Can an EMG-CS deliver some MM growl?

JanusZarate · #1 04-10-2007, 12:00 PM

I currently have my Schecter Stiletto Elite-4 loaded with an EMG-35P4 in the neck, and an EMG-35DC in the bridge. I love the P4 where it is; I get a punchy P-bass tone that has great lows, definition, and a midrange punch. The DC at the bridge adds some trebly edge to the tone, appropriate for a grittier, heavier style.

However, I'm not entirely satisfied with the DC. It's a bit too bright, IMO, and it lacks midrange. I tried switching the two pickups last night (DC by the neck, P4 by the bridge), to see if it would help. The DC was definitely deep and bright, but it lacked the midrange character of the P4. The P4 in the bridge wasn't too great; it had growl, but not enough low end there.

I played a Musicman Stingray last night, and I think I'll be getting that as the next bass to compliment my Stiletto. The tone of the MM is awesome - growly (even somewhat gritty), mid-heavy, deep, and defined, but not overly bright.

Would replacing the DC with a CS get me something a bit similar? I don't want to nail that tone by any means (what would be the point of buying a Stingray, then?), but I would like to get a bit of that tone's essence to blend with the EMG-P every now and then.

I know pickup position and style is a huge factor in the MM sound, but I was wondering if the EMG CS pickup could get me some of that midrange depth and growl. I've seen plenty of reviews on TB for their warmth, but little else is mentioned. I've also read here that the EMG-MMCS is tonally the same as the EMG-CS... it has me curious.

Any opinions? Or even suggestions for other soapbars of the same size? I'd like to avoid any new routing, cutting, or drilling on this bass.

luknfur · #2 04-11-2007, 03:34 PM

FWIW:

seems the EMG site indicates as much. I would search for reviews on both and compare the feedback in those.

I had the DC's and didn't think much of them. Struck me as on the thin, bright, brittle side. From recall anyway. I didn't spend much time with them though. For me a lot easier to decide what I don't like than do like. There's a review in FAQ in Dimento's soap experiment. Liked the P and LJ5 fine. The TW (whatever) has the J and CS combined (have to add a switch or pot) but may be worth looking into.

JanusZarate · #3 04-11-2007, 03:45 PM

I'll find out by the end of the week - I placed an order for an EMG-35CS yesterday, and I'll be sure to post up a good review of all three pickups (P4, DC, and CS).

AmpliFuzz · #4 04-12-2007, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticBoo

I'll find out by the end of the week - I placed an order for an EMG-35CS yesterday, and I'll be sure to post up a good review of all three pickups (P4, DC, and CS).

From my admittedly limited experience, a lot of the MM tone comes from a single bright humbucker being in the sweet spot. I've never found that blending a bridge and neck pickup gets close to that, as it tends to scoop the tone no matter what. Good for slap, bad for MM.
Having said that, a CS in the bridge is probably closer than a DC. I'm waiting for your review, I have a DC on the way now too.

JanusZarate · #5 04-16-2007, 12:13 PM

All right, I just installed the CS in the bridge position. Overall, it's much smoother and warmer than the DC ever was. When cranked, it's growly, but more like a jazz pickup than a MusicMan-style pickup.

Still, it's very nice, and it greatly compliments the EMG P pickup in the neck (which is more than I could say for the DC).

The DC, IMHO, works well for two styles:

- Really gritty metal (not much in the way of mids), if it's in either the neck or bridge position (or both...)
- Slap (excellent definition for this technique), if it's in the neck position

As you might guess, it's not the pickup for me... I just couldn't enjoy the DC anymore after trying out the CS.

Plus, on its own in the bridge position, the CS sounds quite good - warm, musical, defined, and a bit growly. While it isn't the MM sound, that's fine with me; I have a Stingray coming in on Wednesday anyway