Fender Custom Shop 60's J-Bass

Passive, single-coil pickups.

I play a 2001 MIM Jazz Bass, modified with a Bad Ass II bridge, and now, these replacement pickups from the Fender "Custom Shop" (though I highly doubt that they are actually made at the Custom Shop). The stock pickups in my MIM J Bass were pretty awful, especially when you dig in to play hard. Horrible sounds would then come out of the stock pickups. So I had to change to something decent, and MF had these on sale for approximately $90. Figured it was worth trying at that price. I was right.

Personally, I feel the output is average to slightly below average. I would definitely NOT consider the output on these pickups to be "hot".

I run my J Bass into a dbx 163x compressor, and then into my Tube Works RT-3000 bass amp (has a tube preamp section and a 300 watt MOSFET power section). The output from the amp then goes into a Peavy 4x10 cabinet.

If you dig that classic, mid-rangy and punchy sound of old Fender J Basses, then these are the pickups for you. PERFECT for playing classic rock (60's and 70's), twangy country (Merle/Dwight/Mavericks/Steve Earle), and even indie rock.

I would not recommend these for playing modern metal or modern rock, where the scooped mid sound with a big booming low-end and pronounced top-end is desired. But these pickups do the mid-range thing GREAT. Also perfect for getting the Motown & Memphis/Stax sounds.

However, if you're looking for noiseless or quiet pickups, look elsewhere. That's not what these pickups are about. I mean, you can cancel out most of the 60 cycle hum when you've got both pickups at the same volume level, but that's not always where you're going to be running your volume, since so much of the tone is going to come from the difference between the output levels of both pickups.

At the price I paid ($90), I'd buy these again. But if paying full retail price than I might try something else, like some Fralins.

My only complaint with these pickups is that when they were first installed, one of the pickups would cut out intermittently, and ultimately completely stopped working. When I took it into an authorized Fender service center in order for them to process the return to Fender, they figured out that too much wax had been applied at the factory (which they said was fairly common). After they removed the excess wax, the pickup tested fine on the bench, and I then re-installed the pickup. I haven't had any problems since. But due to this sloppy work at the factory, I'll have to adjust my overall rating.

I own a Fender American Jazz 2004 with S-1 Switch. Even though this bass sounds good on a shitty amp, it is a little to too much dynamic on powefull gear, to much highs and lows and not enough mids.
The lows have a bit to much dynamic on the American Jazz Bass for my taste.

My problem was that while I was switching between a p-bas 54 MIJ, am American p-bass 70' and an American Jazz bass 2005, I had to tweak the amp, and reduce the lows dramatically with the J.

I was impressed by the fulness of the sound of a vintage Jazz Bass I tried at Guitar Center a while ago. I decided to try out the Custom Shop 60' pickup after reading good review in similar setup.

It took me an hour to switch the pickup on my bass.

The difference is very impressive. More controled bottom, much more mids and more presence. In general, I feel like I had just invested $3000 on a new amp.

Playing it on my SVT stack, WOW. Now I really underswtand what vintage sound is. The sound is so much more present and controlled in the mids that if feels like you can touch the sound. The sound is rounder, less modern but much more beatiful.

It doesn't have less low, but what strikes you is the fullness of the sound, not just the wall rateling like the original US Pickup. The mids and high are less dirty and more alive.

And even though it's still the unique Jazz Bass sound, I don't have to tweak the amp whdn I switch from any Preciaioon to a Jazz bass.

I also have a GK 700RB-II with an Avatar Neo 212. It sounds very good woth that gear to, but it shines much beter on the SVT stack

The pickups on the American Jazz Bass are excellent, but I don't understand why a $1000 instrument doesn't come with pickups such as the Custom Shop 60'. It's really THE Jazz Bass sound.

Single coil pups, passive

Instrument: 1990 Fender American Standard Jazz Bass, replaced the set
Reasons for changing: this bass got a set of DiMarzio's DP 123, and I tried the Custom Shop for a more vintage sound, looking for more low end....

The output level went to hell... these vintage things are as louder as the stock, or less...
I'm using a Fender BXR 200 combo, 1 x 15"
I play - mostly - progressive rock... old school....;-)

These 60's pups have a beautiful sound, very distinct, much better than stock...
Nevertheless, I put my DiMarzio's DP 123 back on the bass, on the double!!! The custom shop have too much hum, and they're also a little weak...
If I had another Jazz Bass, I'd put this babies on for shure, just for a change...
They've got a very balanced sound, with practicaly no difference from string to string.
I'm giving them a 5 BECAUSE they're too noisy....

