the anti honk.

IconBasser · #1 03-11-2007, 07:13 PM

ok guys, I bought a Carvin Icon about 1 year ago. I must say I love everything about this bass, the finish, the playability, but not the tone. The Soap Bars that they came out with are like, the uber honk. Piles of mids, and I absolutely hate them. the dimensions are 4.25x1.25

I need some Ideas on replacement soap bars. I'm lookin for an 'anti honk', something deep and smooth, but not muddy. suggestions?

P.S. if anyone's lookin for uber-middy soap bars, look no further than Carvin

)

sincity · #2 03-12-2007, 02:22 PM

I think the Bartolini P2 Soapbars are the same dimension.

Probably would sound great in the Icon.

I am assuming the Icon's pickups are passive.

IconBasser · #3 03-12-2007, 04:20 PM

yeah, they are and surprise surprise the P2's were the ones I was lookin at. Any people have experience with those?

PilbaraBass · #4 03-12-2007, 06:10 PM

another option is the Nordie DC5 or FS5...

http://www.bestbassgear.com/nordstrand-pickups.htm

I think a Fat Stack pair in an Icon 5 would be an awesome combination.

I'm wondering, however, is it the Carvin pickups that are honky, the preamp, or both?

IconBasser · #5 03-12-2007, 10:27 PM

I'm pretty sure its just the pickups, because I've heard these soaps on different pre-amps and they sound the same. Besides, my preamp has the mid sweep set to 200hz and completely cut. Still sounds honky.

PilbaraBass · #6 03-13-2007, 06:50 PM

i've heard a few complaints about the Icon's soaps...

it's really unfortunate, because IMO Carvin instruments are beautiful and well-made and those Icons are especially gorgeous..

Id probably go with the Nordie fat stacks...you'll get a bit more "vintage" type of tone from these, I think...with the Dual Coils, you'll get more of a modern 'bucker sound, similar to the barts...

why don't you email Nordstrand pickups and ask a few questions?

I once e-mailed them and Stewart McKinsey responded very quickly with good information...really nice dudes over there...

IconBasser · #7 03-13-2007, 07:40 PM

so, I checked out those nordies, and they have 3 screws, Carvins only have 2. I'd hate to start drilling into such a beautiful instrument.

PilbaraBass · #8 03-13-2007, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

so, I checked out those nordies, and they have 3 screws, Carvins only have 2. I'd hate to start drilling into such a beautiful instrument.

hmmmm...

personally, I'd still do it...it's not like the holes will be visible...

you can also contact Nordstrand about this...they may already have a solution...

**WoodyG3** · #9 03-13-2007, 08:46 PM

Iconbasser,

Have you tried new strings yet???

I know you've said you have stainless on now. Nickel strings might do the trick for a lot less $ than new pickups.

IconBasser · #10 03-13-2007, 10:26 PM

I got new strings a week ago. It sounded kewl when they still had that super bright super new sound, but when that faded, it sounded the same as it always did. Sorry fellow Carvin players, but I just don't like these pickups.

sunbeast · #11 03-14-2007, 07:57 AM

The pickups have always seemed to be their weak link- their basses are phenomenal in playability, especially for the price. The neck on my early LB-70 is the most comfortable one I've ever owned, but the old pickups/preamp had no bottom end except in the most extreme EQ settings. I changed them out for a passive setup with Dimarzio Model Js and now the bass just kills! (if only it was a P-bass configuration, it would be my main player)

Karl

PilbaraBass · #12 03-14-2007, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunbeast

The pickups have always seemed to be their weak link- their basses are phenomenal in playability, especially for the price. The neck on my early LB-70 is the most comfortable one I've ever owned, but the old pickups/preamp had no bottom end except in the most extreme EQ settings. I changed them out for a passive setup with Dimarzio Model Js and now the bass just kills! (if only it was a P-bass configuration, it would be my main player)

Karl

interesting point...

why doesn't carvin offer a bass with a P-pickup? I believe that they used to back in the 80's

Carvin would probably go a long way forward, if they offered other pickups as options to their basses. I know that they are now carrying Dunlop and Zoom effects...perhaps, they should look at offering SD or DiMarzio Pickups in their basses...

Carvin people, are you hearing this?

IconBasser · #13 03-14-2007, 09:57 PM

yeah, I'm hearin ya. I've heard a lot of pros complain about Carvin's lack of leniancy on this topic. Maybe they're slowly transitioning. EEK! I shouldn't have read the mtd gas pics thread, now I'm totally craving one. i'll take a mahogany body, with curly redwood top, ebony fretboard, black hardware....

SpankyPants · #14 03-14-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

ok guys, I bought a Carvin Icon about 1 year ago. I must say I love everything about this bass, the finish, the playability, but not the tone. The Soap Bars that they came out with are like, the uber honk. Piles of mids, and I absolutely hate them. the dimensions are 4.25x1.25

I need some Ideas on replacement soap bars. I'm lookin for an 'anti honk', something deep and smooth, but not muddy. suggestions?

P.S. if anyone's lookin for uber-middy soap bars, look no further than Carvin

)

I love the thread title! I knew exactly what you were looking for before I even opened the thread.

However, I have no suggestions. Sorry! ;-D

IconBasser · #15 03-17-2007, 01:56 PM

so.. it sounds like its pretty much down to the Bart P2's and the Nordies. Any1 ever compare the two? I'm lookin for a smoother sound, I want it to be very clear sounding, yet still warm.

BassoP · #16 03-17-2007, 09:19 PM

I played an Icon at the carvin store in hollywood last year. Liked everything but the tone, and your description is spot on with my experience. All mid honk, no thump or snap. I much preferred the LB76 that they had that was MM/J. For that matter, I much prefer my LB76 with two of the old humcancilling Js. No replacement solution, just my observation.

IconBasser · #17 03-17-2007, 11:41 PM

yeah, I like Carvin's J's. they did well with those. I'd have gotten those if I'd known any better.

IconBasser · #18 03-19-2007, 07:58 AM

one last bump before I let this die.

PilbaraBass · #19 03-19-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IconBasser

one last bump before I let this die.

don't let it die, just report back once you put those Nordies in

IconBasser · #20 03-19-2007, 04:57 PM

you know, I really am leaning more towards the barts...