The Eternal "Timeless ’74" J-Style Bass Pickup Set captures the bold, punchy character of mid-1970s offset bass pickups — delivering deep lows, strong midrange presence and crisp articulation with a little more output than traditional early-’60s designs.
Sitting neatly between our Timeless ’64 and Timeless ’84 sets in both tone and output, the ’74 set can best be described as “vintage hot.” It retains the clarity and depth of a great vintage pickup while adding extra girth and power for modern players.
Whether you’re chasing classic Jazz Bass articulation, thicker midrange to cut through a mix, or simply a little more output to push your amp harder, the Timeless ’74 set offers vintage warmth with added authority.
Inspired by the Mid-’70s Evolution of the Jazz Bass
During the 1970s, Jazz Bass pickups evolved slightly from earlier designs. While the basic construction remained the same, many examples from this period featured slightly hotter winds and a more forward midrange response.
The Timeless ’74 set reflects this character using scatter-wound 42 AWG Plain Enamel wire, producing:
• deeper, more muscular low end
• stronger low-mid presence
• crisp, articulate highs
The result is a pickup set that maintains vintage clarity while offering the extra weight and punch many players associate with ’70s bass tones.
Hand-selected Alnico 5 rod magnets with flush, unbevelled tops ensure accurate string response and strong note definition across the entire register.
How the ’74 Differs from the ’64
While the Timeless ’64 set captures the open, airy clarity of early pre-CBS instruments, the Timeless ’74 reflects the slightly hotter, punchier character that emerged during the 1970s.
Small variations in winding and output during the CBS era produced pickups with stronger low-mid presence and a little more natural compression, resulting in a thicker, more muscular voice while still retaining the articulation and clarity that define the classic offset bass sound.
The result is a pickup set that sits comfortably between vintage finesse and modern stage authority — classic Jazz Bass tone with extra push and presence.
Vintage Offset Layout
Like classic offset bass designs, the Timeless ’74 set follows the traditional pickup spacing and output balance, with the bridge pickup wound slightly hotter than the neck.
Because string movement is naturally reduced closer to the bridge, the hotter bridge pickup helps maintain balanced output between positions while delivering the focused attack many players expect from the bridge position.
When both pickups are blended together, their interaction produces the famous natural mid-scoop associated with classic Jazz Bass tone — delivering tight lows, airy highs and a balanced, mix-friendly response.
Polarity Options
The Timeless J-Style pickups are supplied in vintage orientation as standard, meaning both pickups share the same magnetic polarity and winding direction - just like original instruments of the era. This preserves the lively, open response and subtle harmonic texture that define classic single-coil bass tone.
For players who prefer reduced noise on modern stages, the set can also be supplied in reverse-wound / reverse-polarity (RWRP) configuration. In this setup, each pickup still functions as a true single coil, but when both pickups are used together electrical hum is cancelled.
Choose the configuration that best suits your playing environment:
• Vintage Spec — historically accurate single-coil behaviour
• RWRP Pairing — hum-cancelling when both pickups are used together
Key Features
Vintage-Hot J-Style Single-Coil Design
Inspired by the punchy character of mid-1970s bass pickups.
Hand Scatter-Wound Coils
Enhances harmonic richness and dynamic response.
Plain Enamel Coil Wire
Produces warm lows and clear articulation.
Flush-Top Alnico 5 Magnets
Deliver strong note definition and balanced output.
Vintage Cloth Push-Back Leads
Authentic wiring and easy installation.
Light Wax Potting
Stabilises the coil while preserving natural resonance.
Black Pickup Covers Included
Period-correct appearance.
Aged or Unaged Options
Choose a pristine appearance or subtle vintage patina.
Tonal Profile
Lows
Thick, warm and punchy.
Mids
Slightly pushed for extra presence and weight.
Highs
Clear, crisp and articulate.
Overall
Classic Jazz Bass tone with extra power and punch — perfect for players who want vintage clarity with a little more muscle.
Specifications
Bridge Pickup
~9.1kΩ DC Resistance
Neck Pickup
~8.7kΩ DC Resistance
Magnets
Flush-top Alnico 5 rod magnets
Wire
42 AWG Plain Enamel
Construction
Traditional single-coil offset design
Polarity (Vintage Spec)
Same magnetic polarity and winding direction
Optional Configuration
Reverse-wound / reverse-polarity pairing for hum cancellation when both pickups are used together
Flatwork
Black fibre
Lead Wires
Vintage cloth push-back
Potting
Light wax potting
Vintage Power, Eternal Clarity
If you love the warmth and articulation of classic offset bass pickups but want a little more output, midrange presence and punch, the Eternal Timeless ’74 J-Style Bass Pickup Set delivers vintage tone with added authority — handcrafted for players who demand both character and power.
Trademark Notice
Fender®, Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
These trademarks are used solely to describe compatibility or historical reference. Eternal Guitars is not affiliated with or endorsed by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.