Pickup features: Single Coil Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Fender 2001 American Standard Jazz Bass, Fretless w/ Rotosound Roundwounds
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Neck and Bridge pickups
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): rock/blues
Reason for pickup change: I wanted to hear the difference between stock pickups and a better pickup. (Experimentation)

Perceived output level: I don't perceive any difference in output level. The hum seems to be a bit louder, could be the installation.
Tone: Well balanced across all strings/frequency spectrum
Sonic evaluation: David Eden WT-600 with a Trace Elliot 4x10. I do not bridge the amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I am hesitant to play without the neck and bridge pickup set at the same output. When the pickups are set to the same level most of the hum is reduced. With the tone knob all the way open, the sound has plenty of treble. With the treble turned down, the sound is closer to a vintage tone than the stock pickups.

Comments: Experimentation is the key to finding "your" sound. I have experimented with fretted/fretless, active vs passive pickups (different basses), flatwounds vs roundwounds vs nylon strings. Now I am experimenting with pickups. Since I never replaced pickups I was not sure what to expect. The difference is noticeable. If your wondering if the difference is noticeable to a non-musician, even my girlfriend described the sound as "richer".

Pickup features: passive jazz bass
Impedence or other specs: ?????????

Model of guitar or bass: Geddy Lee Jazz bass
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: not replacing
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: ????????/
You musical style(s): mainly rock and metal with this bass
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: not bad for a passive bass
Tone: even across the eq board. pretty raunchy with the tone knob cranked
Sonic evaluation: use this bass with either an ampeg portabass 250 or an ampe svtIIIpro with sansamp RBI in front. speaker cabs varry

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock and metal is what this thing does best. if you want a softer tone you can turn down the tone knob and it is smooth and buttery

Comments: I think these are the best pickups available from fender. I wanted some raunchy bright output with good low end and I got it.

Pickup features: Passive set
Impedence or other specs: dcr bridge: 7.4K, neck 7.1K

Model of guitar or bass: '00 Fender American Standard Jazz
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock neck and bridge
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): rock, blues
Reason for pickup change: Stock pups were not bad, just a little wimpy and thin sounding, not much low end even for a Jazz, uneven balance up and down the neck and string to string.

Perceived output level: about the same output
Tone: much thicker and fuller sounding low and mid, less treble
Sonic evaluation: Using Eden WT400 head, D-115T and D-210T cabs. Very nice pups, made a significent improvement in tone and retains the vintage Jazz sound. My biggest complaint with the stock pups is the lack of balance string to string and these are much better. Lots of low end (not as much as a P-bass of course), thicker sounding overall.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play in an original music old school rock band, these pups are perfect

Comments: I would buy these again and would highly recommend them to others. Boutique pups may or may not be even a notch better but they will also cost more than twice as much. I was definately looking for passive vintage style pups because my other bass is a Sting Ray and I wanted the complete opposite sound- modern active and passive vintage. I'm very happy with these pups and the search is over for this bass.

Pickup features: Single coil - passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: New Fender American Jazz Bass
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Replaced both stock Fender American p/u's
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): A bit of everything musically, but all finger style, no pick, no slap/pop.
Reason for pickup change: I wanted a truly vintage sound for my J-bass, but I absolutely had to have the transparent tequila-sunrise-buffalo-wing-sauce finish, which doesn't come on the Fender reissues.

Perceived output level: Seems to be a little hotter overall than stock, judging by the reaction of my input LED with the gain setting I was using on the stock p/u's. Not a huge gain in gain, though.
Tone: Clear, articulate, well-balanced.
Sonic evaluation: I've been using active basses for years, warming up their sound by running them into an Ampeg SVT-350H which feeds an Ampeg SVT-410HLF cab. But even with the tweeter shut down, I couldn't get a good vingage woof with the active electronics, so I finally caved and bought a Fender (which, BTW, plays great... it's the first 4-string bass I've played in ages, and the maple neck/fingerboard is remarkably fast).
I'm not perceiving what a lot of the other reviewers have noted, namely, a big increase in low frequency response over the stockers. I think the midrange is more present, but not necessarily more punchy (this has more to do with your right hand technique than anything else, I believe). What I love about these Custom Shop p/u's is that they are so articulate over the instrument's entire range. The bass is warm and round, the midrange sits well in the band mix, and the highs are clear without grating. These pickups are definitely more lively with the stockers, and I found that the roundwound nickel strings I had been using had way too much ping with these (this despite the fact that I increased the value of the tone pot capacitor to .1uf). I've switched to my beloved D'Addario half rounds, but may even go to flats.
Overall, I am very pleased with the clear, singing quality of these p/u's. They are definitely less noisy than the stock units, although we are talking your basic Fender single-coil design, so all the shielding in the world is only going to do so much for you. With both volume pots aligned to roughly the same position, you do get a humbucking effect which basically eliminates the 60 cycle hum altogether. Both p/u's wide open with the tone pot at around 10% open gives you a great whomping tone for vintage rock, motown, gospel, country, etc.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: My regular gig is with my church's praise and worship group. We're pretty adventurous, doing pop, rock, folk, gospel, reggae, country, blues, whatever. These pickups are great when I need a vintage passive tone.

