DiMarzio DP126 P+J

"Precision" and "Jazz" type passive pickup set. Both pickups feature twin coils (ie 1 coil per pair of strings) with dedicated wiring for each coil. This potentially gives the option of incorprating switching into your bass's electrics to provide such arrangements of series/parallel and phase reversal. However the instructions supplied with the pickups don't give any help with this and only detail basic wiring, where there will be a separate volume control for each pickup and a master tone control. Instructions are clear. The pole-pieces on both these pickups are visible and are height adjustable. They are also finished in black, wich gives the pickups a more neutral appearance so they don't clash visually with whatever colour hardware is on your bass.

Installed on a 1-year-old Stagg BC300FL-N fretless, as a straight swap for the standard pickups. I must emphasise that this bass is a budget instrument, to the point that there aren't many basses cheaper and as you might expect, there's plenty of room for improvement. I felt the volume from the standard pickups was too low and lacking tonally and rather than going out and spending a lot of money on a better bass, I figured I could make this one better and keep a ceiling on the money I'd spend.

The output level is vastly improved. The tone is much better too. I don't bother much with the neck ("P") pickup, but this will do a really passable impression of a double-bass if that's your thing. I tend to keep it on the bridge ("J") pickup with most of the treble rolled off. Suddenly, I've got that typical fretless "Mwah" sound I was looking for.

My musical styles are varied though centred mainly on rock. I've been playing fretted bass since the early '80's and my foray into fretless is a relatively recent one - partly because I always wanted to have a go and partly because there are many bass-lines where only a fretless will do!

However, I must add that in my quest for "that sound" I also worked on shielding the Stagg's control cavity, improving the earthing to the bridge and fitting a set of Rotosound Jazz Bass standard gauge strings. All this followed by spending a fair amount of time setting the action, intonation and neck-relief. Basically, I wanted to make sure I got the maximum benefit out of the new pickups.

I would definitely recommend these pickups as a route to improving the sound from a basic bass guitar. However I can't really say if you'd get the same sort of improvement if you fitted them to a better quality instrument.

All I can say is that I'm happy with the results I have achieved and I honestly believe I'd have to spend much more than I've spent on this project to find another bass with a better sound. Because of that, if my Stagg was ever lost or damaged, I'd almost certainly go down the same route of buing another and slinging in a set of these Di Marzios.

My only criticism is that I wish the supplied instructions had given information on other wiring options, as I'd probably have had a go at this, just for the hell of it.

Pickup features: Can be used passive or active
Impedence or other specs: ceramic

Model of guitar or bass: Dearmond Pilot Plus
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Stock Dearmond P/J
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Alternative
Reason for pickup change: I wanted more volume from the bass, Also the stock pick ups
were kinda muddy and the J pick up had a mean buzz.

Perceived output level: Definately much more than stock pick ups
Tone: Very balanced, no more buzz in the J. Nice and warm sounding P
Sonic evaluation: I play the De Armond through A Peavey Basic 112. I use this combo playing out at a local bar. The Dimarzio pick ups really added a new feel to sound. Nicer blend with other instruments

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play many different styles, These dimarzios are a welcome addition

Comments: If stolen I'd probably get another set. I've been playing for about five years. I really like how the dimarzios warmed the tone of the bass. If you still want more of a punchy sound for metal or grunge, try the seymour duncan quarter pounders. If you have a bass and want to improve its sound, look into changing its pick up first. You may be suprised and if you don't like them. send them back and get a full refund.

Pickup features: Humbucking passive
Impedence or other specs: not sure

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha RBX270L
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Pick-ups
Other pickups on guitar: nil
Artists using this pickup: not sure
You musical style(s): Rock, blues, funk
Reason for pickup change: Still reveal is an update to my review below. I setup the PUs properly and changed the electronics to a new setup
My controls are now vol vol tone with both vol as push pulls
Push in for Humbucker (High Output warmer sound)
Pull out for Single Coil (Low Output Brighter sound + Hum cancelling)
Pls look up the Dimarzio Webby on how to wire this way. My pull function is still hum-cancelling.
This gives you more tone more flexibility and better sound

Perceived output level: Hot, Just nice
Tone: versatile.. depending on wat u want
Sonic evaluation: linking it into a Trace Elliot boxer 30 with a Yamaha NE-1 results in a versatile set up for a small amp. The NE-1 allows me to get the mid freq and the new pickups gives me the bassy sound i like.. Now i can get double bass tone too =)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is a perfect match.. All u need is more research in the PUs and creative ideas to use them

Comments: I found my sound already with this electronics upgrade..
A good choice for Rockers!

