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Generic MM pickup on passive Stingray clone - upgrade? (passive content)

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by ExistentialJ, Jul 21, 2013.

  1. Jul 21, 2013 #1
    ExistentialJ

    ExistentialJ Guest

    Mar 16, 2013
    Happy Sunday, all.

    Ok, I've stumbled into an older Jay Turser Stingray clone - which I REALLY like. Super lightweight, fast neck; very comfortable to play. Strung it up with Hi Beams and played it live for the first time this morning - the rest of the band really liked it. This is my first "sweet spot" humbucker bass, and I'm digging the sound, so it's a keeper. Including the strings, I've got about $100 into this bass total.

    I'm NOT looking to emulate or nail the classic Stingray sound - which I know is stupid, unrealistic or both. It's passive, and I'd like to keep it that way. I am, however, curious as to what an upgraded pickup may (or may not) do for the tone. The stock pickup is okay - it's relatively hot, and I can dial in an acceptable range of tones, but am considering replacing it with an SD Basslines SMB4-A.

    Those of you in the know (as I have zero experience in pickup replacement) - can I expect a significant change in tone with this replacement, or am I better off to let a sleeping dog lie?

    Thanks in advance for your input!
     
  2. Jul 21, 2013 #2
    Hopkins

    Hopkins Supporting Member Commercial User

    Nov 17, 2010
    Houston Tx
    Owner/Builder @Hopkins Guitars
    Well I have no idea what your stock pickup sounds like, but I have the Duncan pickup you describe in a passive bass. It is in the bridge position though so it is brighter than it would be on your bass. It sounds great, its growley and agressive which I like.

    I have a sound clip I cab post for you when I get home. Cant do it from my phone
     
  3. Jul 21, 2013 #3
    BlueTalon

    BlueTalon Happy Cynic Supporting Member

    Mar 20, 2011
    Inland Northwest
    Endorsing Artist: Turnstyle Switch
    Well, you can look at it as if it ain't broke, don't fix it. You could also look at it as an opportunity to get some experience in swapping out a pickup.

    There is something to be said for either approach.
     
  4. Jul 21, 2013 #4
    Hopkins

    Hopkins Supporting Member Commercial User

    Nov 17, 2010
    Houston Tx
    Owner/Builder @Hopkins Guitars
    Here you go. Passive Duncan SMB-4a, tone full on, finger style first, pick style second.

     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 16, 2014
  5. Jul 21, 2013 #5
    ExistentialJ

    ExistentialJ Guest

    Mar 16, 2013
    AWESOME! Thanks for taking time to share that; much appreciated!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 16, 2014
  6. Jul 21, 2013 #6
    Hopkins

    Hopkins Supporting Member Commercial User

    Nov 17, 2010
    Houston Tx
    Owner/Builder @Hopkins Guitars
    That's not a perfect representation of what that pickup will sound like in your bass though. The pickup in the sound clip is located in the bridge position of a P bass, so it won't be quite as bright in the MM sweet spot.
     
  7. Jul 21, 2013 #7
    ExistentialJ

    ExistentialJ Guest

    Mar 16, 2013
    Got it! Thanks again!
     
  8. Jul 21, 2013 #8
    Hopkins

    Hopkins Supporting Member Commercial User

    Nov 17, 2010
    Houston Tx
    Owner/Builder @Hopkins Guitars
    No problem man, good luck with it
     
  9. Jul 21, 2013 #9
    gjbassist

    gjbassist

    Sep 7, 2005
    Kansas City, MO