Since getting a Classic series Jazz Bass about six weeks ago, I've really come to like it - the slim neck is brilliant, especially when you get up around the 12th fret, where it's noticeably slimmer than the Ric and makes playing chords cleanly so much easier. The sound of it I was less sure of initially; the control system is okay once you've got used to it but is a bit clunky with its single tone control and tonal adjustment seemed to be much more about balancing the pickups against one another.
When I saw a dual stacked system which allowed tone control over each pickup is seemed like a great idea. Five weeks later it arrived from US and I fitted it today. Big improvement. I don't comprehend the details but the bass can now do a pretty good impression of a P bass, with deep fat rounded lows and it's opened up a range of tones that I just wasn't getting previously. I was thinking at first that I would probably have to get some new pickups but the new control plate has made such a difference that I no longer think they're needed.
Comments
My personal preference has always been for the VVT layout. I find it quicker to operate than stacked knobs in pressured situations.
The bass guitar on Whole Lotta Love is Jonesy’s 1962 Jazz Bass. Plenty deep.
Generally, I set a level balance between the two pickups then get all the tonal variation from where my figures attack the strings.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
It is possible to add switchable series interconnection of the coils but, in my opinion, the resultant sound is nothing special.
Fender used to offer this on some of their “modern” American models via an S-1 switching pot. They seem to have thought better of the idea and withdrawn it.