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EMG pickup combinations in Spector NS2000

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Lockout, Jun 27, 2003.

  1. Jun 27, 2003 #1
    Lockout

    Lockout

    Dec 24, 2002
    Illinois
    As the topic subject says, I own a Spector NS2000 5-string bass. Sometime within the next few months, I'd like to take out the EMG-HZ's that are currently in the bass and put in some active EMG's, along with an Aguilar OBP-1.

    However, I'm not sure which combination of pickups I should buy to get the sound I want. I would like to be able to get a somewhat deep aggressive tone, but also a clean sound when I need it. I was thinking of getting at least one of those EMG-TW series pickups for versatility, but I'm not sure what the other pickup should be (EMG-DC?) and which slot I should put each one in to get the sounds I need.

    I'd really appreciate it if somebody could give me a little guidance here :)
     
  2. Jun 27, 2003 #2
    tuBass

    tuBass

    Dec 14, 2002
    Mesquite, Texas
    If I had the opportunity to do my Yamaha project over again, the only change I would have made was to get a 45p instead of two 45DC's. I have a feeling I would like the p sound out of the neck pickup, with the strong Jazz sound out of the bridge. I could still do it, but I spent almost $90 each on the DC's, so right now I can't just but a 45P just to see if I would like it. Maybe in a few months, but not now. The nice thing is that when I have both, I can change them back and forth easy because of the way EMG have the quick disconnect on the back of the pickup.

    Good luck with your project,
    Mark
     
  3. Jun 28, 2003 #3
    Lockout

    Lockout

    Dec 24, 2002
    Illinois
    Could you describe the type of sound that P pickups generally have? Or do you have any recordings I could listen to? :)

    Oh, and I was wondering... why do P/J pickup combinations seem so popular? And would an EMG P/TW combination suit my tone needs well?
     
  4. Jun 28, 2003 #4
    Lockout

    Lockout

    Dec 24, 2002
    Illinois
    Anyone else have any EMG suggestions?
     
  5. Jun 28, 2003 #5
    tuBass

    tuBass

    Dec 14, 2002
    Mesquite, Texas
    you ask 500 people to describe a p-bass clasic sound, and you'll get 500 different answers. The best way to describe it is to get you to go to a local music store that carries fenders, play a p-bass and then a jazz bass. Which one do you like the sound of the best? You do you listen to? Not counting "chops", whose tome do you love the best? DO they play a p-bass?

    In answer to why the PJ bass is popular, many pople consider it "the best of both worlds" you have the warmth of a p-bass, but you can also dial in a little bridge sound on the J. I have a PJ fretless,and I would have it any other way. Some people dislike PJ, saying it does neither pickup justice.
     
  6. Jun 28, 2003 #6
    Lockout

    Lockout

    Dec 24, 2002
    Illinois
    I've played Fender P-basses and Jazz basses before... personally I think I liked the jazz bass tone more, so maybe the P style pickup isn't right for me... but I guess it's hard to say what the pickup will sound like in my bass which is why I didn't rule it out as a choice. Y'know? :)

    Oh and about the bassists that I'd like to have a tone similar to:

    Dredg - I really like the clean, deep sound their bassist has. "Of the Room" is a good example.

    Flaw - I also really like their bassists tone, It's got a nice growl to it... although that's probably because he plays a Warwick. A good example is the intro to "Whole" or "Payback".

    What I'd like to try to acheive is a blend between the two, although I'm not sure if it's possible with the bass I have.
     
  7. Jul 1, 2003 #7
    Lockout

    Lockout

    Dec 24, 2002
    Illinois
    Do the EMG-DC pickups have a really clear sound? I was thinking maybe an EMG-40DC in the neck position and an EMG-40TW in the bridge. Good idea?


    One other thing... I think I've changed my mind (again) about the pre, I've been thinking about the Aggie OBP-3 instead. I have 4 pot holes on my bass, so I was thinking:

    Volume - Blend - Bass/Treble stacked - Mid/MidFrequency stacked

    Is that possible? Could someone help me find the pots I will need to set my controls up like that or suggest a place to get them?
     
  8. Jul 3, 2003 #8
    finn74

    finn74

    Nov 28, 2001
    Washington DC Area
    I have a NS 2005 that came stock with the EMG-HZ pickups. After about 2 years I switched them out in favor of EMG 40DC and upgraded to 18v. I honestly can say that there is not much difference in the sound of the instrument. Maybe I will change the pre-amp later. I would be interested in hearing how a change in the pre would sound. For me the change of the pick ups was a waste of 200bucks. Of course YMMV.