From this:
To this:
The tort pickguard had to go! The pups were because I wanted punchier money notes, particularily on the E string (E, F, F#, G, etc.) and to a lesser extent similarily on the A string (A, Bb, B, C, etc) nd now they are. 
They’re DiMarzio Relentless Middle pups.
I got my new white strap for my yellow guitar to match the white strap on my yellow bass. Does that count as an upgrade? I think it does tbh.
That pearl pick guard is excellent!
Nice choice 
The bass looks really good with the white pickguard 
Might as well fiddle with the one guitar I have.
Gotoh locking tuners (fun, cool design) and Fender CS Norcaster Pickups (it’s a Baja tele and was interested in the differences so thought what the heck, can go back and forth).
I love the Magnum Locks. Super good and really speeds up changing strings; no more wrapping around the post 
Me three.
Me too. I’ve got two pairs. Most fun frontside ski Head ever made. Taught with them for years.
Upgraded my BB234. DiMarzio Model PJ pickups, Hipshot Badass Bridge, Hipshot 3 String Retainer and some Guyker knobs. Still working on the setup but this thing sounds HUGE now. Included the before and after. Next upgrade will be black tuners ideally with a Hipshot Xtender.
Have any you ever tried the Dimarzio Sixties J (DP305) pickups? I’m thinking of putting a set in my Sire V5 to give it a more vintage sound. It’s super bright right now even with flats and the tone rolled all the way off. I have the Sixties P in one of my P basses and really like it.
I have read all the comments in this thread. Was a really nice and learning read!
Gave me the itch to start experimenting with mine 
.
Started small, just replacing the plastic knob with black chrome ones.
Now what next…. Got really interested in those EMG…. Looks like a fun little project. Will read more about them, like the PJX. 
Those are great pickups!!!
Even better: a PX and a 35TWX…
Hello @Whying_Dutchman , I have a question for you since you have played with both PJ and PJX
I see in this video that the PJ fit nicely in the TRBX174 and enough space for the battery in the cavity and no issue with the jack.
From what I have seen, and if you could confirm. The PJX is the exact size of the PJ and would also fit nicely in my TRBX174 ?
Thanks!
Yes, it is! If the PJ fits in your TRBX174, than the PJX will fit too!
Please note that the VVT pots are a little different with the X series, so make sure that you have enough space behind the control plate.
Very likely it won’t be an issue though.
Also, the PJX are not “love at first sight” pickups. The PJ sounds instantly great. The PJX took (at least for me) some time to really appreciate - it has a more complex tone, which asks for attention to detail. It’s not an “in yer face / MAKE LOVE TO ME!” pickup, like the non-X…
But it made me replace all my non X pickups with X series pickups.
Thanks for your feedback @Whying_Dutchman !
I watch a couple of YouTube videos on PJ vs PJX, pass some time in forums and reviews and I also checked with ChatGPT and Gemini to compare the 2 of them.
Based on my research I’m leaning forward to the PJX, has it looks to be the more versatile one between the 2:
| Feature | EMG PJ (Standard Active) | EMG PJX (X Series Active) |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Classic P/J (Precision split + Jazz single-coil) | Same P/J size but X Series versions (PX + JX) |
| Tone Character | Punchy, focused mids, compressed active response | More open, balanced across lows/mids/highs; wider range |
| Headroom | Moderate | Higher — cleaner dynamics |
| Tone Shaping | Basic active tone control | Includes Active VLPF tone control (more passive-style warmth/roll-off) |
| Versatility | Good for rock/metal/funk — strong EMG active tone | Higher versatility — works better across genres including funk, jazz, mellow styles, and modern tones |
| Noiseless Performance | Noiseless active design — very low background noise | Noiseless active X Series design — equally quiet, with slightly improved handling of high-gain and complex chords |
| Output & Response | Typical EMG active output — clear and powerful | Same output level but with more clarity and responsiveness |
| Feel | More “active” and compressed | Closer to passive feel with dynamic response |
EMG PJ
Excellent in rock and heavier styles due to strong midrange presence and punch.
Works well with overdriven tones and aggressive playing styles.
EMG PJX
More versatile overall. The updated preamp and VLPF tone control allow you to dial back brightness or high end more naturally.
Better suited across a wider range of genres — from tight slap/funk tones to warm, round clean sounds and jazzier textures.
Thanks!
After buying about 40 basses, one thing I’ve learned is that versatility is one thing that’s not generally a good thing. Most all my basses (there are a few exceptions) stay in one or maybe two electronics settings and never move.
And now with pedals and plugins, bass versatility doesn’t matter as much as pure sound and if you love playing that instrument. Our own @JerryP is a master at making a single bass fit in many different genres and scenarios with some simple plugins.
there’s a saying in the sax world we say “go for the tone”. Same applies here. Find a bass with the tonal foundation you want, then get out the crayons and color your tone any way you like. Building off a poor bass tone, no matter bow versatile, ain’t easy.
Thank you for those kind words John.
Thanks for the feedback John!
Right now, I have not found the tonal foundation I want. Why I pick that pickup to explore different things and have fun.
For sure when I will know what I want I will get a bass for that.
I currently don’t want yet to dive in the pedals and plugins. But for sure I will later.
My friend has a producer studio at home. He is an expert on Ableton. So we will have fun there.
The main reasons for me right now:
1- Have fun and explore with my current bass.
2- Im currently having a lot of fun trying different tone with my bass and rumble 40.
3- With that pickup, it will eliminate my EMI hum I have at home. My home is a EMI thunderstorm. I have so much smart devices, smart dimmer switches etc.. that it is really starting to annoy me. I always have to play with the tone roll down. Only place I don’t have the noise is in the shower! 
. Or at my parents.
4- And the looks, love the looks of those pickups.
Im in no rush to change now. The 3 that I’m looking into are the GZR, PJ and PJX. I will continue to look into them.
Thanks! Appreciate the feedbacks! 
