Heartfield basses have a special place in my heart. The stock pickups are o.k. and the filter preamp was pretty good and usable. I wanted a more powerful and versatile electronics package so here is what I did.
Pickups: EMG 40JCSX set.
Custom pickup rings: thx fretsonthenet.
Preamp: Aguilar OBP-3.
Low battery indicator: Audere.
I Routed for the EMG size but stock pups are very wide, the rings help keep the look clean.
I used an EMG abcX blend/buffer and that then runs into the Aguilar. Totally worth the extra $$. Sadowsky type knobs and a custom configured knob set I put together for the b/t stack. The LED light for the battery indicator is mounted in the pickup ring for the Bridge pickup. The Tone is so great now. The JCSX pups are very much the emg j tone with smoother highs and on the polite side but the Aguilar is a big sound that balances perfectly and makes the pickups really come alive. The blend control is a dual buffered balance and keeps a consistent volume when blending the pickups. Super happy with this mod and glad I did it. Killer tone on a killer bass. Super stable wide neck on these and a solid low B on a 34 inch scale makes it amazing.
Pickups: EMG 40JCSX set.
Custom pickup rings: thx fretsonthenet.
Preamp: Aguilar OBP-3.
Low battery indicator: Audere.
I Routed for the EMG size but stock pups are very wide, the rings help keep the look clean.
I used an EMG abcX blend/buffer and that then runs into the Aguilar. Totally worth the extra $$. Sadowsky type knobs and a custom configured knob set I put together for the b/t stack. The LED light for the battery indicator is mounted in the pickup ring for the Bridge pickup. The Tone is so great now. The JCSX pups are very much the emg j tone with smoother highs and on the polite side but the Aguilar is a big sound that balances perfectly and makes the pickups really come alive. The blend control is a dual buffered balance and keeps a consistent volume when blending the pickups. Super happy with this mod and glad I did it. Killer tone on a killer bass. Super stable wide neck on these and a solid low B on a 34 inch scale makes it amazing.
