Ibanez SRX Replacement Pickups - Page 2

THand · #21 11-07-2012, 07:33 AM

I recently took the preamp out of my srx 590, and went V, V, T...I like it much better.
I recommend trying this full passive set-up, and if you still don't like it THEN replace the pups and pre...you may like it just as much, and it will save you some bucks.

BTW..what about the extra hole left by going V, V, T? my solution was to put in a switchcraft jack there so it is set up just like a jazz...others have just done a dummy knob.

**GrandLowBass** · #22 11-07-2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THand

I recently took the preamp out of my srx 590, and went V, V, T...I like it much better.
I recommend trying this full passive set-up, and if you still don't like it THEN replace the pups and pre...you may like it just as much, and it will save you some bucks.

I do love saving some bucks...and batteries! So I'm guessing the wiring without the preamp is done just like a jazz bass? Also, do the pickups change their tonal quality without the preamp/active circuit?

inmate13 · #23 11-07-2012, 11:19 AM

Yes, like jazz we can say

but you have many options regarding volume and tone.

Tomorrow i'm gonna try this one:
http://www.seymourduncan.com/support...assive_soapbar

It's the same like THand posted, V/V/T wiring. And yes, this changes tone because now you are going to hear pure pickup.

And for the pots, correct me if i'm wrong, use 250kohm for single coils or 500kohm for dual coils.

THand · #24 11-07-2012, 12:16 PM

I actually used a jazz wiring kit laying around that I picked up from basspartsresource previously.
I wired it just like a jazz bass, except that I also shielded it and star-grounded it.
I used the big CTS 250 pots, so I had to take just a whisker out of the control cavity to keep the big pots off of the wall in there and I had to make the holes a little bigger.
FYI, the pups are just 2 wire, black is ground, white is hot...also, you'll probably find 3 more thin black wires coming into the cavity. One is from the bridge, and the other 2 are from each pup route...I just ran them straight to the ground lug on the jack.

To me, doing away with the pre and going full passive makes this bass less boomy, harsh, and clanky, and makes it much easier to control (tone-wise).

IMO, the pups are pretty good pups...

**GrandLowBass** · #25 11-07-2012, 03:10 PM

Thanks for the schematic, inmate!

THand, I think I'll try what you did. It's much more appealing than fully replacing the guts. Plus, the pickups actually look pretty cool!

THand · #26 11-07-2012, 07:15 PM

I hope you enjoy the change, if not you can always continue down the path of finding a replacement knowing what the stock pups sound like.
Lots of people who had been frustrated with the pre found this passive route as the way to go on this bass, myself included. Keep us posted on what you think and whether it works for you, or if you go for a new pup or pre.

inmate13 · #27 11-09-2012, 03:06 PM

Just tried the passive wiring today on my ibby BTB and ohhhhh man the bass breathes now

even the strings i tought were dead have sound now. No wonder i was changing them so quickly with bad preamp

Guess the only thing i need to get a closer look at is ground, I was doing rewiring for 1st time

**Ric5** · #28 11-09-2012, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrandLowBass

Well those Barts just blew me away, but Nordstrand has always interested me. The only problem I would have is selecting a winding; I probably lean towards big splits but the dual coils and fat stacks interest me. Any more info?

The Bartolini pickups will be smooth and well mannered. Nordstrand will be more edgy and aggressive.

Also Seymour Duncan may make a soap bar pickup that fits that route.