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Big Splits vs Fat Stacks: Who's tried both? Or either?

#41
I unsub'd from this, but I am back!

RE: Output
I've had a handful of basses that POUNDED the input on an amp.
A Status Empathy, a Spector CRFM4, a P bass with a single EMG pickup, a Squier with Sadowsky pickups and this Lakland.
My current Fender has the SCN pickups, which have beefy output and drive the front end slightly... and the Splits would CRUSH that, so they are PUNCHY.

I have an MM Stingray 5 and it doesn't punch as hard as the Fender. The BS's would pummel the standard MM pickup for output.

Of the 73 basses I've owned, this had some of the hardest punching output of them all.
 
#42
mmbongo said:
I'm so torn! Problem is, one person's high output is another persons sweet spot! Splits may be high output compared to something like a Fender, but are they high output compared to my Spector which sounds like a freight train plowing through a tornado?

Let me ask this maybe more universal comparison...how does the output of Splits/Stacks compare to G&L MFD pickups? I'm very familiar with those and love the output they produce.
Click to expand...

I'm not familiar with the G&L MFD's. Never owned them.

I would venture that the Splits will be more of what you're after.

The Fatstacks remind me of P90 guitar pickups for some reason in output and tone.
 
#44
I'm leaning towards Splits as well. I really don't want the hassle of installing switches, which I'd feel compelled to do if I got Stacks. Sounds like Splits will make the notes just jump off the fingerboard, which is what I'm used too with my other basses, and what I want out of this one. A lot of stuff I play with just my left hand only because my basses are so lively that' it's simple :)
 
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#45
I had a BN6 F bass a while back and it sounds like the FS are very similar set up.
the single coil volume (which is the loudest of the two) was louder than a passive bass, but less than a regular active bass. this was not a problem since my other bass (bass switching) is a passive ampeg BB.
When tried the hc mode, the volume did drop quite a bit. and needed extra gain.
I am assuming the FS work very similar. also, from what I read, the BSsplits are a bit darker than Bsingles or FS (single coil mode). I am just concerned about loosing that snap if I was to go with Bsplits.... still divided. but looks like I would probably go with FS, if it doesnt work out to my taste, I can alwasy get the other models..same physical size and sell the other ones...;)
the bass I am planning to work with is a MTD KZ6 maple board, mahogany body.
would love to hear more inputs or sound samples to compare..
great info on this website.
 
#48
maurilio said:
I would not consider the bigsplits dark at all.
Compared to a BS and FS (sc), they have a tiny bit of a dip on the high mids, but crispier highs. Lows are pretty much the same.

M
Click to expand...

thanks for the info.
what would you say between Bsingles and FS (sc) which one would provide a "snapier" sound for slap. or are they very similar. I am looking for a sound that cuts through the most in big band scenario. and the slap can also be heard. (single coil sound of course :).
Hey Maurilio, do you work for Nordstrand?
 
#49
rbolanos said:
thanks for the info.
what would you say between Bsingles and FS (sc) which one would provide a "snapier" sound for slap. or are they very similar. I am looking for a sound that cuts through the most in big band scenario. and the slap can also be heard. (single coil sound of course :).
Hey Maurilio, do you work for Nordstrand?
Click to expand...

You want Splits or Singles. Stacks will be darker with less output. I'd go with Splits since they sound pretty much the same as Singles, but are hum free.
 
#50
mmbongo said:
You want Splits or Singles. Stacks will be darker with less output. I'd go with Splits since they sound pretty much the same as Singles, but are hum free.
Click to expand...

thanks bud,
yeah, that hum can be painful sometimes. i normally play
(90%)both pickups centered, and the ocasional bridge solo pick up. so if I don't sacrifice too much sound on the bsplits,from big singles. then I guess that's the way to go....lots of good choices for sure..and fun of course. cheers
 
#53
I've got a set of fat stacks- killer pickup. The output is only low(ish) with the humcan coils active. I never use 'em but if I find myself in a really noisy environment I've got 'em. I swapped out my tone pot to one with a pull switch, and wired those coils to it so no alterations were needed. Works great.
 
#54
sounds like splits cover all basses :)
wondering if the FS (hc) mode is any usable...or too low of output. even lower than is sc mode?
this is great though, I think I can already hear the Bsplits!
what preamp have you guys tried it with.
i was told the aguilar OP3 it has a tremendous power already that if matched with with nordstrands singles or splits, it might be overkill...
 
#57
mmbongo said:
I had the OBP-3 with mine, they worked great together. They will drive the input of your amp, but a good amp will handle it.
Click to expand...

I had the same combo... all I can say is BE CAREFUL with that bass boost. It will thump HARD. I actually liked the passive sound so much that I kept the pre off at that practice.
That, and I didn't have enough money to buy a new cabinet after buying the Splits :hiding:
 
#58
I've been wondering about this too...

I had a bass with Big Singles/Aguilar pre that sounded good but went kind of into the "P" tone. Maybe they are too "Big" for my tastes. I was considering Fatstacks but would probably use them in single coil mode. I heard a couple of clips of FS equipped basses (Wyn and Lull) that I liked. I want a jazz type tone and don't want to lose any of the crisp highs.

Am I on the right track?
 
#59
bgartist said:
I've been wondering about this too...

I had a bass with Big Singles/Aguilar pre that sounded good but went kind of into the "P" tone. Maybe they are too "Big" for my tastes. I was considering Fatstacks but would probably use them in single coil mode. I heard a couple of clips of FS equipped basses (Wyn and Lull) that I liked. I want a jazz type tone and don't want to loss any of the crisp highs.

Am I on the right track?
Click to expand...

No, you'll lose your jazz tone with FatStacks since they are stacked humbuckers.

You want Splits or Singles. If you don't want the massive bass boost that the OBP-3 gives you, use a different preamp or just run them in a passive setup.
 

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