I've installed the split MFD on my #1 (MIJ from 1988). It turned an already fat sounding instrument into an absolute beast! And I can still get vintage tones simply by rolling back the volume...
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
How does the split MFD pickup with volume up full but treble rolled almost off sound compared to a standard Fender P? Does it get old school thumpy? Other than extra output what does the MFD add tone wise?
And while I'm firing off the questions....how does the MFD P compare output wise with the MFD humbucker? Do they have similar output with volume dimed?
And while I'm firing off the questions....how does the MFD P compare output wise with the MFD humbucker? Do they have similar output with volume dimed?
This short video compares the sounds of an SB-1 (MFD) with an LB-100 (traditional P pickup)
Somewhere there is a video demoing an MFD at 50% volume, which moves it to a more old fashioned tone. I'll try to remember where it is!
Here it is, from 2'50" to 3'10" of this review of an SB-2 Tribute - first the MFD neck pickup on 100% volume, and then it turned it 50% volume - big change in the style of the tone
For old school, start with the MFD split coil at 50-70% volume. Then roll off tone to taste. I use a tone styler and get lots of great sounds that way.
Also: it is the loudest passive pickup I have ever heard, including the soap bars on the L2K.
Also: it is the loudest passive pickup I have ever heard, including the soap bars on the L2K.
So I've had my JB-5 for about 6 months now and I love it. It's light, it's a tone monster, and it feels and looks so damn good. But I find it has these little annoyances.
First, I had posted in here a little while back about my D tuner bending because of the case being too short. I ordered a new one and now I have to detune that peg every time I put it away. Oh well, whatever. I've gotten used to it.
Now, the nut on my jack comes loose almost every time I play it. I have to pause, mute, take the cable out, and tighten it. I've had a Lakland Skyline since 2013 and I've never had the nut loosen EVER. I have a heavily modded Squier P bass from 2000. The only thing I didn't swap out was the jack and that NEVER loosens. I know it's just one of those things that happens but for $1900 I expected to not have annoying issues.
First, I had posted in here a little while back about my D tuner bending because of the case being too short. I ordered a new one and now I have to detune that peg every time I put it away. Oh well, whatever. I've gotten used to it.
Now, the nut on my jack comes loose almost every time I play it. I have to pause, mute, take the cable out, and tighten it. I've had a Lakland Skyline since 2013 and I've never had the nut loosen EVER. I have a heavily modded Squier P bass from 2000. The only thing I didn't swap out was the jack and that NEVER loosens. I know it's just one of those things that happens but for $1900 I expected to not have annoying issues.
I share your pain. A drop of Loctite will solve that problem. Use the blue stuff: Loctite® Threadlocker Blue 242® and you can quite easily remove the nut when you need to.
Thank you man - I think I had actually watched those demos before but wasn't sure where to start the search for a comparison. I'm really digging the SB-1 tone that Steve Araujo (spelling?) is getting.
So - a few more questions. I have a bass routed for PJ. I'm sold on the tone of the MFD P, and I think the output will be close to that of my L2000 (so that when playing live changing basses doesn't have a huge volume difference).
I know this is probably covered regularly - but is there a standard J-sized pickup that would compliment the MFD P for a slightly brighter/scoop PJ tone? I'll be honest I will mostly use just the P pickup for the tone I'm after, but having the J option would be cool. My initial thoughts are a Dimarzio Model J - but has anyone ever combined the MFD P with a standard sized J pickup with successful results?
might be different pots, capacitors, strings, etc. As always YMMV.
IvanBassist
Commercial User
- Jun 8, 2008
- 3,760
- 11,177
- Disclosures
- Content Manager at Darkglass Electronics, Dingwall Guitars Artist
Thanks for sharing!
If i had the chance, I'd probably install a tone control to an SB-2 for live use. I prefer avoiding surprising my sound guy with volume changes while i get different tones.
I really like you demo too man. I agree that a tone pot would still be super useful on the SB-2. I generally run with my bass volume dimed - if I lowered the volume to affect the tone it would also affect how well I'm coming through in the mix.
After a few months, they both did.
I never regretted it.
John
That's the first one of those large Tribute decals i've ever seen.
Is that an older one?
The original run of Tributes ('03-'05) had the larger Tribute logo and also had 'Tribute' stamped on the bridge instead of 'G&L.'
Were those the ones built somewhere other than Indonesia? (Korea?)
I've been bad again, had to put this one on the market
For Sale - G&L USA L-2500 White Pearl/Maple
For Sale - G&L USA L-2500 White Pearl/Maple
Yup Korea. I've had two of them. I very foolishly sold one...I very rarely sell basses. That was one of them. I regret it to this day.
The two that I've owned have been lightweight, amazing basses. How good is the cherryburst that I still own? I got it about 15 years ago, or so. I will have to have some fretwork done soon, based on usage. I own 14 basses, it's the only one that will need that done.
John
I regret selling my MIK Tribute SB-2. That thing punched well above its weight class.
