PJ pick-up set for an Active Bass

[jassthebass]

Good afternoon

 

I'd like to change my pick-up set in my Troy Sanders Jaguar bass which has a PJ Active configuration.

I'm wondering if any set available to purchase is properly compatible with an active bass ?

 

Any opinions welcome

Cheers

 

 

 

Edited April 9 by jassthebass
missed out word

[Killerfridge]

Any pickups should be compatible, the active part is essentially just a preamp that the pickups plug/are wired into

[jassthebass]

Many thanks for the info Killerfridge 

[TrevorR]

Killerfridge is correct. Shouldn’t be an issue (other than EMGs which are a different animal).

 

If you’re looking to change pickups can suggest you check out Catswhisker Pickups… hand wound in Birmingham and really nice. Plus he’s happy to tweak them to your tastes. Have some of theirs in my Frankenjazz and they’re fabulous. And really good vfm compared to the big brands like SD, Aguilar etc. if you’re interested I had a humbucking jazz set then swapped the neck pickup for a soapbar… just because why not. All fabulous pickups!

 

https://www.catswhiskerpickups.co.uk/bass.htm
 

[jassthebass]

Cheers Trevor

[chris_b]

Why do you want to change? You don't like the sound, or just want a different sound?

 

The main issue with replacement pickups is finding the right dimensions.

 

Try an outboard preamp. That will alter/improve your sound without the need to mod your bass.

[jassthebass]

Thank you chris_b

[jassthebass]

Hi again @chris_b I would of responded properly much sooner but I was working away.

My reason to change...

I felt that the 'P' part of the originally fitted PJ sounded uneven on a string to string basis -  yes, that should be easier to set the pick-up heights etc. but there was definitely an imbalance. I purchased a new P pick-up & removed the old one.

On removal, the original 'P' had a wire squashed between the winding & the cover ... which could explain the unbalance.

I fitted the new 'P' pick-up & the balance that was missing from the original pick-up was restored.

Unfortunately the balance between the new 'P' & the 'J' pick-up is uneven (Doh !)

 

So now I am thinking of fitting a 'matched' PJ set & was requiring info on what sets could be fitted to an active bass, hence the original post.

 

I hope that is clear?

 

Jason

Edited 4 hours ago by jassthebass

[Doctor J]

It's natural for the bridge J to have less output than a neck P. Set the pickup height by the sound rather than with your eyes. They are unlikely to sound good set to the same height. Don't be shy to have the J closer to the strings than the P.

[jassthebass]

Hi Doctor J

 

That’s a good shout. The J pick-up may need some extra sponge underneath to set it up a little closer to the strings

Edited 3 hours ago by jassthebass