Wanting to change out my BC Rich Pups, are my options really that limited?

[AciDBatH666]

I'd like to change out the pickups on my B.C. Rich Warbeast to something grittier. Got some EMGs in mind. I'm still fairly new to bass equipment and most of my knowledge is from 10 or so years from playing guitar. With guitar it's easy... Replace the humbucker. There really aren't too many issues with making sure it'll fit on a guitar.

On this bass, I'm finding that there's too many issues of "Crap, this won't fit, that wont work.. DAMNIT!"
Is my only real option to actually cut out the body to make it fit? This is more of a rhetorical question, but is this something commonly done in this circumstance?
I don't mind going with something other than the EMGs, but just wondering if it's a common occurrence that comes up with basses.

[SGD Lutherie]

From the photos I looked at, that bass has two Music Man style pickups. There are plenty of replacements to choose from. For a gritty tone, try Duncan ceramic MM pickups.

But the grit doesn't really come from the bass, it's from the amp or effects. Its different than on guitar.

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

From the photos I looked at, that bass has two Music Man style pickups. There are plenty of replacements to choose from. For a gritty tone, try Duncan ceramic MM pickups.

But the grit doesn't really come from the bass, it's from the amp or effects. Its different than on guitar.

Agreed.

And should you decide to get new p'ups, best to make sure you know your measurements; Some p'ups that look like they'll fit but when you get them in hand...

[AciDBatH666]

Well I'm planning on getting a Gallien Krueger 1001rbII soon so I'm hoping that it will be as good as I've read. I'm using a Sansamp bass driver DI that I really like.
Maybe I'll wait till I get that GK head before I decide to mess with pickups.
Thanks for the info

[AciDBatH666]

BOH, that's why I was asking about "if my options are really that limited" because I looked at the measurements on the pickups I was interested in and debated if it would fit or barely fit.

[SGD Lutherie]

Originally Posted by AciDBatH666

BOH, that's why I was asking about "if my options are really that limited" because I looked at the measurements on the pickups I was interested in and debated if it would fit or barely fit.

There is a standard size for Music Man Stingray pickups, just as there is a standard for Gibson style humbuckers and Strat and Jazz bass pickups.



If these pickups do not match that, probably the best bet is to rout the cavities to the correct size. That way you can try a whole mess of pickups. You have Duncan/Basslines, Bartolini, DeLano, Carvin, Nordstrand, Villex, Artec, Kent Armstrong, EMG, and myself making pickups in that exact size, and they all sound a little different.

I'd bet those pickups are the correct size based on the fact that we all get our covers from the same companies in Asia (except Duncan, EMG, and Ernie Ball who make their own). So I'm sure they will fit.

Now the fun part begins.

[AciDBatH666]

Just sized up mine with a pair of calipers. It's 1.92" X 4.02".
Cool beans. So I got options. I'll wait on the GK head till I decide to mess with the pickups.
Thanks for the info guys. Helps me sort out some options

[SGD Lutherie]

Cool!

Welcome to bassland.