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Looking for MM type 5 string pickup options

Webtroll

Webtroll

Rolling for initiative
Apr 23, 2006
5,298
326
Austin, TX
#1
The pcikups I'm considering here are specifically the Seymour Duncan Basslines SMB-5A (Alnico) and SMB-5D (ceramic). The "third" pickup, if one is used, has yet to be decided. Other brands are being considered as well, feel free to weigh in with opinions.

I bought an SX 5 string P bass with the full intention of doing things to it that I wouldn't dream of doing to a more expensive bass and I've been trying to figure out what to do pickup-wise. I'm not going to drop $150 each pickups in it as I'd like to put 2 or 3 pickups and a MIDI set (for the fun of it). So my question is this, has anyone tried both the Alnico and Ceramic versions of the Basslines 5 string pickups (I live not too far from Bass Emporium and they'll order whatever I need, woot!)? I've seen that some folks have used one or the other but I was wondering what a comparison is like. Currently I'm leaning towards a ceramic MM by the bridge and an Alnico right up against it (would make for a sweet wide thimb rest too!) and possibly a Jazz or Precision 5 string type pickup in the neck position. I'd considered MM/P/MM but I like the idea of the 2 types of MM pickups near the bridge. I'll probably avoid an active EQ at least for the beginning in favor of a master volume, master tone and a couple of pans (concentric would be nice) Any opinions?

I don't play a whole lot anymore so it's more of a hobby. I'm quite happy with my Warwick LX5s but would like to have a bass that is different (and a little goofy wouldn't hurt). I like to play rock music of most types from pop to metal, but I'd like something capable of jazzy tones and a solid blues as well. In the long run if I like the way the body, hardware and electronics turn out I may get a wenge/wenge neck for it. As it is the bass needs a serious adjustment and maybe a new nut.

Thanks for your time and considerations!
 
#2
YMMV!

I HAVE tried both (SMB-5A and SMB-5d) and am currently using the AlNiCo version in ALL of my 5-string basses. It sounds very "organic" . . . I AM an old guy who likes the "old-school" passive sound!

On the other hand, the ceramic version, IMO, sounds too "modern", "hi-fi" . . .

For what it's worth, I use two of them in my fretted basses, but only one (in the "normal" MM 'ray position) for the fretless basses.
The second pup in the fretted basses is placed where the "E" and "A" part of a Pbass pup normally goes (wired SERIES). All of the pups in the "normal" MM 'ray position are wired PARALLEL, which is the standard for the MM 'ray.

I've done a LOT of testing to find out, for sure, what sounds best FOR ME.
 
#3
I'm not that young either. I'm thinking of adding switches to have the series/parallel option available to me. You don't like the D at all? Hmm, MM/J/P? My biggest concern with the Duncans at the moment is that they don't seem to have the other pickups I'd like to tie in, such as a hot 5 string quarter pounder humbucking J or P. Nordstrand makes nice stuff and I'd also considered a MM5.2 / FatStack 5. Or would be cool to have a single coil that would be humbucking when used with a single coil from the MM (is that what Musicman is doing with the H/S models? dunno).
 
#4
+1 to what deaf pea said. I had the alnico Basslines in 5 previous MM basses,Sterlings and SR5's,and they sounded,to me,better than the factory ceramic pickup.The weak d and g string problem went away too. Sounded more like a Stingray. I'm currently about to install a couple of Norstrand alnicos in 2 of my current MM basses. I just prefer the old school alnico tone.
 

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