Comments: I'd buy these pickups again. I like the balance, sweet tone, and overall clarity.
I've been playing out for 25 years, ask me anything! I have a Conklin GT-5 and Pedulla Pentabuzz, both 100% Bartolini active setups. They sound great, but can't do the vintage vibe that I find I need more and more. Ampeg SVT is my main rig, but I also use an Ampeg PortaBass 250 with the PB-210 cab for small venues, and also for my BSX electric upright.
Love the overall tone and responsiveness to technique. Could live without the hum, but what are you going to do?
I chose these Fender p/u's based on reviews I'd read. I wanted a fairly authentic vintage tone, but felt no need to install artificially "aged" pickups in my beautiful shiny ORANGE bass!
I will go to my grave searching for THAT sound!

Pickup features: Passive single coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Squier Jazz Bass 2002
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: both
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): rock, hardcore, emo
Reason for pickup change: I want more sound from my bass... so I bought these pickups...

Perceived output level: slightly more than the originals
Tone: very bassy and middy
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: rock, punk, hardcore, emo

Comments: Theses pickups produces a very strong and pleasant sound... I'm very satisfied...

Pickup features: Single Coil/ Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: American Fender Standard
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock American Single coil
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): jazz, slap, rock
Reason for pickup change: Wanted best out of my gear, so I droped a hundered dollars and purchased pickups that had more time put into them.

Perceived output level: UltraHot pickups!
Tone: Punchy, with an EXCELENT midrange. Very nice, well rounded,
Sonic evaluation: Switchin the pickups took about 15 min. Compairing them to the stock American Pickups. (not bad) These things just took my bass to the next level. A very noticable diffrence. Gave my bass a whole new breath of life, adding more lows and mids... The highs stayed about the same, (Nice crystal clear sound up top from both) But the mids are to die for!! Made my bass much more punchy, w/ more attack, more output, more everything.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: all

Comments: Over all, I took these from my knowledge of bass gear. It was eiteher LindyFralins (which would of taken about a month to get) or these. I can honestly say I have no regrets at all. Put a very nice smile on my face when i started to play. Vey satisfied.

Pickup features: true single coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Peavey milestone III
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: stock
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Metal and Complex Jazz
Reason for pickup change: I just know that company's like Fender put more research into there pickups.... The pickups alone cost about half of what i payed for the bass. Together as a team though, Very Extremely pleasing sound.

Perceived output level: 4 out of 5......... Hot
Tone: Ballss as a mother........... These have a tremendous midrange.. awesome lows that will deff make you a BASSIST in the mix. and Crystal Clear Highs to die for....
Sonic evaluation: SansAmp pre w/ a QSC poweramp... Again.. Ballsy sound. Plain and simple.. Lots of character. Edgy with tone knob turned for highs. Nice warm sound w/ high's completley cut.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Jazz of course.. w/ slap pluck.......... AWESOME SLAP TONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comments: Over all, if you want vintage balls at its best. Get them. I'm not sure at all what the REAL- '60s pickups sounded like. I just know the composite make-up of the metal itself is to die for. Very sought after. Well I just think these are the best Jazz pickups I've ever heard.. the presences is all there, very defined sound, allowing your playing style to come out all the more. (be carefull, may bring out little mistakes). But the pickup is not dominated by the High's at all. Nasty midrange...... Nasty. With a bottom on this thing...Wow. All and all. An amazing pickup.. Great Damn Job Fender.
By the way. Fenders Parts department SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At first i thought i was going to get the "noisless" but after waiting so long from fender to get back to my dealer about the pickups........in the waiting process, i've stumbles accross these bad boys at another guitar shop. At first i was alittle hesitent because i though the "vintage" really just ment low output.. Well anyhow i bought them. installed that day to passive controls and i must say.. I'm so damn happy.. The bass w/ the pickups cost me $310.00............. SOUNDS AWESOME. i'm very happy