I think it's the same pickup. Many here seem to like it. So that's just my opinion of its tone.
If it was me, I'd get the SB-2 to have more tonal options.
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If it was me, I'd get the SB-2 to have more tonal options.
Gorgeous bass and welcome! Great group of people in this thread.
I ask because I've seen many demos of the MM Stingray with both the H and HH configurations and the HH does not sound like the traditional single pickup Stingray when soloing the bridge pickup. Not sure why that is but thought it might be analogous to the SB-1 and SB-2.
I would also lean to an SB-2 as I prefer the 1.5" nut width.
Thanks!
Not to get into any arguments with people about what effects different wirings and different magnetic pulls have on the strings, but:
I would say that the crowd who would argue that the SB-2 neck soloed not sounding exactly like the SB-1 would be the same crowd who make such an argument in regards to the split-coil soloed in PJ configured basses vs. P ones. If you perceive the neck pick-up in your Precision Elite (I'm assuming it's not one of those super early single pick-up ones) to sound just like a P should, then there's no "not a true P"-esque reason to avoid the SB-2.
The difference between those and the Stingray HH is that the second pick-up in the latter is a big ol' humbocker towards the neck, rather than a weaker pickup towards the bridge. The Sabre bass is more accepted to have issues resulting from said HH configuration than the Stingray.
Personally, I opted for the SB-1 (with a 1.5'' nut and a 12'' radius fingerboard) because I liked the aesthetics better and figured that if I would want a bridge pick-up at any point it's likely I'd want one that has a stronger output than the SB-2 bridge pick-up. I am happy with my choice.
As a SB-2 owner, I've always taken for granted, even before buying the bass, that the bridge pickup is a tone-modifier for the neck pickup. Which you may need or not, want or not, like or not, usw.
Considering it as one more independent pickup is, IMO, a sure path to disappointment.
I was interested in how the bridge pickup could make the P-tone a bit more acidic, and that it does, brilliantly so.
Considering it as one more independent pickup is, IMO, a sure path to disappointment.
I was interested in how the bridge pickup could make the P-tone a bit more acidic, and that it does, brilliantly so.
Thanks for this, I appreciate it.
So when he agreed to the final version of the SB-2, do you know if he thought of the bridge pickup sort of like a tone knob for the neck pickup?
I know this is really detail stuff. But I'm really curious as to how he saw this model.
Some of the other models, I can easily understand what he was thinking and what he was aiming for. The SB-2 is a bit murkier to me. Plus, it's one of my favorites!
Thanks!
Somewhat, the two volumes interact and attenuating the volume (either / both) has the effect of reducing the treble slightly. Differently depending on the volume setting of each / both.
While the pickups wired in parallel and volume full up has both the effect of a mid scoop, and attenuating one while leaving the other full up returns a bid of the mids while shaving that pickup's treble contribution.
I used to own a gen 2 SB2. I wired mine as a dual stack pot in series with 2 tone. (VT / VT) Danelectro style. (I used 250k pots)
That was super flexible the interaction broadened the interaction of the circuit, as the tones act independently . Very different from Leo's own schema for dual pickup wiring the 62 jazz .
The differences between "62" stack knob and modern Jazz Bass controls | eBass
Two series pickups with independent volume and tone controls. Two methods.
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I have an SB-1 and an SB-2. Granted, they were made decades apart, but even so they have personalities more different than you would expect.
First thing to note is that the SB-2's neck pickup is 1/4" closer to the bridge than the SB-1.
I personally don't care for EITHER SB-2 pickup soloed. Everything I love about that bass is between B:7 N:10 and B:10 N:10. Very occasionally I'll run it at B:5 N:5 or so.
I don't have a tone knob and have never missed it.
First thing to note is that the SB-2's neck pickup is 1/4" closer to the bridge than the SB-1.
I personally don't care for EITHER SB-2 pickup soloed. Everything I love about that bass is between B:7 N:10 and B:10 N:10. Very occasionally I'll run it at B:5 N:5 or so.
I don't have a tone knob and have never missed it.
Gen 1 SB-1 (single coil ) or Gen 2 (Split coil) ?
Have a lookee...These images from G&L's current website. We may have a case of some over-the-ages variation. These are ostensibly both US option order models. I've sought to correct for any scaling difference in the photos. This shows the SB-2 pickup being slightly closer to the neck rather than the other way around. There's some weird variation in the headstock...
Edit: Continuing to analyze this using ImageJ. It appears that one or the other of these basses is tilted more into the screen or there's a barrel-type distortiion. Best corrections still suggests that there's no more than half a pole screw's difference in location for the two split-P pickups. Personally, I'll bet they're intended to be in the same position.
Edit: Continuing to analyze this using ImageJ. It appears that one or the other of these basses is tilted more into the screen or there's a barrel-type distortiion. Best corrections still suggests that there's no more than half a pole screw's difference in location for the two split-P pickups. Personally, I'll bet they're intended to be in the same position.
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Thanks for that response. I actually have a Precision Elite and find that the neck pickup, in either active or passive mode, does not really sound like a true new or vintage P-bass. It's kind of its own thing.
When I was considering buying a new Stingray, I was seriously considering the HH for the versatility, though I much preferred the single H aesthetically. But after listening to many demos, was surprised how different the HH sounded solo'd on the bridge. I really like the sound of the SB-1, and the looks. Might have to consider a custom build.
I guess the answer, like always, is to buy one of each.
AH I see what you were seeing now.
Yet 1/4" at neck side. photo angle? dimension difference in pickup shells?
