The "secret" to "awaken" your bass:
http://www.lollarguitars.com/mm5/mer...d-bass-pickups http://www.lollarguitars.com/blog/ta...-bass-pickups/
What Jason Lollar doesn't tell you there is that they are also a perfect fit for all other Epiphone basses that use "TB Plus" pickups. Which include the "LE" Explorer and Flying V's.
Nobody has reviewed these very special pickups, and I even asked for help or opinions regarding them on these forums. Yes, they are pricey, for pickups. BUT:
These pickups define AMAZING!
The stock pickups are just fine, but (IMO, and I know many disagree with me here) tend to be muddy and too low mid heavy, and not in a good way. They do work, but I knew I could do better with my bass. My V bass has a great setup with low action, so I can testify it's a great playing instrument (after having a professional setup, which most factory basses almost require). Also, at least in my case, my Flying V bass sounds great acoustically. I really cannot say it sucks, because it really doesn't. Well made, especially considering the price (bought it used for $300, with the original 1998 hard shell case; yes, the HUGE case for a mere short scale bass! And yes, the Lollar pickups are more expensive than the bass, but since I love it, I didn't mind.)
These Lollar pickups are meant to be replicas of a vintage 1964 Thunderbird bass tone. I know I do not have an Epi Tbird... but really, the TONE. If my short scale bass is sounding even a bit as a vintage Thunderbird, you will realize why so many people love their authentic Thunderbirds. They are NOT muddy at all. These pickups make my bass growl and GRRRRR with authority, with amazing note definition and clarity, detailed, non-muddy mids (both upper and lower mids) and rich low end tone. Jason described them to me as snarly and aggressive, with lots of clarity. The way he describes them at the website seems like just a mere upgrade for your Epi. On email, he let me know how good these really were, and I took his word for it. I took a big chance. No regrets!!!
I forgot to add, the difference in volume when pickups are soloed vs used together is GONE.
So, thumbs way up for the Lollar Thunderbird pickups!!! If you love your Epiphone, do YOURSELF, your ears, your band members, and your audience a favor and get these! Unleash the real monster hiding under your stock pickups! The price is really worth it. These are really "artist" pickups in my book. Jason really knows what he is doing, as I couldn't even believe who good these pickups sound.
(Note: I use Chrome short scale flatwounds, and play fingerstyle. No mud, NONE at all, all clarity and great note definition! These vintage style pickups are sweet, and I am a super Lollar fan from now on.)
And thank you, Jason Lollar!!!
