I recently gave my 5-string Deluxe Jazz Bass a major makeover. I swapped the original pickups for Nordstrand Big J Blades (warm & wooly wind), added an Aguilar OBP-3 preamp, replaced the old bridge with a Hipshot KickAss, and even threw on some cool black metal knobs.

Chorus, phaser, flanger, vibrato, and envelope filters are effects that might conjure images of swirling guitar solos and psychedelic soundscapes. But don't let that fool you. When applied thoughtfully, modulation effects can transform your bass lines into dynamic, textured sounds that complement the mix in unexpected ways.

Whether you want to add subtle movement and depth to your sound or unleash a swirling vortex of sonic goodness, modulation effects have something to offer every bassist. 

Just like the other hardware on this bass, the bridge on my old J bass is definitely not top-of-the-line. So, there's a big opportunity for a bridge upgrade to yield a noticeable improvement. If this bass already had a high-quality bridge, I'd only consider a new bridge for better adjustability or a different aesthetic. But that's not the case here.

The MM bass pickup introduced in the Stingray bass became the first choice for bass legends like Louis Johnson, Flea, John Deacon, and Tony Levin. The MM gave these players something that they weren’t able to get before. 

Compressors are the pedals that can make one of the biggest sonic impacts on not only how your bass sounds, but also on how it feels, and most importantly, how it sits in a mix.  If you've ever listened to a professionally produced track and wondered how the bass guitar manages to sit so perfectly in the mix, chances are compression is playing a major role. 

Whether you're seeking vintage vibes, new-vintage tones, or modern sonic possibilities, there's a pickup out there for you. Whichever path you choose, upgrading your 5-string bass with the right pickups opens up a world of sonic exploration and personalization.