Piero G – Woodbridge, ON

I was on the hunt for a pickup for my Fender AVRI 50s precision bass.  After reading a number of online reviews from the typical name brands, I discovered that one of my bass idols Andy Curran (Coney Hatch) had a MJS custom pickup installed in his Loucin G-Bass.  Being a local Toronto area company, I decided to contact them.  I spoke to Smitty and unlike many customer service support conversations I’ve had in the past, Smitty asked me some key questions and spent a lot of time understanding what sound I was after and man did he nail it.  After several conversations I placed the order and within 1 ½ weeks the pickup arrived. I must say, I am thoroughly impressed.  Coming from a background where I appreciate the vintage sound of Fender CBS era pickups, I was initially skeptical about how the MJS would compare.  However, after spending some time with it, I found that it offers a refreshing take on classic tone while still retaining some of the beloved characteristics of those vintage pickups.

One thing that stood out to me about the MJS pickup was its clarity and definition.  Notes rang out with a crispness that I hadn’t experienced before, allowing for greater articulation and precision in my playing. Whether I was digging into it heavy or delicately plucking out intricate melodies, the MJS pickup handled it all with finesse.

In terms of tonal characteristics, the MJS pickup strikes a nice balance between warmth and brightness.  It delivers rich, full-bodied tones with a touch of sparkle in the high end, giving my playing a lively and dynamic quality.  This versatility makes it well-suited for a variety of musical styles, from motown, disco, blues and to rock and beyond.

Compared to the classic Fender CBS era pickups, the MJS pickup offers a more modern take on tone however always maintain that warm James Jamerson pbass tone.  While the CBS pickups have a distinctive vintage sound that many players adore, they can sometimes lack the clarity and punch needed for more contemporary styles of music.  The MJS pickup addresses this issue by providing a more even, balanced and articulate sound that cuts through the mix without sacrificing the warmth and character that make vintage pickups so beloved.

Smitty is a genius at designing and building vintage style pickups.  I highly recommend the MJS Precision pickup to any bassist looking to upgrade their instrument’s sound.  Whether you’re a fan of vintage tones or prefer something with a bit more bite, MJS pickups deliver the goods with style and substance.  Give it a try and prepare to be amazed!