This is a really versatile pickup system. There are certain systems that do a certain thing really well, but this set will let you do most anything. Tip for peace of mind with the 9v? A small piece of hook velcro in the cavity and a small piece of loop each time you change battery. It's worth doing as batteries last you quite a long time, and they're definitely not moving under the cavity when they're velcro'd down.
Wow thank you for posting this ! Extreamly helpful and well made video . The EMG sound is a definite improvement. I wish you would have filmed putting the battery inside the cavity and closing it up. Is that a challenge for such a small cavity or does a battery change only take a few minutes ?
The battery is easy to replace, on a J Bass simply remove the 3 screws for the control plate, replace the battery and locate it in the spot under the neck volume potentiometer and reassemble. You can wrap some gaffer tape around the battery if you like. :)
Normally I shield my basses but I guess you don't need to do this with EMG? Nor bridge wire. I am sorely tempted but cannot work our difference between J and JX. Nice work - thanks for posting.
Stephen Hookings No shielding required nor the bridge ground on the active pickups. I don’t know much about the JX but if I recall Ed Freidland had done a review, you may want to check it out on the Bass Whisperer channel.
Does the bass stay active at all times with EMG pickups or is there a push/pull knob to switch between active and passive ? Also do you need to change the stock jack imput to a stereo jack input ?
EMG active pickups have circuitry inside the pickup shell, there is no way for passive bypass in this case. EMG do make passive pickups like the one I installed in the Steve Harris P bass and there are active circuits for this type of pickup but they cannot be easily bypassed to give you a passive mode. I hope this helps, more info at EMG www.emgpickups.com/info.html
Had EMG on my 75 ash, quiet,clean and applies 18V with higher headroom, I use a Mesa di with preamp, very handy to get the right sound or boost in gig, Yes any one can do the upgrade job and can’t go wrong with EMG. Cheers
Hi Tony, thanks for the feedback on your EMG experience. Since this video I've put them in my P Bass and my Deluxe Jazz V with a three band circuit and they also work great in those two basses. I've not tried the 18V supply on these yet but I will on the Jazz V as it has room for two batteries.
Am considering this on a bass im waiting to arrive from chine. I eont really like the tone knob looks on the control plate. Im assuming those can be easily swapped?
Hi Jamie, the connectors are typically a press fit on the output jack and you should be able to just pull them off carefully. Just note down where they connect so you can reconnect them properly. Let me know if you have any more questions. :)
I am an EMG fan!! I have a PJ set up tho’ although an older gen EMG pick up..(bought in the ‘80s~’90s !!) but STILL work fine plus right out that distinct PJ tone but more rounded and NO distortion or break up when used full on! About your J-Pick Ups, I preferred the Stock Tone because that’s the “vintage Fender Jazz tone”…noise can be an issue but remedied thru perhaps some good shielding + or suitable Pre Amp designed for Passive PUs!!👍🏾😊 I really dig EMGs & Seymour Duncans for their “solid” sounding tones (⚡️power!)and easy use thru various Genre. Perhaps you’ll keep those and test out some Seymour Duncans next huh!🤘🏾🥹 Keep on Groovin’ em Funky Man! ✌🏾✨🎸
Glad to hear you're still enjoying those EMGs. I have a pair of humbuckers in one bass that must be about 23 years old, still going strong. I do like the vintage J tone, in most of the venues we played I always seemed to end up next to the lighting rack where noise is the worst and EMG totally solved that problem. I tend to roll off the tone on the EMGs a little and they have performed well over many years. My foray into Seymour Duncan was on the LTD bass, really like those pickups too. I might be tempted to try some in the 5 string J bass with a Sadowsky preamp. Stay well, keep making music. :)
@@samatza Yeah,..I feel ya’ on that Stage Lighting annoying noise! Had that issue with my Ol’ Ibanez Musician 924 in which I STILL use these days! Got it in ‘81!! (had to do some serious shielding in PU cavities..🙄) I have some old Seymour Duncans w/the EQ switches in them! They still are great as well working in my Steinberger Type Bass! Gonna keep on Jammin’!! 🇺🇸🤘🏾😎✨🎸🎵although already in my 60s now..a Shoutout from 🇯🇵 Japan⛩️🗼
Hi Jacques, the battery sits flat in the bottom of the control cavity. It doesn't seem to move around at all when the control plate is in place. You can put some rubber foam around it if you think it's required. I'll post a short video so you can see what it looks like in place. :)
The major reason I get the higher mass bridge is to reduce neck dive. I dont notice much sustain difference. I am seriously considering adding these pickups to either a J & D Surf Green J bass (£125) or a SX JB75 (£250). As u said if the base bass feel good then why not (if it fits). Too much badge snobbery in the world
Stephen Hookings I’m not one for badges or brands, if the instrument is well constructed a pickup upgrade will improve it further. For me the EMG pickups give me the assurance of quiet operation and good tone.
