Alternative to EMG Select pickups

[macribas]

Hi!

I have an Ibanez EXB445 from the 90's, made in Korea, with EMG Select pickups, two single coil J-style ones. It was my first real instrument, so it has a sentimental value.

Back then, it sounded awesome. Now after all these years, I am getting a bit more demanding, I feel that although they don't sound bad, they could be better.

I was doing some research on the EMG Select pickups today and found out that they are not like real EMGs, but a second line to them. Is that true?

If I wanted to get more clarity to my sound, which would be good alternatives to these pickups? I play a little bit of everything, from metal to Brazilian music, so it has to be an all-around pickup. But I would use that bass mostly for the hard rock stuff, because of its looks.

I am recent to the active pickup world, I still don't have a good grip on controlling it. I am looking for a passive solution for this bass primarily - not a big mod.

Thanks!
Marcel

[Bass-Adrenaline]

There are a ton of threads that really cover this same subject. Probably a bunch on the first page. Just look around and try soen out, thats the best option. Despite what anyone can tell you about what to buy thats just their opinion and it may vary from yours. As far as an active option just add an active/passive switch of some kind to a pre amp.

[macribas]

Originally Posted by Bass-Adrenaline

There are a ton of threads that really cover this same subject. Probably a bunch on the first page. Just look around and try soen out, thats the best option. Despite what anyone can tell you about what to buy thats just their opinion and it may vary from yours. As far as an active option just add an active/passive switch of some kind to a pre amp.

Yeah, I saw a few threads on the EMGs after I posted this question. But none had ideas on alternatives, things that would fit (same size, passive circuitry). Not looking for an answer on what to buy, just for other people's experiences so I can have my own. Maybe someone else in the forum has the same bass I have, who knows? Thanks anyway.

[macribas]

Originally Posted by Thunder Pulse

I asked a question about same size replacement pickups for EMG HBs. A little info here:

EMG HB same size alternatives? (guitar humbucker size, Steinberger)

Thanks Thunder, that's great info.

Mine are actually Jazz-type (not HB) and it's a 5-string bass. I better get the exact dimensions, I think.

Cheers
Marcel

[macribas]

Originally Posted by Thunder Pulse

Sorry about that, I glossed over the part where you said they were J single coils.

No problem, it was helpful anyway. I will research the brands mentioned.

Thanks

[FunkMetalBass]

Go with the active EMGs and get a good preamp for it.

You wont be disappointed.

[macribas]

Originally Posted by Thunder Pulse

So you have one of these? http://www.ibanezregister.com/images...xb445br-91.jpg

It looks like it has typical jazz bass sized pickups in it. Measure them - the bridge pickup should be just a bit longer. If that's the case then almost every set of 5-string jazz style pickups will be direct drop in replacements. If both pickups are exactly the same size your selections will be more limited though.

Assuming they're typical size, take a look at the Joe Bardens if you want to try something a bit different:

http://www.joebarden.com/main.php?se...s&pageID=JBass

There's a .PDF on that page with the dimensions of the pickups.

Yes, that's the one!

I will get the measurements tonight.

The Joe Bardens look promising. I am assuming you use them. Do they have or work ok with pickup covers?

Thanks!