EMG HZ pickups Spector Bass Vs Dean Edge Vs Squier 5 Strings

[idResponse]

Okay...
I have a dean edge 6 which has the EMG HZ pickups in it. Passive.

I'm wanting to trade it in on a 5 string bass, because I really can't seem to dig the 6 strings. I never really use the high C and want wider string spacing.

now, while the pickups are pretty cool sounding on the dean, i'm used to the super high gain output from my g&l sb-1 (passive singlecoil) and the bc rich mockingbird (active)

I really wanted to get a spector until i realized they were using emg hz's...

then i read peavey is using the same electronics as the cirrus series in the lower price 5 string they offer...

and then, there's the cheap squier 5 j bass... which -seriously- catches my eye even though it's the super cheapo model, simply because i dig that tone, but is the output going to be pretty quiet on this one too? should i just shoot the extra cash toward the active 5 instead of the passive?

i'm looking for the most budget conscious decision but don't want to get something i don't like or will fall apart. i want to add something to the fold that will become as near and dear to me as the sb-1 i cradle in my arms to sleep every night...

i swear i don't really sleep with my bass...

[Philbiker]

There's a reason your amp has a gain control. Turn it up for lower output instruments. I used to have a Dean Edge 5 and I loved the tone of the EMG-HZ pickups in that thing. Sounds like you like the tone also, just want more gain. Don't be shy with your amp!

If you're asking for 5 string bass recommendations, I suggest checking the Basses forum, or, better yet, checking the classifieds.

[Rickett Customs]

Depends on which Spector, "performer" and "Legends", uses mostly HZ's, few EMG designed SSD pups. Rebops use HZ's

The Euro NT and US NTuse EMG "DC" soapbar and P&J pups. US BO use EMG "CS-TW" pups

[idResponse]

most of the time i am plugging direct in to the mixer... so i don't think it's a matter of turning up the gain on my amp i was thinking more along the lines of pickups that won't require me to change any settings when i change instruments...

[Philbiker]

Originally Posted by idResponse

most of the time i am plugging direct in to the mixer... so i don't think it's a matter of turning up the gain on my amp i was thinking more along the lines of pickups that won't require me to change any settings when i change instruments...

I don't think you'll ever find that. Every instrument has different outputs. Some active basses have internal trim pots which allow you to adjust the max output to do what you want.

[tedsalt]

You might try plugging a Sansamp direct box between your bass and the mixer. You can adjust the gain using this.