Noice vid M8. Just stumbled across some EMG J's in a garage box and your prezzo has taken me from a-z on what they are - even a Bunnies supporter could install them.....maybe. Unfortunately I don't have the cable connectors nor pots so have to hunt those down. Go the Doggies 2021....maybe 😃
I think the originals sounded way better. What can really make a difference is ( I know because I've done it ) keeping the original pick-ups but changing the pre-amp. Active pre-amps are available that are designed to work with passive pick-ups and will swap/fit straight into the control panel of your Jazz bass. The results are quite remarkable, give it a try.
The bass was passive, I installed the EMG active system EMG do also make passive pickups if active is not to your liking. You can check out the website for passive options. www.emgpickups.com
Good video, Thanks. I have to say, the EMGs don't sound better to me. I know its sound from a video camera, but so were the original pick ups. Are the pickups too close to the stings? I have a friend with a 1998 MIM Jazz bass with EMG, I'm not sure if were stock or pervious owner put them in. But he always kept the action too high inorder to clear the pick ups. I said let me look at and see what I find. I am doing a full set up and putting the stings at spec height puts the strings to close to the pickups. I have not taken the strings off yet, waiting for new bridge. The pickups are at the lowest point and still too high. So I am thinking it will need a neck shim, maybe cut the springs in say half so the pick up goes lower, or router down the ledges where the pick up screws into. Anyway just my experience if that helps anyone. Thx.
Hi Snowdog216 Thanks. Yes, at that stage we were just using the camera mic so it may be a little hard to tell. The EMG's have slightly better output, more lows and more highs. I like the stock pickups too but my main reason for changing was noise, I need the bass to be really quiet. On a MIM Jazz they are probably installed by previous owner. Just remove the pickups and see what's underneath, some folks use the original rubber pad from the stock pickups and that may be a bit thick for the EMG's. You can carefully cut the foam lower so that they sit where you want. Best of luck, stay well.
Hi Miguel. The Classic Vibe is a nice bass, I changed my pickups because noise free operation is important to me. Bear in mind the EMG pickups are active and a lot brighter than the stock pickups. I use them with the tone control about half way. If you are looking for brighter, more modern tone they may be the way to go. Keep well Miguel.
Hi, these EMG pickups are active and so require power and so does the preamp. There are passive options on the EMG website for the 4 string J. The EMG system is very low on power drain so batteries last a long time. You can check out the products here: www.emgpickups.com
Yes, the battery fits under the control plate. Hope this helps.
That’s one of the most important facts. Hehehe … TQ!
This is a really versatile pickup system. There are certain systems that do a certain thing really well, but this set will let you do most anything.
Tip for peace of mind with the 9v?
A small piece of hook velcro in the cavity and a small piece of loop each time you change battery. It's worth doing as batteries last you quite a long time, and they're definitely not moving under the cavity when they're velcro'd down.
Thanks for your comments. The velcro loop is a great idea, I'm going to adopt that one myself. Be well, keep making music. :)
Amazing video man, I love all the information you provided. Thank you
Thank you so much, glad you found it useful. Be well. :)
Just discovered your channel you do a great job in your presentations Thank's
Thanks D Gee, glad you enjoyed it.
Thx, gonna change my MIJ 2000 Geddy jazz with these. Least i have an idea now
thank you so much for this video, everything I need to know about the pickups and their installation.
You’re welcome. Be well.
Wow thank you for posting this !
Extreamly helpful and well made video .
The EMG sound is a definite improvement.
