JAZZ BASS STYLE BZZZZKILL INSTALLATION STEPS
Watch Installation
IMPORTANT
The installation video covers both Single and Dual models. We recommend watching the full video to get a solid understanding of how the Bzzzzkill works and ensure a successful installation.
BE CAREFUL!
BzzzzKills are delicate and can be easily damaged. Use caution when installing and avoid touching the copper coil wires that are soldered to the eyelets. Do not attach alligator clips to anything but wire ends.
Your BzzzzKill is backed by our full warranty when installed according to these instructions. Warranty coverage requires careful adherence to all installation steps.
While BzzzzKill installation is designed to be non-invasive and straightforward, improper installation can damage both the device and your guitar. Professional installation by a qualified guitar tech is always recommended, especially for vintage or high-value instruments. Most guitar shops can install BzzzzKill quickly and affordably.
1.
Before you buy, identify
Determine whether your J-Bass’s neck pickup is reverse wound (most common) or wound in the same direction as the bridge pickup.
If it has no buzz with both volume controls wide open then you need a Dual-Coil J-Bass BzzzzKill.
If it has the same amount of buzz no mater where the volume controls are then you need a Single-Coil J-Bass BzzzzKill.
2.
Volume OFF
Turn your guitar’s volumes all the way off. Only turn them up briefly when testing, and make sure they are off again before making any solder connections.
3.
Remove the Strings, Control Cavity and Bridge
Remove the strings at the headstock. Unscrew the control cavity plate and the bridge, placing them on soft cloths to protect your guitar’s finish.
4a.
Single Coil J-Bass Install
If your J-Bass has the same amount of buzz no mater where the volume controls are then you need a Single-Coil J-Bass BzzzzKill.
Remove the 2 black leads coming from both of the pickups from the ground on the back of the volume pots.
Connect the two black pickup wires together. Using alligator clips, connect this junction to one lead of the BzzzzKill. Connect the other BzzzzKill lead to ground.
Turn the volume up and use high gain to evaluate the buzz. Reverse the BzzzzKill connections to find the quietest orientation. This is the correct orientation.
Solder the BzzzzKill lead to the joined pickup wires and apply heat-shrink. Solder the other BzzzzKill lead to ground, typically the back of the volume pot.
Note: Keep solder joints low and flush on the pot to avoid clearance issues. Position any capacitors below the plane of the pot base, as shown in the video.
4b.
DualCoil J-Bass Install
If your J-Bass has no buzz with both volume controls wide open then you need a Dual- Coil J-Bass BzzzzKill.
Remove the 2 black leads coming from both of the pickups from the ground on the back of the volume pots.
Keep the black pickup wires separated. Each pickup connects to its own BzzzzKill coil.
Using alligator clips, connect the black wire from the neck pickup to one BzzzzKill coil and connect the other lead to ground. Turn up the volume with high gain and reverse the connections to find the quietest orientation. Solder once confirmed and heat shrink.
Repeat this process for the bridge pickup using the second BzzzzKill coil.
You should now have both pickup leads soldered to the BzzzzKill, with one remaining lead from each coil. Solder both remaining leads to ground on the control plate, usually the back of the volume pot. Ensure the pots are in the off position.
5.
Complete the Installation
Perform a bench test to confirm everything is working, then carefully reinstall the control assembly. Gently arrange the wires so they sit beside the BzzzzKill without being pinched.
Remove the red backing from the mounting tape and press firmly to secure the BzzzzKill inside the control cavity.
You may still hear some buzz while the guitar is disassembled. The BzzzzKill reaches full performance only after the guitar is fully assembled, restrung, and hanging from your body.
6.
Dial In Your Perfect Tone
After installing BzzzzKill, your J-Bass’s true single-coil voice will shine through without the buzz. You may need to adjust your guitar’s tone controls, amp’s tone controls, amp’s EQ or effects settings to get your perfect sound. Think of it this way: by removing the buzz, you’re unmasking your guitar’s unique voice and letting the pristine sound of true single-coil pickups shine through.
Your J-Bass now sounds the way it was always meant to!
Questions? Reach us anytime at support@bzzzzkill.com
