Dimarzio Ultra Jazz

[godofthunder]

A up date to the continuing evolution of my '08 MIA Jazz bass that I use for our Zeppelin tribute set. For the $ ($875 new) this was the best value in the Fender line and it had the look I was after, unfourtunatley not the sound. The first thing I did was install Seymour Duncan Hot for Jazz pickups, this helped but still not quite what I was after. For me the notes don't jump out on the D and G string like they do on Gibson Thunderbirds, EB3s etc. I know this is in part due to Fenders bolt on construction and maple neck but I also think the pickups also contribute. I just installed a Dimarzio Ultra Jazz in the neck position and at something like 12.5k it really puts out and has Gibson like harmonics. The D and G string seem to sing. The real test will be with the band of course, gig Sat. I'll have a full report on Sun. PS The bass now sports a road worn Jazz neck as the bass had a little mishap onstage.  

[Dave W]

I hope the Ultra Jazz works for you. Sounds better to my ears than the SD Hot although I've never had the opportunity to compare them in the same bass.

[godofthunder]

You guys know I'm a big Dimarzio fan, a bit surprised I didn't try these first

[dadagoboi]

You guys know I'm a big Dimarzio fan, a bit surprised I didn't try these first

Especially if you're looking for a Gibson sound from a Jazz.  Gotta ask, if it's a Zep tribute wouldn't the Jazz sound be more appropriate?  Of course then you'd also have to go the Acoustic 360 route.  I can definitely understand NOT wanting JPJ's tone.

[godofthunder]

 Good point  dadagoboi. Some players get great tones from Fenders, I just don't seem to be one of them, 30 plus years of playing nothing but Gibsons have left Fenders a bit of a mystery to me It is in only the last 8-10 years or so  that I have made any attempt at playing a Fender and only seriousley in the last 2 years. JPJ's early sound was pretty ballsy over time it got quite tame and rather bland. For a live situation I need a bass that will do what I ask of it and not have to fight it all the time. Beside no one is paying attention to what I am doing everyone is watching the guitar player   I have been thinking of picking up a vintage  Acoustic rig

[Highlander]

PS The bass now sports a road worn Jazz neck as the bass had a little mishap onstage.  

Scott, your not Townshend...

re the gig... have fun...!

[godofthunder]

No I'm no PT but I am prone to fits from time to time. Sound man  pissed me off................................. wouldn't take the bass out of the monitors it was more than painful even with ear plugs, that is saying a lot. In desperation I tossed my bass at him. At that point he pulled the bass out of the monitors. Sigh soundmen.

[Highlander]

Keep a baseball bat handy for the next time... it might be cheaper

[godofthunder]

Fender = baseball bat. 

[Highlander]

Scott...!!!

Only after modification... before that it's an oversize squash racket...!

[nofi]

you tossed your bass.

[godofthunder]

you tossed your bass.

Well it's not like it's a Thunderbird or anything 

[dadagoboi]

Proper Fender technique
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[Highlander]

An Englishman's (or Scotsman's) home is his castle, and repelling boarders is a prerequisite consideration...

[Pilgrim]

you tossed your bass.

Better to toss your cookies.