Flats would definitely change the entire dynamic of what I'm talking about. However, it sounds like we are hearing the same thing. I can see that the more compressed low end of the SC's on the RV with flatwounds might be a very good thing... controlling that deep fundamental of the flats a bit more. And, the upper treble and even lower treble impact would be minimal with flats compared to the stainless steel roundwounds I use. So +1.
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Flats would definitely change the entire dynamic of what I'm talking about. However, it sounds like we are hearing the same thing. I can see that the more compressed low end of the SC's on the RV with flatwounds might be a very good thing... controlling that deep fundamental of the flats a bit more. And, the upper treble and even lower treble impact would be minimal with flats compared to the stainless steel roundwounds I use. So +1.
Joeykun
pronounced ジョーイくん
- Jun 22, 2007
- 4,200
- 16,150
- Disclosures
- Endorsing: LAKLAND SADOWSKY GENZLER DARKGLASS NORDSTRAND TEMPLEBOARD KIRLIN DRSTRINGS ACCESS
Didn't Roger just make some improvements to all his pickups?
I thought I read that recently on here?
There was some talk about pickup revoicing associated with the new volue pot (the 500 thing), but Roger didn't give an details other than, at that time, he switched his single coil source to Nordstrand. Not sure if it is a major or a minor thing. Haven't heard a very recent model (i.e., manufactured in the last 2 months or so).
I know one thing, my old Alder-Maraudo Metro RV5 KILLED with HC's and nickel strings. As much as I love my Ash maple SC J, if that bass would have been two pounds lighter it would have been real hard to part with it. I still miss it sometimes. It really had something going on.
Yeah, that was a special one, and not really representative of the current models... that felt like 10+ pounds or even more (it was one of the first Metro's if I remember correctly), but it slammed. That was a special bass IMO, and yes, those HC's were a perfect yin yang for that instrument to my ear! The only other one I heard close to that one was that black 4 string at LDS a while back that Fredericks and I went gagga over. That one weighed a ton also... it was like a hammer!
With my SC pickup order I also ordered the 500k pot as well, but not sure if I should add that as well or just try the SC pickups first. Any thoughts on that.
Current models, regardless of SC/HC selection, all ship with 500K pots now, so I'd recommend just putting both in. If nothing else, that'd be more representative of what Roger is putting together these days.
I've drunk the Kool-Aid and ordered a set of SC PUPs for my MV5 (finally back in stock!). I'm looking to get more of a unique tone out of my bass. It's an extremely well made instrument... so playable, I just want it to have more of its own voice.
Regardless, I've never replaced pickups before. I don't see how it could be that difficult (it's just a couple of solders, right?). Has anyone done this themselves and ran into issues? Are there any "gotchas" I should be aware of (specifically with Sadowsky PUPs)?
Ideally, I'd love to be able to install connectors, instead of straight solders, so I could easily swap the HCs and SCs (maybe for A/B comparison sound clips for you guys). Has anyone done this as well?
Sure... I could always just get a tech. to perform the swap, but I'm more interested in learning and doing this myself.
Regardless, I've never replaced pickups before. I don't see how it could be that difficult (it's just a couple of solders, right?). Has anyone done this themselves and ran into issues? Are there any "gotchas" I should be aware of (specifically with Sadowsky PUPs)?
Ideally, I'd love to be able to install connectors, instead of straight solders, so I could easily swap the HCs and SCs (maybe for A/B comparison sound clips for you guys). Has anyone done this as well?
Sure... I could always just get a tech. to perform the swap, but I'm more interested in learning and doing this myself.
Dude, if you can turn 8 screws, desolder two wires, solder two other wires, and turn 8 screws again, you can do this.
The only thing I'd recommend you remember to do is measure the pickup height on each pickup (or the distance between the strings and pole pieces, whichever is easier) so you can reset the new pickups to that same height... at least as a starting point.
Another tip is to try and make the (de)soldering at the pot be as short as you can... minimize exposure to that high heat. It's not super fragile, so no biggie, but you don't wanna' sit there and camp on the terminal with the iron, either.
Chef
In Memoriam
you can install quick connect bullets to the leads coming off the pots, and on the new pickups, if you feel like you'll be changing them around a lot.
I really love that color combination and after spending some time with this bass, I find it's much brighter then 4311 even though they both sport sc's. I just love them both!
I told you once you were bitten by the Sadowsky bug you would never go back.
I've owned 6 and the number will probably grow.Dude, if you can turn 8 screws, desolder two wires, solder two other wires, and turn 8 screws again, you can do this.
The only thing I'd recommend you remember to do is measure the pickup height on each pickup (or the distance between the strings and pole pieces, whichever is easier) so you can reset the new pickups to that same height... at least as a starting point.
Another tip is to try and make the (de)soldering at the pot be as short as you can... minimize exposure to that high heat. It's not super fragile, so no biggie, but you don't wanna' sit there and camp on the terminal with the iron, either.
Thanks for info Vic... I would have completely forgotten about measuring the pickup height before removing them.
I may go Chefs suggestion about the connectors. I hopefully won't EVER change them after their in, but who knows?
I guess another point of view. The last thing I would do if I had a $3,000 bass was 'learn how to do something with a soldering iron' with it. Practice on something else... fork over the $25 or whatever and have a tech who knows what he is doing take the 15 minutes and do it right
I guess another point of view. The last thing I would do if I had a $3,000 bass was 'learn how to do something with a soldering iron' with it. Practice on something else... fork over the $25 or whatever and have a tech who knows what he is doing take the 15 minutes and do it right
I am pretty much with Ken on this one. Too many times I have seen basses where a simple soldering job was not done right and it sounded like crap. So, I leave this one to the techs. Get to know a good one locally and they will not charge you much to do it. If you plan on doing it often...invest in a good soldering iron maybe do your learning on an old radio or something like that.
Here guys:http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9084716&postcount=2
Roger told me also that the "new & improved" hb J pup would be in the P/J set on my build, AND the "500" pot.
I currently have a Fender P.- alder / maple & I like how the maple takes the "mud" out of the typical alder / rw spec.& adds a bit of crunch.
NOW - My NYC V P/J4 (P bod/P neck) will be ASH /RW, basically for the same reasoning. I love the sound of ash so much & the "sweetness" of the rw is irresistible.
I'd be interested to hear your takes on the spec I have chosen w/ the "new" J & pot. Thanks.
B.
My Metro P/J 5 that I received 2 weeks ago has both the newer J pickup and the 500K pot. So, it looks like the transition may be finished or just about done.
Please excuse the interruption in the pickups discussions, but I just posted a Sadowsky Metro Hipshot D-Tuner in the Accesories section of the For Sale forum.
Hardly used! All parts and directions included!
Almost half-priced shipped to the continental USA!
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=677250
Thanks, and now back to the pickups discussion...
Hardly used! All parts and directions included!
Almost half-priced shipped to the continental USA!
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=677250
Thanks, and now back to the pickups discussion...
I guess another point of view. The last thing I would do if I had a $3,000 bass was 'learn how to do something with a soldering iron' with it. Practice on something else... fork over the $25 or whatever and have a tech who knows what he is doing take the 15 minutes and do it right
Use an "alligator clip" heat sink wherever possible to drain off heat.
Chef
In Memoriam
