Bass Jazz/P Combo Mexican Fender stock p/ups sound mushy

[brainolio]

I've tried a lot of different preamps and every time I record this bass it sounds mushy even in a real studio versus my crappy ProTools setup. I have no definition to the notes. I'd like to hear the notes I'm playing rather than just have that general low end presence. I'm a guitar player and would love something in the John Paul Jones Zeppelin neighborhood. Even with a pick it still sounds like poo. I'm playing rock/pop/acoustic and need a recommendation on what to get.

In the past I've gotten the Seth Lover and SH1 59 models for replacements on an LP copy and was thrilled with the result. The service too. Holy crap. I once called about gunk on my pickups and the guy said, "Hang on and let me ask Seymour... He says lighter fluid." Bang no more gunk. So Duncans seemed like the logical choice to solve this issue with my bass. Appreciate the help. Thanks.

 

[brainolio]

Re: Bass Jazz/P Combo Mexican Fender stock p/ups sound mushy

I forgot. I've also got the 5/2 set for telecaster. Blissfully perfect.

 

[John Wymore]

Re: Bass Jazz/P Combo Mexican Fender stock p/ups sound mushy

If you need more definition for recording I would suggest the P-Bass quarter pounder and a Hot Stack Jazz bridge. Both have good presence and punch and work well for recording.

A couple other things to consider:

1. How old are the strings on your bass? New strings can really help the deinition, old strings sound like mush.

2. Being that you are a guitar player some of your issues may be technique. Experiment with your attack and where you are striking the string. Also mess with how much bridge pickup you are mixing in versus neck.