pickup advice please

acropora · #1 06-11-2009, 06:40 PM

I have a Spector NS-JH5 I've been playing for 9 years now, getting a little itchy to get a new bass I've gone out and played as many as I can. To my surprise the bass I liked the most was nearly identical to my bass down to the wood, weight, and action. What I liked about the bass was the lightness and playability (like the Spector), and I especially liked, compared to my Spector, the 120hz boom was non-existent, it had a very natural tone and some how the crazy body resonation was mitigated. So that got me thinking that I really should swap out the EMG pickups and electronics and stick with what works for me.

Here's my question and options.

The neck pickup is a J style and the bridge is a soapbar, right there that complicated me for I'm a player and not really a gear guy. The bass I played had Barts which I'd be happy to switch to if I only knew which ones would help my situation (boom and lack of a sweet low middle, my bass sounds deep and papery).

I have the EMG electronics as well as a Bart NTBT, and a Demeter pre as well. I'm inclined to use the Bart electronics since I wasn't happy with the Demeter after I sold my Demeter Preamp.

Anyway, I know the answer is subjective, but honestly I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to electronics, thanks!

walterw · #2 06-11-2009, 10:28 PM

ok, dumb question: how do you usually set the onboard EQ?

dnarock · #3 06-11-2009, 10:39 PM

what was the bass you played ? that may help us

acropora · #4 06-12-2009, 11:41 AM

Walter, I try and keep everything as flat as possible and work off of my amp (Mesa Walkabout) since I can pull out the boom depending on the room resonation.

dnarock, it was a Zon with a western big leaf maple body (light), and a three piece maple neck, the body and neck were very balanced like my Spector and the weight about the same.

mburd · #5 06-17-2009, 07:30 AM

acropora,
I had an 03 NS-JH5 (swamp ash body, tone pump) and currently have an 02 model (figured maple, Aggie OBP-1).
What works best for me, as both pre's are boost-only, is to leave the bass ctl pretty much flat (almost full CCW). I modded the treble ctl to passive cut only, to mitigate the "papery" hi's. I also use Thomastik jazz rounds which further enhances the buttery tone. Best way to describe the sound for me is "articulate with a dash of old-school" (silly, huh?!) Always get great comments on the "fit" of the tone.
Also, I'd say I use the neck J almost exclusively. Sounds much better on the (rootsy, R&B)gig with "mid-y" cabs than "hi-fi" cabs. IE, Eden 112XLT vs Aggie 112.