302/301 Pickups

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I apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere in the forum, but I was wondering what kind of sonic characteristics of the 301/302 Pickups distinguish it from Jazz Bass Pickups?

I've come close to buying a 302 a couple of times and I kick myself everytime I wait too long. Is there something unique about them I should know that makes them (tonally) superior to Jazz Basses besides the mahogany neck and body?
 

fronobulax

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Welcome. I can't help you, alas. My preference for short scale never brought me into the B301 era.
 

Bobby B

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I've always thought describing sound with words is an ultimately futile exercise, but I guess it means more to others than it does to me.

This Cure video has a 301 in it. The tone control is rolled back until the bass line at the very end of the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NERzLlHo-D0

**Note that it starts off looking like they are playing with no sound coming out, just hang in there for a moment.

I recorded this a month ago with a 401, which is same pups but active.

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_5049269

The Jaguar I have has Jazz pickups in it, and active electronics. Both are bright and have expressive tone, but I personally find the Guild pups to be superior and more expressive, but less boomy. There's also what I call a "sproingy" tone that Jazz basses have, which a lot of players really like about them, and I don't... Also the aggressive growly thing the Jazz has, the Guilds have that even moreso, but especially the 400 series.
 

Bobby B

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Thanks much, hope that helps. I love my Guild basses!
 

Bobby B

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Here's another link. This one is The Plasmatics and it's PG13, FYI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2eynNh5xHM

B301, a white one. Probably a custom repaint, but they were endorsing artists back in the day, so it may be factory paint.

Also, Judas Priest, Rossington Collins Band, The Pretenders, and Climax Blues Band were endorsing artists and there may be some vids of them using some Guilds.
 
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Bobby B said:
I've always thought describing sound with words is an ultimately futile exercise, but I guess it means more to others than it does to me.

This Cure video has a 301 in it. The tone control is rolled back until the bass line at the very end of the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NERzLlHo-D0

**Note that it starts off looking like they are playing with no sound coming out, just hang in there for a moment.

I recorded this a month ago with a 401, which is same pups but active.

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_5049269

The Jaguar I have has Jazz pickups in it, and active electronics. Both are bright and have expressive tone, but I personally find the Guild pups to be superior and more expressive, but less boomy. There's also what I call a "sproingy" tone that Jazz basses have, which a lot of players really like about them, and I don't... Also the aggressive growly thing the Jazz has, the Guilds have that even moreso, but especially the 400 series.

I call the 301/302 tone "clanky," and I love the sound. You can't do that on a Fender. That cure vid brought out that sound very nicely.
 
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Bobby B said:
Here's another link. This one is The Plasmatics and it's PG13, FYI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2eynNh5xHM

B301, a white one. Probably a custom repaint, but they were endorsing artists back in the day, so it may be factory paint.

Also, Judas Priest, Rossington Collins Band, The Pretenders, and Climax Blues Band were endorsing artists and there may be some vids of them using some Guilds.

Ha, I would never have seen a Guild. I was too busy watching those dart things bounce around. :mrgreen:
 
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Yeah, a fretless 301 :wink:

B301F.front.ss.jpg

B301F.back.jpg
 
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^thats definitely droolworthy. I love the color on it.
I love my B-301. the tone is awesome. its not down low, its way down low. never played another bass that sounds like it, nor plays like it- neck action is smooth as glass.
 
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