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Cort Curbow mighty mite PU or preamp upgrade?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Bob-I, Dec 27, 2014.

  1. Dec 27, 2014 #1
    Bob-I

    Bob-I

    Sep 12, 2014
    Awhile ago I picked up a Cort Curbow 4 from a forumite, a little roadworn but it plays really really nice. I really like the light weight and small body (even though I'm a big guy, 6'5" 240 lbs). It also sounds pretty good, although I think it could be better.

    I don't want to invest a bunch of money on this bass. I bought it because I wanted a "trunk bass" to go along with my Epiphone trunk guitar, basically an instrument I can keep in my trunk for jamming.

    I'm thinking of either upgrading the PU or the preamp, whichever will be the most effective. I'm thinking either a bart, a Duncan or an EMG. I'm open to suggestions.

    Thx in advance.
     
  2. Dec 28, 2014 #2
    Bob-I

    Bob-I

    Sep 12, 2014
    No one?
     
  3. Dec 28, 2014 #3
    peterkidd

    peterkidd

    Oct 20, 2008
    Shirley, MA
    I've had a few of those and thought they sounded quite good as-is.

    I assume you've tried a few kinds of strings to alter the sound.

    I found Dean Markley SR2000 worked best for me, the tapered end helped w/ the tall bridge.

    Possibly some future issues if it is going to be a Hot trunk:

    http://www.talkbass.com/threads/cort-curbow-setup-question.542503/
     
  4. Dec 28, 2014 #4
    Bob-I

    Bob-I

    Sep 12, 2014
    Thx Peter. Yes, I'm on my 3rd set of strings and I really like the D'addrio chrome flats on it. Still I find the upper register a tad thin, plus I just like to hack. I'm leaning toward the Duncan SSB-4b

    Thx for the setup link. I don't actually plan to leave this in my trunk, that's just an expression for a take everywhere instrument. The setup is excellent right now after a minor truss rod tweak.
     
  5. Dec 29, 2014 #5
    Bob-I

    Bob-I

    Sep 12, 2014
    I guess this is an unusual bass so not much input. I ordered a Duncan SSB-4b for $57. Reviews say that this is a nice airy PU, we'll see.
     
  6. Mar 7, 2015 #6
    Bob-I

    Bob-I

    Sep 12, 2014
    Resurrecting this old thread.

    After a fairly long dry spell, I took this bass with the Duncan SSB installed to a gig last night. 4 piece classic rock band, guitar, drums, keys and me on bass. I used my old GK MB210, just a small bar so no need for PA support.

    I played this same gig before switching the PU and had some serious rumble on the low E plus the G got lost in the mix. Both of these problems are gone, tone didn't change much, maybe a touch more upper mids, but very noticable was the improvement in balance between the strings.

    Very nice improvement for only $57.