Delano JMVC 5 FE

This is a single coil passive pickup although my bass is equipped with a pre-amp which can be switched on and off. The first thing you notice about the pickup is the size of the magnets. It basically looks like they've split a MusicMan pickup down the middle, shifting one half to the neck position and the other to the bridge.

I play a Humanbase Max 5 string. The guitar has a a through neck and was originally fitted with Delano humbuckers, in the neck and bridge position. The bass has a pre-amp which can be turn on and off. The original sound was essentially for jazz and did a great job as well. However, I started to play more funk and rock and thus the search for new pickups. I first saw the pickups on a Mayones Jabba (Polish company, excellent basses) and was impressed with the sound.

The pickups really pack a punch, but this is true of all the delano pickups. Turn the volume up and the sound is clear. Increase the treble, mid and bass and the sounds spring out of the guitar. I put my bass through a Samsamp PSA and also through an Ashdown cab...either way, the sound is great. The tones are so clear, sometimes almost like a piano at times. You basically have a combination of a Fender Jazz Bass with a MusicMan Stingray. The throaty sounds of the jazz bass, but also with the sharp edge of the MusicMan...it really is quite amazing. Turn up the treble and bass, drop the mid, and play slap bass...incredible sound. And for rock, turn down the treble a bit, increase your mid and you've got a thunderous throaty bass. And if you use only the bridge pickup, you move in the direction of a MusicMan...such versatility. I can't put my bass down.

I will never change these pickups. It's really what I've searching for in terms of sounds quality. Of course, they may not be for everyone, but if you're looking for that Jazz Bass sound but with an extra punch, these are the pickups for you.