Ceramic MM pickup experience?

[MikeyB]

I'm looking to duplicate the Sterling tone, and would like some input from anyone who has experience with both of these ceramic MM pickups:

Basslines SMB-4D
Delano MC-4-FE

If you've tried both of them out, give us a post!

Thanks,

-M

 

[Gord_oh]

im personally not a big fan of ceramic pups in general.
some MM basses sound ok with them, but ITWM id look into alnico.
they are much more natural sounding, and less harsh IMO.
im sure someone would be able to support the ceramic side as well though.

EDIT: although i do have an ibanez 5er with MM style bridge pup that is ceramic, and it is ok.

 

[BassLife77]

I have ceramic and alnico and they both sound great to me. Alnico is more mellow while ceramic has a more raw in-your-face sound. both sounds that I like

 

[MikeyB]

Thanks guys, but this thread isn't really to discuss ceramic vs alnico but rather to compare the Delano and Basslines pickups (and other ceramic pickups) available as aftermarket MM pickups.

I'm very happy with the tone I get on my MM Sterling (which is ceramic) and I'm looking to get close to that tone in a project bass.

Anyone else have experience with these pickups?

Thanks all!
-M

 

[Gord_oh]

delanos have a more vintage vibe IMO.
the hybrid series is cool because they are the most versitile MM style pup out there, again IMO, you can get a variety of sounds.

basslines to me have a more modern tone to them, depending on how you hear it i suppose.

if you want someone close to a MM sterling tone, why not get a MM sterling pup?
that way there isnt any question. you know what you are getting.

 

[Webtroll]

The SD have a string bright attack. I dropped one in an SX P 5er and added a bass varitone from HAS Sound. Wide open it was a bit on the brittle side for me, but the varitone really helped make it useful. I loaned it to a friend who was looking for a 5er. I sent him several links from CL ads and he ended up asked for and buying the SX instead, so I guess he liked it too. He plays it through a GK 700RB or an Ampeg V4. Would I do it again? I might try the AlNiCo or the ceramic with an active preamp.

No experience with Delano pickups to compare to, but they are on my "want to try one day" list.

 

[MikeyB]

if you want someone close to a MM sterling tone, why not get a MM sterling pup?
that way there isnt any question. you know what you are getting.

Hey man.. if you have one, I'll buy it!

ErnieBall is over protective of their pickups. You can't buy one from them. I haven't seen one yet in the classifieds.

If you know of one, let me know!
-M