J945 pickups output issue

[Amit Shtriker]

Thanks a lot Tim!
I am not that intimidated by electronics as you might think , I actually studied electronics in high school (even though I skipped a lot of classes so I could spend more time playing bass ).. I am sure this won't be a big of a deal for me

When you are in passive mode, the bass' active electronics/pre-amp are by-passed.

Of course, I asked that question because I was thinking that the active gain was normally adjusted to be close in level to the passive mode . And thanks for your recommendation on the taper cores, actually I am going to take the bass in for setup this sunday (first time in 4 years..), and even the coated Elixirs couldn't stand the wear of the last busy (and also fun) month.. Feel I need a change in brand, something fresh.. I hope the taper cores will feel smooth under my hands, it became an essential part of my playing in the last 2 years.

And thanks again, Chris, I will try both boosters on my trip ,after my bass is in a healthy condition.. And then see if I need one..

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Amit Shtriker

Thanks a lot Tim!
I am not that intimidated by electronics as you might think , I actually studied electronics in high school (even though I skipped a lot of classes so I could spend more time playing bass ).. I am sure this won't be a big of a deal for me

Great! Than you should be good to go!


Of course, I asked that question because I was thinking that the active gain was normally adjusted to be close in level to the passive mode.

Again, passive mode is intended to be used in the event the battery fails during a gig so you can continue playing. Activating passive mode by-passes the pre-amp/active electronics.

Let me know how everything turns out when all is well and done.

[Amit Shtriker]

Everything is great now.. I turned up the gain and now I got a really healthy signal out of my bass, and the passive level is very low compared to the active in flat EQ. I also got my bass set up by a professional and it plays well. The only thing I'm not sure about is the Smith Taper Core strings (didn't want to move over and write again in the strings thread, sorry). They sound great and crisp out of the package, but I have a really big issue with them not being smooth enough for me (I were used to the Elixir coated ones), I feel a little bit uninspired because my playing involves a fair amount of smooth slides, and the strings kind of not letting me feel free moving across the neck. The guitar tech let me try some kind of string lubricant, and it felt better at that moment, but I don't know if I want to rely on lube all the time.. Do you use anything to keep your strings smooth or is it just me and you feel these strings are smooth enough? Maybe I just need to get used to them because they really sound good on my bass.. And I hope they will not go dead too fast

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Amit Shtriker

Everything is great now.. I turned up the gain and now I got a really healthy signal out of my bass, and the passive level is very low compared to the active in flat EQ. I also got my bass set up by a professional and it plays well. The only thing I'm not sure about is the Smith Taper Core strings (didn't want to move over and write again in the strings thread, sorry). They sound great and crisp out of the package, but I have a really big issue with them not being smooth enough for me (I were used to the Elixir coated ones), I feel a little bit uninspired because my playing involves a fair amount of smooth slides, and the strings kind of not letting me feel free moving across the neck. The guitar tech let me try some kind of string lubricant, and it felt better at that moment, but I don't know if I want to rely on lube all the time.. Do you use anything to keep your strings smooth or is it just me and you feel these strings are smooth enough? Maybe I just need to get used to them because they really sound good on my bass.. And I hope they will not go dead too fast

Amit, give it some time, break them in and then see what you think. I would not have recommended putting lubricant on the strings as that will just contribute to the strings going dead quicker.

I'm not surprised the new strings sound really good on your bass. That's why I recommended them. I can't imagine using Elixir's, nickels, or any type of coated bass string. To me these types of strings just sound dead.....but that's just me, however, I suspect you would agree now that you've played both?

I have no issue with slides using Medium Taper Cores (steels). It's all about feel and touch. I think as you get use to them you'll be ok. Let me know after you've gone through a set or two.

I'm glad your happy with your set-up.

[Bob Faulkner]

Have you tried the compressors? They're a lot easier to slide on and still retain a good zing.

[Amit Shtriker]

Haven't tried them yet, Bob I think I can't find them in my location.. But I will try them in my trip to U.S in a couple of months Do you know where can I find them? I think that the big music stores don't have them..
These are regular strings without the taper core right? I guess I'll have to set up the bass again for them

[Bob Faulkner]

Originally Posted by Amit Shtriker

Haven't tried them yet, Bob I think I can't find them in my location.. But I will try them in my trip to U.S in a couple of months Do you know where can I find them? I think that the big music stores don't have them..
These are regular strings without the taper core right? I guess I'll have to set up the bass again for them

I order them direct from Ken. They aren't taper core, though I wish they would make taper core compressors. In truth I found my Smith accepted them just fine without needing any adjustments.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Amit Shtriker

Haven't tried them yet, Bob I think I can't find them in my location.. But I will try them in my trip to U.S in a couple of months Do you know where can I find them? I think that the big music stores don't have them..
These are regular strings without the taper core right? I guess I'll have to set up the bass again for them

Originally Posted by Bob Faulkner

I order them direct from Ken. They aren't taper core, though I wish they would make taper core compressors. In truth I found my Smith accepted them just fine without needing any adjustments.

Amit, if you do decide to change strings from Taper Cores to something other than Taper Cores and depending on how good your set-up was, you most likely will need to complete another set-up and what a complete waste of your money that will be: Again, I would recommend you give the Taper Cores some time to adjust to your playing since you are not use to them. Otherwise, good luck!