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- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,198
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
Hi guys,
Could I get some pickup advice from you?
A year ago I bought an amazing limited edition Metro Vintage 5 from a Sadowsky dealer in Japan with humcancelling J pickups. The bass is incredibly bright with a deep lows, but I think I need a bit more in the mids and better articulation on the A string. I wouldn't say the A string coil is dead, but it doesn't have the same output and articulation as the other strings.
Should I buy a set of these? Do you know if they have a better A string output and mids? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Or should I go with the single coil model? As I play with both Js fully panned/balanced, the single coil hum wouldn't be a big issue for me.
Thanks!
Could I get some pickup advice from you?
A year ago I bought an amazing limited edition Metro Vintage 5 from a Sadowsky dealer in Japan with humcancelling J pickups. The bass is incredibly bright with a deep lows, but I think I need a bit more in the mids and better articulation on the A string. I wouldn't say the A string coil is dead, but it doesn't have the same output and articulation as the other strings.
Should I buy a set of these? Do you know if they have a better A string output and mids? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Or should I go with the single coil model? As I play with both Js fully panned/balanced, the single coil hum wouldn't be a big issue for me.
Thanks!
I can only tell you that I like the NYC humcancelling pickups.
Piggybacking a follow-up question to your post. Has anyone tried putting one or both of the h/c pickups in series within itself? And if so, is there an appreicable difference in tone?
FWIW, I like the single coils a wee bit better. Seems like the upper mids are a touch smoother. For me, that matters most when I play slap.
That's based on owning a couple Metro Vintage 5s, and then picking up a Metro WL 5 with the singles.
That's based on owning a couple Metro Vintage 5s, and then picking up a Metro WL 5 with the singles.
If you search waaaay back in this thread, you would read that the Sadowsky/Seymour Duncan SC’s used to be favored for the 5’s; whereas the Sadowsky HC’s were pretty much a toss up and preferred by many on the 4’s. Since then Roger &Co have worked hard on the HC 5’s to try to make them “better,” and have also offered the Nordstrand flavor of the 5 SC’s. So, there are more things to decide about now on a 5.
I tried all three flavors a couple years back on the 5, and still preferred the Seymour Duncan flavored SC’s, among the Sadowsky branded options. But, I will say two things. First, for whatever reason, 5 string J Bass pickups just tend to be different than their 4 string counterparts; even for the otherwise same brand/model. Second, the 5 string variants are getting to be more of a different flavors thing vs good or bad.
So, bottom line: you’ve got to just do the swap outs and see for yourself. But, make sure to try the Seymour Duncan version SC5’s.
I tried all three flavors a couple years back on the 5, and still preferred the Seymour Duncan flavored SC’s, among the Sadowsky branded options. But, I will say two things. First, for whatever reason, 5 string J Bass pickups just tend to be different than their 4 string counterparts; even for the otherwise same brand/model. Second, the 5 string variants are getting to be more of a different flavors thing vs good or bad.
So, bottom line: you’ve got to just do the swap outs and see for yourself. But, make sure to try the Seymour Duncan version SC5’s.
The bass is incredibly bright with a deep lows, but I think I need a bit more in the mids and better articulation on the A string.
If you have Sadowsky humcancelling there, go for Sadowsky single coils. They solve exactly this issue.
I had the opposite problem, I have bought NYC 5 which was inherently more middy than I expected and it had Sad SCs (by Seymour Duncan). I swapped them for Sad HCs and it tamed the mids and scooped the sound a bit, now I have it balanced to my liking.
If you have Sadowsky humcancelling there, go for Sadowsky single coils. They solve exactly this issue.
I had the opposite problem, I have bought NYC 5 which was inherently more middy than I expected and it had Sad SCs (by Seymour Duncan). I swapped them for Sad HCs and it tamed the mids and scooped the sound a bit, now I have it balanced to my liking.
I had the same experience with a Metro.
Single Coils.
I think SD Antquity II are quite similar to Sadowsky’s, if out of stock
First NYC arrived today, 4-22WL
Master Quilt/Amazon RW. Thanks Roger—it’s everything I wanted! Here’s how it happened....
Master Quilt/Amazon RW. Thanks Roger—it’s everything I wanted! Here’s how it happened....
Wow - That is some quilt!
The rest of your collection is in high danger. Enjoy!
Dang! You managed to give me gas for the NYC pick ups.
I got it when the description said: "..These pickups are an upgrade for your Metro and MetroExpress bass pickups (or Satin Basses that were made before September 2018). They are also an easy way to switch from single coil to humcancelling in your NYC bass.
I wonder how these (new?) NYC HCs differ from previous HCs. Anybody knows or can link to the relevant post?
I had a showcase to play last night, I usually play 5s on my regular artist gig, can't do the gig without one. But the artists music in this showcase didn't require it, so I pulled my '75 MIJ jazz bass with '62 single coils attached to an Audere pre...wow! What a growl. I couldn't help notice the difference between my Sadowsky MV5 with singles.
I can't wrap my head around why they sound so different, same size shell, although there is an extra magnet in each PU.
I can't wrap my head around why they sound so different, same size shell, although there is an extra magnet in each PU.
Really? Because there is SO MUCH that's different... woods, design, and especially all those electronics! Totally different preamp, and except for the very basic characteristic of single coils, pretty much totally different pickups too. And don't forget the strings, either.
I would absolutely expect them to sound different.
Vic, maybe. But my mv5 is ash/maple as is the Fender and I leave the pre flat...same strings too
Obviously, there are a lot more differences going on between those basses than just the pickups.
But, as I posted above, my experience is that the 5 string versions of a given Jazz Bass pickup can differ substantially from the 4 string versions, with the 5 string versions just being slightly more shy. I would use the term anemic; but, it’s perhaps a bit too strong.
BUT, I would also add that this difference can usually be made up for in the preamp stage.
yeah, but that doesn't mean they have no effect on tone. Seriously, there are a LOT of differences at play here.