I wish you would have filmed putting the battery inside the cavity and closing it up.
Is that a challenge for such a small cavity or does a battery change only take a few minutes ?
The battery is easy to replace, on a J Bass simply remove the 3 screws for the control plate, replace the battery and locate it in the spot under the neck volume potentiometer and reassemble. You can wrap some gaffer tape around the battery if you like. :)
@samatza
Thanks very much sir.
Normally I shield my basses but I guess you don't need to do this with EMG? Nor bridge wire. I am sorely tempted but cannot work our difference between J and JX.
Nice work - thanks for posting.
Stephen Hookings No shielding required nor the bridge ground on the active pickups. I don’t know much about the JX but if I recall Ed Freidland had done a review, you may want to check it out on the Bass Whisperer channel.
Does the bass stay active at all times with EMG pickups or is there a push/pull knob to switch between active and passive ?
Also do you need to change the stock jack imput to a stereo jack input ?
EMG active pickups have circuitry inside the pickup shell, there is no way for passive bypass in this case. EMG do make passive pickups like the one I installed in the Steve Harris P bass and there are active circuits for this type of pickup but they cannot be easily bypassed to give you a passive mode. I hope this helps, more info at EMG www.emgpickups.com/info.html
Had EMG on my 75 ash, quiet,clean and applies 18V with higher headroom,
I use a Mesa di with preamp, very handy to get the right sound or boost in gig,
Yes any one can do the upgrade job and can’t go wrong with EMG. Cheers
Hi Tony, thanks for the feedback on your EMG experience. Since this video I've put them in my P Bass and my Deluxe Jazz V with a three band circuit and they also work great in those two basses. I've not tried the 18V supply on these yet but I will on the Jazz V as it has room for two batteries.
Am considering this on a bass im waiting to arrive from chine. I eont really like the tone knob looks on the control plate. Im assuming those can be easily swapped?
The knobs are easily changed. I have installed the stock P Bass knobs on my P bass and metal knobs on other basses with no issues at all. :)
I just got these pickups today but im wondering if there is an easy way to remove the metal connectors from the output jack?
Hi Jamie, the connectors are typically a press fit on the output jack and you should be able to just pull them off carefully. Just note down where they connect so you can reconnect them properly. Let me know if you have any more questions. :)
I hear some people had to widen the control area to fit the battery in. Just wonder if your fit as you didn’t include it in your video.
Hi Keith, I've done two Jazz Basses so far and they did not require routing. I hope this helps. :)
I am an EMG fan!! I have a PJ set up tho’ although an older gen EMG pick up..(bought in the ‘80s~’90s !!) but STILL work fine plus right out that distinct PJ tone but more rounded and NO distortion or break up when used full on! About your J-Pick Ups, I preferred the Stock Tone because that’s the “vintage Fender Jazz tone”…noise can be an issue but remedied thru perhaps some good shielding + or suitable Pre Amp designed for Passive PUs!!👍🏾😊 I really dig EMGs & Seymour Duncans for their “solid” sounding tones (⚡️power!)and easy use thru various Genre. Perhaps you’ll keep those and test out some Seymour Duncans next huh!🤘🏾🥹 Keep on Groovin’ em Funky Man! ✌🏾✨🎸
Glad to hear you're still enjoying those EMGs. I have a pair of humbuckers in one bass that must be about 23 years old, still going strong. I do like the vintage J tone, in most of the venues we played I always seemed to end up next to the lighting rack where noise is the worst and EMG totally solved that problem. I tend to roll off the tone on the EMGs a little and they have performed well over many years.
My foray into Seymour Duncan was on the LTD bass, really like those pickups too. I might be tempted to try some in the 5 string J bass with a Sadowsky preamp.
Stay well, keep making music. :)
@@samatza Yeah,..I feel ya’ on that Stage Lighting annoying noise! Had that issue with my Ol’ Ibanez Musician 924 in which I STILL use these days! Got it in ‘81!! (had to do some serious shielding in PU cavities..🙄) I have some old Seymour Duncans w/the EQ switches in them! They still are great as well working in my Steinberger Type Bass! Gonna keep on Jammin’!! 🇺🇸🤘🏾😎✨🎸🎵although already in my 60s now..a Shoutout from 🇯🇵 Japan⛩️🗼
I’m curious about the space for the battery , did you also secure the battery in anyway ?
