Hello all,
I have just recently acquired a Spector Legend 6-String bass, really enjoying it so far.
I won't blab on too much about the specs, as plenty of people here would know about them, but it currently has stock pickups installed, which are EMG-SSD (Stuart Spector Design) passive soapbars, which I am led to believe are fairly similar to EMG-HZs. When I bought the bass, I was also given a brand new, unopened EMG 45CS active pickup, which I am considering installing. The bass sounds pretty good as it is, but from some reading around, I get the impression installing active EMGs will bring a better sound out of the bass.
Installing just the 45CS and keeping the other passive pickup and it's current EQ system would probably be a bit weird and possibly give way to dodgy gain structure, as I imagine the active would provide a lot hotter signal (as well as having a different impedance), especially if I run it off an 18V supply, as most people recommend. So I've been thinking about buying another pickup, either another 45CS, or a 45DC and seeing what position I want each pickup in for the best range of sound. Apparently the 45CS has slightly warmer tone, compared to the 45DC which has a bit more high end. Personally I like what is relatively (to other bassists I know/have seen play/hear on recordings) more trebley, clean sound, though of course with enough low end to keep things going. :-D
I was wondering if anyone else here have basses with active EMGs installed they can comment on, have replaced their pickups with EMGs, or have any other experience/thoughts with EMGs. EMG haters steer clear please, unless of course you have constructive comments to make. :P
