assuming you've got half decent PUPs, it's a gamechanger for the bass (not everyone likes the game, but none the less it changes it). If I were doing it for the first time I's wait for one to come up used on here and buy, that way if you don't like it you can move it on for what you paid  👍

[BigRedX]

I assume you are thinking of fitting a J-Retro?

 

The only thing you need to watch is that some of the cheaper Fender basses, savings have been made by reducing the body thickness, and the control cavity may need an extra mm or 2 carefully routing out to accommodate the depth of the pre-amp.

[evan47]

At the moment I man using the MXR M81 pedal preamp and enjoying it, I would just like to have a good onboard preamp for when I can't be bothered plugging in my pedal board.

 

[songofthewind]

I have a J-Tone in my Jazz bitsa. I wouldn't be without it. Transforms the J-style bass.

[evan47]

Did you need to enlarge the cavity or is it an easy fit?

 

[songofthewind]

Was an easy fit for me. I think my body is a Harley Benton. 

[BigRedX]

I could ask why you don't just set up your amp's tone controls so it produces the sound you want?

 

If it's so you can get two different sounds you may find that the pedal is more convenient as it's a simple press to change.

[Jo.gwillim]

I've fitted an East preamp to a jazz, it's too versatile for me, i end up fiddling about rather than playing. That's not too say it's not good i think it is, i just spend too long tinkering, especially with the mid and mid frequency. I can't easily see where the knobs are set, I'm better off leaving all the tweaks on the amp. Good piece of kit, but bad for a constant tweaker!

[martthebass]

On 03/09/2023 at 13:07, Jo.gwillim said:

I've fitted an East preamp to a jazz, it's too versatile for me, i end up fiddling about rather than playing. That's not too say it's not good i think it is, i just spend too long tinkering, especially with the mid and mid frequency. I can't easily see where the knobs are set, I'm better off leaving all the tweaks on the amp. Good piece of kit, but bad for a constant tweaker!

Totally agree. The Sadowsky Metro Express I bought used has the JE2. I just set it flattish and leave it….

On gigs I mainly use mustangs….nowt to fiddle with 😂

[Jo.gwillim]

Yep, in the back of my mind I'm thinking have all the eq I'll ever need on the bass then i can use any old amp/cab or go  straight into the FOH mixer or both. Never works out as well as i imagine!

[funkle]

J Tone in my Squier Jazz. Brilliant bit of kit.

[evan47]

I have ordered the J-Tone model as I would rather just have a simpler control layout ( too tempting to fiddle about with mid freq and mid sweep plus switches ), I will have it fitted to my Fender American Professional 2019 bass I acquired from another Bass Chat member ( thank you Matt ).

There is a good chance that I will have a pickup upgrade too but not sure on which ones yet.

Then when all is done to the AM Pro I will fit the USA electrics to my MIM Jazz bass ( 2022  model ).

Edited December 20, 2023 by evan47

[chris_b]

I have 2 passive basses that sound great.

 

I also have an East preamp in a Jazz bass. That gives me 7 controls and who knows how many combinations of tone.

 

I've found the one great sound I prefer and that's how it stays.