I installed an Armstrong bridge pickup in my standard jazz bass with positive results.
It's loud and clear. It definitely sounds better than the MIM standard j pickup, which is fine, but this one is clearly better. It's not crazy-hot or scooped, not too much or too little of anything, just a clear well balanced pickup.
Isolated, it's strong enough and round enough on its own. With the tone turned up it has a nice ring to it, articulate & handles chords. Pure.
Tone knob turned down it sounds cool. Still a shot in the arm. I realize that's not much of a description. It sounds like nothing's lost or taken away with the tone knob rolled back.
I only bought the bridge pup for now. I intend to get the neck pup later. As of now the bridge Armstrong pup with the neck mim pup sound great together. They also offer a loaded jb control plate. You'll have to ask them what it includes
Catherine was sitting in front of the cab while I tested it out and she said she could feel the notes better after I installed the Armstrong & thought it sounded sharper. I don't think it's Marcus miller sharp but it's sharper & louder than a stock.
Build quality is solid, robust.
The manufacturer said he spent four years taking apart pickups. Sounds familiar. Good communication by email & shipped in a few days
Their info: Armstrong, Division of OnlyMusic LLC Rutherford, NJ onlymusicusa.com email [email protected]
$40
Charles
Updated info:
After using this pickup every day for a week then going back to my P-bass Special with a Dimarzio in the bridge position (the Dimarzio model with adjustable pole pieces) I've come to love the Armstrong and hate the Dimarzio. The Armstrong is tight and exact. I get the sound I want and love, from it. The Dimarzio sounds like I'm talking with my nose plugged. It requires constant adjusting on my equalizer which I prefer not to do. I realize now why I had to fiddle with the equalizer so often with my P; it's because the pickup is just dreadfully wrong. I thought I was OCD'd but I'm not. My conclusion--I intend to replace the Dimarzio with another Armstrong.
It's loud and clear. It definitely sounds better than the MIM standard j pickup, which is fine, but this one is clearly better. It's not crazy-hot or scooped, not too much or too little of anything, just a clear well balanced pickup.
Isolated, it's strong enough and round enough on its own. With the tone turned up it has a nice ring to it, articulate & handles chords. Pure.
Tone knob turned down it sounds cool. Still a shot in the arm. I realize that's not much of a description. It sounds like nothing's lost or taken away with the tone knob rolled back.
I only bought the bridge pup for now. I intend to get the neck pup later. As of now the bridge Armstrong pup with the neck mim pup sound great together. They also offer a loaded jb control plate. You'll have to ask them what it includes
Catherine was sitting in front of the cab while I tested it out and she said she could feel the notes better after I installed the Armstrong & thought it sounded sharper. I don't think it's Marcus miller sharp but it's sharper & louder than a stock.
Build quality is solid, robust.
The manufacturer said he spent four years taking apart pickups. Sounds familiar. Good communication by email & shipped in a few days
Their info: Armstrong, Division of OnlyMusic LLC Rutherford, NJ onlymusicusa.com email [email protected]
$40
Charles
Updated info:
After using this pickup every day for a week then going back to my P-bass Special with a Dimarzio in the bridge position (the Dimarzio model with adjustable pole pieces) I've come to love the Armstrong and hate the Dimarzio. The Armstrong is tight and exact. I get the sound I want and love, from it. The Dimarzio sounds like I'm talking with my nose plugged. It requires constant adjusting on my equalizer which I prefer not to do. I realize now why I had to fiddle with the equalizer so often with my P; it's because the pickup is just dreadfully wrong. I thought I was OCD'd but I'm not. My conclusion--I intend to replace the Dimarzio with another Armstrong.
