Pickup options for MK-1 rout

JMDT · #1 12-12-2008, 12:15 PM

I have a 4 string Ibanez Soundgear that desperately needs new pickups. The stock pickups sound dead even compared to one of my basses with EMG-HZ's and I don't have a high opinion of the HZ's.

So far the only pickups that I know will work are of course the Bartolini MK4's and then I've been told that Nordstrand can make a custom order on pickups that size. Nordstrand makes dual coils, fat stacks, and big splits that fit in this housing from there website. Does Nordstrand make any other configurations of note on a custom order?

So who else makes pickups that fit in here and more importantly, what do any of these pickups sound like.

Somewhat of a secondary question, but the preamp will go eventually too as it has way to much noise. What pre's work well with the different pickup possibilities.

Thanks,
JMDT

greenboy · #2 12-12-2008, 12:22 PM

What's the actual route size? I know at least some of the SR models/years go well with EMG 35/Bart M3 and EMG 40/Bart M4 sizes, which are 1.5" by 3.5" and 1.5" by 4" respectively.

JMDT · #3 12-12-2008, 12:24 PM

I think it's 4.25" by 1.33"

LightGroove · #4 12-12-2008, 02:40 PM

Quite a few companies are using these pickups in their "oversees" models..

You may want to search the Lakland 44-01/55-01 threads as there has been some pickup swapping going on. I want to say most are installing Nordstrands with good results. The only issue I can forsee is with Ibanez string spacing. Not sure about yours but most if not all I've played have had really narrow spacing. If its narrow that may rule out a few options .

Why the swap? They sound ok in a few of the clips I have heard.