$498.00 USD
Here's our new 5 string J-Bass Chameleon models.
We have invented a unique new dimension in Bass sound, we call it Bass Presence ... and like presence from Fender guitar pickups it makes the sound stand out from the mix, giving it an unusual 3D quality that commands attention and it sound better than ordinary pickups on small speakers and even cell phones. But our Bass Presence is not in the treble range like guitar presence, it's in the middle midrange where it's most useful for bass and is produced by another of Kinman's patented inventions. These pickups are very versatile
Much like our 4 string J-Bass pickups these have exceptional punch, extraordinary versatility and, like a Chameleon, changes it's (sonic) colors according to your state of arousal. And we did it without active electronics, so, "look Ma.... no batteries" ... and you won't need a Glockenklang or any other Eq preamp to get these sounds!
When aroused it's perfect for attention grabbing solos with dynamic tap, slap n smack techniques of the bass virtuoso and you'll be amazed just how easy it becomes with our Chameleon pickups. As a local bass player who dropped by the factory recently put it ... "Wow, playing this style is just so effortless! I hardly have to exert my fingers and hands. Man these things are responsive. And I can get all these different sounds, it's amazing" He bough a PJ set there and then and went away in a state of excitement and high spirits going to tell all his friends about Kinman.
Sonic Characteristics: Have you noticed that ordinary bass sound tends to get lost in the mix because the low frequencies lack presence and you find yourself wanting to up the volume? Well, we fixed that with our patented technology and your 'B' string in particular will have as much definition, lively dynamics and tone as a top end multiscale bass such as a Dingwall which are reknown for their performance on the 'E' and the 5th 'B' string.
The Chameleon produces thick, free-flowing chocolaty sound that has lower midrange prominence and a detailed gritty piano-like presence with round wound strings so that you don't need to play loud in order to be heard. Both pickup turned up full yields a wonderful surprise, a low mid scoop with chunky, gritty upper mids with extra bouncy sound and presence, our personal favorite bass sound ... even at low room volume. Scooped Bass sound that lacks midrange must be played thunderously loud to be heard, even then it's felt rather than heard and it struggles with definition, not so Kinman bass pickups.
These things respond really well to light and heavy pick attack so there is quite a rainbow on tonalities in that. But the big surprise is when you mix them with the respective volume controls and also when you apply a bit of treble cut with the tone control and you'll get a double rainbow of tonalities and effects. You won't need a fuzz pedal
More midrange presence and less boom that's also surprisingly superior for slap n pop style. But, when played finger style with the tone rolled back a bit you'll be surprised how close to an upright bass your sound is (the extra dynamics impart the "bounce" you hear from an upright bass). These pickups are versatile and you won't need a Glockenklang or any other Eq preamp or even Series switching or fuzz pedals to get these sounds! Also we engineered the bridge version to be a perfect match for the P-Bass neck pickup in PJ Basses.
Who says bass sound can't be lively, toneful and dynamic? Turn up the amp treble and it makes factory pickups sound ordinary, turn the treble down a bit and it still outshines factory original pickups, it's a win win for you.
And one more thing ..... does the tinny nasal sound of the G string annoy you? Well it certainly annoys us so we developed a special coil winding technique that has two benefits ...
Why so long? Bass pickups have unique sonic performance requirements and until recently the technology for passive high performance Zero-Hum single-coil bass pickups did not exist ... that is until Kinman invented it.
Signal chain requirements: Any old cable won't do. It is highly recommended to use a low capacitance cable to get the incredible performance of these pickups.
Some people will call these noiseless Jazz bass pickups but Kinman prefers to describe them correctly as Zero-Hum Jazz bass pickups. That's because there are 2 types of noise, Hum which is cancelled in the pickup and Buzz which can only be minimized by shielding the wiring cavities (refer to >Technical >Perfect Guitar >Shielding for newer guitars
*Precision Bass and Jazz bass* are a Trade Marks of Fender Musical Instrument Corp. Kinman is not connected to Fender.
** Alnico-K is a unique proprietary rod magnet developed by Kinman in 1985. It has 40% less string pull than Alnico-5 so sustain is longer and there is much less clatter from string crash and no Strat-itis string warble.
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So you'll always know what you've got |
US Patents 5,668,520 6,103,966 8,791,351
Covers
Mounting hardware
Magnet staggers to suit
Magnet Spreads
Covers
Mounting hardware
Hookup cable
Output polarity
Dimensions
Pot and Capacitor values
We highly recommend consulting the Install Guide in the Technical section even if you think you know it all. Kinmans' sometimes require specialized knowledge and sometimes there is updated info. There is also a handy wiring diagram available.
We also highly recommend consulting the Adjust & Set-up page in the Technical section so you get the best out of your Kinman pickups.
