Fender Jazz Bass Series/Parallel Pickups Mod
March 10, 2008 – 8:40 pmI have just received a push-pull potentiometer that I had bought on ebay. It’s a hybrid between a potentiometer and a DPDT switch. It looks like this:
I installed it in my Fender Highway-1 Jazz Bass, in place of the regular tone potentiometer, and wired the switch part of it to change between two different wiring modes for the pickups:
- Parallel – Which is the default on the Jazz Bass. In this mode each pickup gets a volume knob.
- Series -Connecting the pickups in series, so that they act as one. This delivers higher gain out of the pickups, and a punchier tone. When in series mode, you only get one volume knob that controls both pickups.
I used the following diagram that I had found online:
It took me about 45 minutes to assemble, because soldering was a bit tricky, and I forgot one connection after fastening all the screws back.
I have no proper way to record my bass on the computer, so no sound samples for now. All I can say is that I’m very pleased with this new sound of my bass. I still have to try it on a serious amp to get a better idea of the new tone.
If you own a Jazz Bass, not afraid to void your warranty, and can solder (or get someone to solder it for you), I’d suggest you to try this mod.
7 Responses to “Fender Jazz Bass Series/Parallel Pickups Mod”
Hey
I have the same mod on my Jazz V but I’ve never been happy with it.
This week at rehearsal my jack started giving trouble so today I went to swap it out for a new one and then the issues started…don’t they always…the night of a gig.
Anyway, I’ve got it working but it’s screwed…the wires in there are so brittle everytime to do one thing something breaks.
I was looking for a clean wiring diagram and found this one which is different than the one on Harmony Central and different from the way mine is wired.
How is this working for you?
I like a deep thundering rumble with a little Rickenbaker metal through my Beringher V-Amp but also like to get back to that smooth, mellow Jazz tone when I’m playing with acoustic instruments sometimes.
By Ian on Jun 5, 2009
I have never been good with the electronics in an instrument. I am a guitar player but do play a little bass. I have done much work on guitars & played around with different ideas with different pull pots & pickup configurations but I always get messed up & have to look on the internet for a wiring schematic of some sort. I wish I could get my head around it better. I guess its not something I do everyday so that is why.
Seems like a cool config you have. By the way, I love a Fender jazz.
By Brad on Apr 2, 2011
Just like Brad i have never been good with electronics. So i think i will have to pass this on to someone that can follow your guide. Just the thought of soldering is scary. thanks for sharing this it has really helped me out
By Stuart on Apr 11, 2011
I know how play electric guitars but I don’t have any talent for technical stuffs like you do. Good job!
By Anthony James on Apr 22, 2011
Lead guitarists are just so awesome. I just love the sound of an electric guitar being shred. So electrifying!
By Zara Lopez on Sep 15, 2011
This is really a good one. Fender knows what they are doing.
By Kingitused on Jan 4, 2012