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6 String Bass Soapbars

zebutters

zebutters

Mar 29, 2024
19
1
#1
Hello all,

Recently been searching for a 6 string pickup option, soapbar (ideally not EMG sized, P4 would be much closer to what I have, 118mm cavity). I searched for previous threads and all were making recommendations for pickups that are not available anymore from what I saw.

I have looked at Nordstrand offerings, Bart, MEC, Delano etc. Nothing has quite struck me as the right fit. I liked Nordstrand Big Singles and Zenblades, but they are pricey and I only need a single pickup.

Any ideas? Let me know if you are selling one as well :)
 
#2
zebutters said:
but they are pricey and I only need a single pickup
Click to expand...

Hello. It would be helpful if you stated your price point. One person's pricey is another's low priced.

With the exception of Jazz Bass-types, bass guitar pickups usually are available singly. If you weren't seeing that as you researched particular models, you can contact the makers to ask about single pickups.
 
#3
Snaxster said:
Hello. It would be helpful if you stated your price point. One person's pricey is another's low priced.

With the exception of Jazz Bass-types, bass guitar pickups usually are available singly. If you weren't seeing that as you researched particular models, you can contact the makers to ask about single pickups.
Click to expand...


Good point! In my neck of the woods, a Nordy Zen Blace single would cost 240 CAD before taxes and shipping, so I’m at about 300 dollars but the end of it.
 
#4
Used is most cost effective, but it’s often hard to find a single 6 string soapbar for sale… nevertheless, if you’re patient, something might pop up… you can also post a ‘wanted’ ad on Talkbass.

You can also buy a set, and sell the one you don’t like.

in terms of models, you listed the major players/brands in this market… especially those that are not at the highest end. Nordstrand is a pretty good bet, and there’s lots of demos online to make an informed choice. But there’s always gonna be some luck/trial and error.

just curious, what soapbar do you have now and what don’t you like about it?
 
#6
sikamikanico said:
Used is most cost effective, but it’s often hard to find a single 6 string soapbar for sale… nevertheless, if you’re patient, something might pop up… you can also post a ‘wanted’ ad on Talkbass.

You can also buy a set, and sell the one you don’t like.

in terms of models, you listed the major players/brands in this market… especially those that are not at the highest end. Nordstrand is a pretty good bet, and there’s lots of demos online to make an informed choice. But there’s always gonna be some luck/trial and error.

just curious, what soapbar do you have now and what don’t you like about it?
Click to expand...


All good ideas. I am modifying a Washburn BB6 within an inch of its life. The plan thus far is to swap the preamp out with the Redeemer buffer, double the bridge pickup cavity and drop the existing 2 pickups in there. I am then going to add a new neck pickup, which is what I am on the hunt for. I am also open to adding the new pickup to the new bridge space.

upload_2024-3-29_21-15-54-png.5401624


upload_2024-3-29_21-18-1-png.5401625
 
#8
I recall some liked Roswell pickups. At first glance, they seem to offer the P4 size and are affordable. Might be a good option if you end up replacing the two stock ones too…

a little bit more $$ and slightly odd size are the import Kent Armstrongs. I liked their MM pickup, tho admittedly more for their single coil tone (I’m not much of a humbucker guy, especially with a wide aperture of MM pickups).

But frankly, I’d start by just moving the neck pickup, see how that works, go from there. You can put an empty pickup shell in the neck to make it look nice.
 
#13
sikamikanico said:
I recall some liked Roswell pickups. At first glance, they seem to offer the P4 size and are affordable. Might be a good option if you end up replacing the two stock ones too…

a little bit more $$ and slightly odd size are the import Kent Armstrongs. I liked their MM pickup, tho admittedly more for their single coil tone (I’m not much of a humbucker guy, especially with a wide aperture of MM pickups).

But frankly, I’d start by just moving the neck pickup, see how that works, go from there. You can put an empty pickup shell in the neck to make it look nice.
Click to expand...


Unfortunately, the Roswell dealer sells the 6 string soap in minimum quantities of 10 units.
 
#20
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