Microphonic Stingray 5 pickup?

[metron]

I just recently noticed that the pickup in my '93 Stingray 5 is picking up and amplifying some mechanical vibration. This is especially annoying with a pick. Everytime I hit the pickup it comes through the amp pretty loud. Tick tick tick.

Being my first SR5 I guess the obvious first question would be is this normal? I assume not. It doesn't squeal or howl like another very microphonic pickup I experienced in the past on a different bass. Could it be that the windings are slowly coming loose?

If that is the case what in your opinion would be the best fix, to get it rewound or to buy a replacement from EBMM or something else like a Nordstrand?

[CapnSev]

Try lowering the pickup, and covering the pole pieces in clear nail polish first.

[metron]

What does the nailpolish do? It's pretty much the entire pickup making noise including the plastic cover. I have already adjusted the bass recently and it doesn't seem to make a difference.

[joeyl]

are stingray pickups wax potted? you can have it re-dipped in wax if that's the case

[metron]

Don't know for sure about the wax pot, I haven't pulled it out of the bass yet.

Anyone have an SR5 out there? Does your pickup make noise like mine does? Any experience with replacing an older pickup with aftermarket stuff or a new EBMM one?

[metron]

Wood has no impact on tone. J basses are better than P basses.

[metron]

Originally Posted by metron

I just recently noticed that the pickup in my '93 Stingray 5 is picking up and amplifying some mechanical vibration. This is especially annoying with a pick. Everytime I hit the pickup it comes through the amp pretty loud. Tick tick tick.

Being my first SR5 I guess the obvious first question would be is this normal? I assume not. It doesn't squeal or howl like another very microphonic pickup I experienced in the past on a different bass. Could it be that the windings are slowly coming loose?

If that is the case what in your opinion would be the best fix, to get it rewound or to buy a replacement from EBMM or something else like a Nordstrand?

Anyone have an SR5? Do I have a problematic pickup? Aftermarket replacements any good? Maybe I should put this in the OT forum.

[FunkMetalBass]

That sounds like a typical pickup to me. SR pickups are considerably hotter, so maybe you're just not used to it? I'd lower the pickup and work on your picking technique.

[metron]

What I'm saying is if I knock the plastic pickup cover with my knuckle, it comes through the amp. Even the area of body surrounding the pickup amplifies some mechanical vibration. This is characteristic of a microphonic pickup which I have experienced an extreme case of (nasty howling feedback). This is much more subtle so I am just looking for comfirmation from someone with a Stingray - if you knock on the pickup cover, do you hear it through your amp?

[FunkMetalBass]

Originally Posted by metron

What I'm saying is if I knock the plastic pickup cover with my knuckle, it comes through the amp. Even the area of body surrounding the pickup amplifies some mechanical vibration. This is characteristic of a microphonic pickup which I have experienced an extreme case of (nasty howling feedback). This is much more subtle so I am just looking for comfirmation from someone with a Stingray - if you knock on the pickup cover, do you hear it through your amp?

I had a Stingray, and I heard it through my amp.

[Craig_S]

My SR5 is ever so slightly microphonic. Mine is a 2004 model, with the dummy coil.

[metron]

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

I had a Stingray, and I heard it through my amp.

Originally Posted by Craig_S

My SR5 is ever so slightly microphonic. Mine is a 2004 model, with the dummy coil.

Really? Weird. My L1000 has an even hotter output and it's dead silent when I tap on it. I guess I'll just deal with it. Thanks guys!

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by joeyl

are stingray pickups wax potted? you can have it re-dipped in wax if that's the case

They are lacquer potted, like P and J bass were (maybe still are).

[Jim C]

My 83 Stingray does the same; pretty sure most J basses will do this as well