Bright 6 string soapbar

[3506string]

I need some help in deciding a replacement pickup for my brice z6. Currently it has Bartolini xxm56m split coils with aguilar obp-3. I like the sound but the pickups aren't as "hot" as I would like. I am looking for a brightness similar to that of smith and musicman basses just for example.
I am leaning toward seymour duncan ASB2-6 mainly because of their description and their review esp the first one. I am also looking at some of emg's 45 models.
I am also interested in something I read on the board about impedance buffers prior to On board pres to get a more naturally high end out of pickups. I didn't read alot of detail so I am quite cloudy about the subject. I did find a bartolini buffer on ebay.
Any help is appreciated.

 

[punkanidea]

bassline asb6 is a good choice. it's a high power, nice high, enough mid, punchy low pickup for 6string basses. i use for many kind of music, from jazz to progressive rock. what i like most is its super clear, piano like tone. well it's worth enough spending some of your dollar on it. if i'm not mistaken it's about $200 for a set.

** fyi, i always recomend this pickup to anyone include in some thread in talkbass forum.

 

[Jazz Ad]

If you want a naturally bright high end, get rid of all this preamp, buffer and EQ crap. You don't need anything but good passive pickups and a set of fresh string.
Say, a couple or Qtuners BL6 or Nordstrand Dual Coils.
ymmv

 

[3506string]

I haven't really gave going back passive too much thought. I do enough in set tweaking that I would miss my onboard eq. The Q tuners (87mm max) wont cover my spacing and the nordstrands use the P4 shape which is wider and shorter than I need and only cover 18mm spacing. I am kind of boxed in to the emg 45 shape.

 

[DanRJBrasil]

if you like a bright sound you should try emg's they are hot

 

[UncleBalsamic]

I'd get Q-Tuners myself.

 

[3506string]

Well after some more reading I've narrowed down to the SD ASB2-6 and the EMG 45DC. There's quite a bit of info on the DC's not so much phase 2 duncan actives. I will probably decided on something tonight. Thanks for the help

 

[3506string]

Well I finally decided and went with my original choice and ordered a set of Ken Smith Flat top pickups. I had ruled them out because they I am going to have to take 1/8" out of each side of my pickup cavities buy hopefully they will be worth it.