Pickup features: Humbucking passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha RBX L
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Pick ups
Other pickups on guitar: nil
Artists using this pickup: unsure
You musical style(s): Rock, blues, funk
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups are having hum at high volumes. There is not enough tone varience

Perceived output level: Hot...................(really Hot!)
Tone: Neck...Too much low mid, not bassy enough.. lack the sweet vintage tone. Bridge is just nice but not enough highs for a good tone at times
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Trace Elliot Boxer 30. (Hey I'm just a poor kid trying to survive colllege)
The sound of this pickup is super hot, output level being higher then my previous stock pickups.
For tone wises.....it kenna sucks.. there's a limit to what it can really too.... U can't get the sweet vintage sound out of this baby.
It's meant to rock!!!! And the jazz, blues and viintage sound lovers should stay clear!.
THe slap n pop tones is nice.. just enough mid for me. But it all depends on personal taste

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This is not really a good match for me.. After using it, i realise i prefer vintage sounds

Comments: If it's spoilt, I'll go buy Basslines or Bartolinis..... Need to experiment other pickups right?
But it's good in it's own way.. like i say rock n metal.

Pickup features: 2 pickup set for replacement of stock pj basses pickups.
Impedence or other specs: Basic 2 wire for j pickup & for p pickups with em allready wired together.

Model of guitar or bass: ESP LTD B50
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Both the p&j pickups.
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Mainly was popular pro's choice from latter 1970's to latter 1980's or so.r
You musical style(s): Death, thrash & black metal. Also techno & electronica.
Reason for pickup change: The stock pickups on the ESP LTD B50 where ok, but wanted better.

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter output then the stock pickups.
Tone: Solid bass, nice upper edge, good balance.
Sonic evaluation: Plays bass thru Zoom 3000B then to mixer, then pair of Peavey Minx's run in stereo. Initially was going to get Seymor Duncan pj set. But couldnt find store that carried or had em in stock. Knew the Dimarzio set would be good too, so got em. Overall glad I did get them instead of the Seymors. Easier to get the type of sounds 1980's & earlier groups where useing. And I think the dimarzios have more balls tone wise.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Death, thrash & black metal. Along with prog rock, techno & electronica stuff

Comments: Is very satisfied with them. Basswood body basses can be harder to get the tone I like from, but the Dimarzios let me get anything from Rickenbacker to early BC Rich bass type sounds via pu blending, tone controls etc. Only pu's I think might be better choice is maybe bartollini or EMG pj set.

Pickup features: Passive humbuckers
Impedence or other specs: 11.5 ohms

Model of guitar or bass: Washburn XB-200 Bantam Bass
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Stock Washburn pickups
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, metal
Reason for pickup change: Low volume and undesireable sound from stock pickups. Have DiMarzio pickups on my other bass. Wanted to be consistent.

Perceived output level: Definitely better than the Washburn pickups. Provided a much better sound, with a crunchier tone.
Tone: Provided a more bassy tone than the stock pickups, which is what I like.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using a Laney 50-watt amplifier for most of my practicing, and these pickups made a world of difference in the sound of this bass. I bought the bass over a year ago and I just didn't like the way it sounded. The stock pickups had too much treble in them and were absolutely lousy on output volume. I have a DiMarzio P-bass pickup in my other bass, and it sounded SO much better than the Washburn. Now that I replaced the pickup, the Washburn sounds just as good as my other bass does, and I don't have to adjust volue on the amp when switching back and forth from one bass to the other.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: If you like crunchy, rock bottom bass tones with just a hint of treble, then these pickups are for you.

Comments: I currently own a Hondo Fame Bassmaster bass, a Washburn XB-200, an Ovation acoustic/electric bass. I have the above mentioned Laney amp as well as a Sunn Coliseum Lead amp head run through a home-built twin 15 cabinet. I use a Zoom 506 effects pedal. Replacing the pickups in the Washburn is something I have wanted to do for several months and I really love the improved sound of this instrument. It had always bothered me that my Hondo had a better sound than my Washburn, and this is no longer true. I am definitely a DiMarzio fan now! These pickups DO produce the sound I like, and in the future, I will use DiMarzio pickups exclusively.