Hi Jacques, the battery sits flat in the bottom of the control cavity. It doesn't seem to move around at all when the control plate is in place. You can put some rubber foam around it if you think it's required. I'll post a short video so you can see what it looks like in place. :)
The major reason I get the higher mass bridge is to reduce neck dive. I dont notice much sustain difference.
I am seriously considering adding these pickups to either a J & D Surf Green J bass (£125) or a SX JB75 (£250).
As u said if the base bass feel good then why not (if it fits). Too much badge snobbery in the world
Stephen Hookings I’m not one for badges or brands, if the instrument is well constructed a pickup upgrade will improve it further. For me the EMG pickups give me the assurance of quiet operation and good tone.
Noice vid M8. Just stumbled across some EMG J's in a garage box and your prezzo has taken me from a-z on what they are - even a Bunnies supporter could install them.....maybe. Unfortunately I don't have the cable connectors nor pots so have to hunt those down. Go the Doggies 2021....maybe 😃
Thanks mate. You can get all the required parts direct from EMG, pots, jack and wiring, just check out the web site.
Thanks this helped a lot make my decision. going to try on mine.
Glad you found the video useful, I’m sure you will enjoy the pickups.
Where did you install the battery?
Ryan Dawson The battery fits in the control cavity , I put a little foam around it so it doesn’t rattle around. It fits in there just fine.
I think the originals sounded way better. What can really make a difference is ( I know because I've done it ) keeping the original pick-ups but changing the pre-amp. Active pre-amps are available that are designed to work with passive pick-ups and will swap/fit straight into the control panel of your Jazz bass. The results are quite remarkable, give it a try.
We may try a preamp on the next one. Thanks for the suggestion Colin.
hello there, is it passive bass to emg active?
The bass was passive, I installed the EMG active system EMG do also make passive pickups if active is not to your liking. You can check out the website for passive options. www.emgpickups.com
@@samatza i love to hear the active sound... i will try soon. cheers.
@@samatza one more question, is there any chance i can turn on and off the active to passive?
Good video, Thanks. I have to say, the EMGs don't sound better to me. I know its sound from a video camera, but so were the original pick ups. Are the pickups too close to the stings?
I have a friend with a 1998 MIM Jazz bass with EMG, I'm not sure if were stock or pervious owner put them in. But he always kept the action too high inorder to clear the pick ups. I said let me look at and see what I find. I am doing a full set up and putting the stings at spec height puts the strings to close to the pickups. I have not taken the strings off yet, waiting for new bridge. The pickups are at the lowest point and still too high. So I am thinking it will need a neck shim, maybe cut the springs in say half so the pick up goes lower, or router down the ledges where the pick up screws into.
Anyway just my experience if that helps anyone. Thx.
Hi Snowdog216 Thanks. Yes, at that stage we were just using the camera mic so it may be a little hard to tell. The EMG's have slightly better output, more lows and more highs. I like the stock pickups too but my main reason for changing was noise, I need the bass to be really quiet.
On a MIM Jazz they are probably installed by previous owner. Just remove the pickups and see what's underneath, some folks use the original rubber pad from the stock pickups and that may be a bit thick for the EMG's. You can carefully cut the foam lower so that they sit where you want. Best of luck, stay well.
thank you
I have a Squier Classic Vibe 60's Jazz Bass. Is it worth it if I replace the pickups with this one?
Hi Miguel. The Classic Vibe is a nice bass, I changed my pickups because noise free operation is important to me. Bear in mind the EMG pickups are active and a lot brighter than the stock pickups. I use them with the tone control about half way. If you are looking for brighter, more modern tone they may be the way to go. Keep well Miguel.
thanks for sharing
My pleasure, always happy to share information.
if you don't have a battery installed . Can wort it ?
Hi, these EMG pickups are active and so require power and so does the preamp. There are passive options on the EMG website for the 4 string J. The EMG system is very low on power drain so batteries last a long time. You can check out the products here: www.emgpickups.com
Thank's mr . Godbles you
#53_Active🚫