Re: Hard rock/Metal pickup in J-Bass form factor
I recommend the old SD Active EQ pickups - the ones with the DIP switches in them. First, of course, find a pair!
Since your friend appears to prefer passive pickups, something noise-cancelling would probably be the best bet. A Bartolini 9J-L/S #1 pair should fulfil the brief. The #4 version sounds fuller but those no longer seem to be available brand new.