Advice on a new MM pickup

RPIcka · #1 02-14-2009, 12:37 PM

I'm building a MM style bass and can't decide on a pickup and pre-amp combo. I'm looking at a complete Bartolini set-up but have no experience with Bartolini's MM pickups and the different choices available. I'm looking for a sound close to the original sound of a Stingray. Thinking about EMG as well. Anyone with experience with these setups or just your favorite set-up? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

BananaKing · #2 02-14-2009, 12:38 PM

I'm actually looking for the same, So I'll be following this thread.

I'm looking at Delano or Nordstrand or Basslines.

RPIcka · #3 02-14-2009, 12:41 PM

I've considered a complete Nordstrand set-up as well as I've heard good things about it.

BigOldHarry · #4 02-14-2009, 12:42 PM

I used the SD MM p'up with a basslines 2 band preamp and like it in my Warmoth frankensaber...

RPIcka · #5 02-14-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I used the SD MM p'up with a basslines 2 band preamp and like it in my Warmoth frankensaber...

What model pickup?

mangle · #6 02-14-2009, 01:09 PM

RPIcka, I'm in the very same situation! I'm blocked chosing the MM pickup for my project bass...
Someone tried Ken Armstrong MM pickups? thanks

RPIcka · #7 02-15-2009, 09:09 AM

Anyone?

BadB · #8 02-15-2009, 09:12 AM

John East now makes a pre-amp based on the pre-Ernie Ball Stingray. I'd probably give that one a shot with a Nordy or Delano pickup.

maconbass · #9 02-15-2009, 11:42 AM

IME, the Barlolini MM sounds nothing like a StringRay. The Nordstrand and Basslines (Seymour Duncan) both do a great job though. I have a Basslines, taken out of a Lakland, in a bass I'm experimenting with and it sounds very StingRayish.

quee · #10 02-15-2009, 12:33 PM

A Nordstrand pickup with a John East MM pre comes close to the sound of and old MM, although the John East preamp has a slightly more modern sound to the eq which is no bad thing. The sound of MM preamps does vary depending what year they were made in, the main feature being loads of top end boost. The John East has this top end boost but is very low noise.

NorCal Dog · #11 02-15-2009, 12:38 PM

Nordstrand MM4.2 / OBP-1

AWESOME

maconbass · #12 02-15-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Dog

Nordstrand MM4.2 / OBP-1

AWESOME

I also have the OBP-1 along with the Basslines MM pu. It seems to nail the SR tone.

Caca de Kick · #13 02-15-2009, 02:22 PM

Why don't you look at the Musicman preamp and pickup that's currently listed in the classifieds. It's a 3 band eq and factory pickup.
I've also usd the Duncan setup with great results.
The John East preamp is supposed to be the closest to the old 2 band eq sound. Depends on which you want.

Sorry, but Bartolini completely misses the mark on getting the MM sound.

RPIcka · #14 02-15-2009, 03:01 PM

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated. I really like the option of an active/passive switch ala Nordstrand and Bartolini and I do like the sound of a Lakland MM bridge p/u, which why I was thinking Bartolini. Anyone have experience with an EMG MM p/u and EQ?

RPIcka · #15 02-16-2009, 08:14 PM

Any more opinions would be great.

maconbass · #16 02-16-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPIcka

I do like the sound of a Lakland MM bridge p/u, which why I was thinking Bartolini. Anyone have experience with an EMG MM p/u and EQ?

I've played Laklands with the Bartolini pickups and the Basslines (Duncan). IMO the Bartolini sounds NOTHING like a StingRay but the Basslines pretty much nails it. If you're after a SR tone, stay away from the Bart. Stick with Basslines or Nordstrand.

RPIcka · #17 02-17-2009, 10:57 PM

I like the SR tone but I dont mind a little modern twist. I was contemplating a Glock pre but I dont see any one pickup models out there.

Rano Bass · #18 02-18-2009, 05:47 AM

Basslines alnico pup and East preamp IMO

Pickup http://www.bestbassgear.com/basslines-pickups-smb4a.htm

Preamp http://www.bestbassgear.com/mmsr-v-b-t-m-preamp.htm

lug · #19 02-18-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maconbass

IME, the Barlolini MM sounds nothing like a StringRay. The Nordstrand and Basslines (Seymour Duncan) both do a great job though. I have a Basslines, taken out of a Lakland, in a bass I'm experimenting with and it sounds very StingRayish.

+1 I have a Bart MMC in one of my basses. I hear that the Seymour Duncan's are almost exactly alike. To my ears the Bart is a very wide frequency, smooth sounding PU without a lot of punch. The Stingray is a more mids-focused punchy pup but not as "refined" sounding as the Bart but punches you in the head. I think of the Bart as a great pup for bass-centric music and the Stingray sound as great in a heavier guitar driven environment. YMMV.

depalm · #20 02-18-2009, 08:32 AM

Nordstrand mm4.2

humbucking (dual coil) 4 string Music Man®-type bass pickups

This pickup is an accurate reproduction of an early pre-Ernie Ball® Music Man® pickup. It uses the same wire, the same magnets, and has the same DC resistance. As a result, it sounds just like the early Music Man® basses that are so widely coveted. Includes black cover (exposed pole pieces).

BTB MMSR Preamp by John East

BTB MMSR Preamp Description

The BTB-MMSR has been designed with characteristics very similar to the original MM Stingray© 2 Band EQ, but is not a copy of the original circuit. The original used a single op-amp chip (single amplifier stage in the form of a chip) for both bass and treble circuits, whereas this unit utilises a more modern dual op-amp chip (two amplifiers stages in a single chip).

This unit is supplied fully wired, including 3 single pots, knobs, jack and battery clip, which may be spliced into an existing battery box, as would be available, in most cases. * Single Knob - VOLUME

* Single Knob - Late 70s MM style TREBLE

* Single Knob - Late 70s MM style BASS

POWER REQUIREMENTS: 9-18V, 1.25mA