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Looking for recommendations on 6 string pickup.

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Steve Holl, Jan 2, 2015.

  1. Jan 2, 2015 #1
    Steve Holl

    Steve Holl

    Jan 2, 2015
    First, I should caveat that I'm a guitarist, dabbling in bass. ;-)

    I had a Ray34 for a little while, but never liked the stock sound. I put a Nordstrand pickup and a John East preamp in it and liked the sound and the classic EBMM growl that it got. However, I just couldn't get behind the guitar--something about the low strings not handling the drop C tuning well.

    So, I decided to get a 6-string and picked up a Schecter Stiletto 6. I like the feel of the guitar and unplugged tone better, but the EMG-HZ pickups are lacking.

    I am thinking I will pair it with a Aguilar OBP-3 preamp. Looking for pickup recommendations. Thinking perhaps about the Nordstrand dual coil? Or maybe mismatching the neck with something warmer than the bridge?

    I know from playing guitar that I tend to like hot pickups, but I've never liked active pickups in guitar. I'm not sure if I like active bass pickups. Or should I be looking at active EMGs here? I play pretty dynamic range of music. Think prog, metal, fusion type stuff. 80% of my focus is on getting a good growly bright tone with a tight low end, and the rolled off warm tones are less important for me (or will consider having a mellow neck pickup for those situations).

    What are other's thoughts?
     
  2. Jan 4, 2015 #2
    raventepes

    raventepes

    Jan 7, 2012
    Reno, NV
    Nordstrand Fat Stacks or Dual Coils. The're direct replacements for EMG's 45 housing, which is what the HZ measures out to be.

    I've actually spent a fair bit of time researching that very bass and pickup options, since I hate the HZ's. My wife is getting me a new bass with taxes this year, and the Stiletto Studio was my cheaper alternative to an Ibanez BTB1406E. I figure I can get the bass now and work on pickups and electronics upgrades later. I just really don't agree with HZ's. They're decent...I'll give them that. It'll give me some good time to get my 6-string chops back up and running, tuning it DADGCF, since I barely ever need a B these days. But those are what I decided on. Honestly, even if I did have the cash for the BTB, I would replace the stock Big Singles in them. They're great! Don't get me wrong about that...they're designed to be a Jazz pickup on steroids, which I love...but the Fat Stacks have a bit more meat on them, and the Dual Coils are even meatier!
     
  3. Jan 4, 2015 #3
    Argassab

    Argassab

    Dec 16, 2014
    Cayman Islands
    My experience with HZs I think were great compared to my 45DCs but I still always go back to them probably because they were mine. One time, I happen to play a Dean 5 string, forgot the model, with HZs. I found them better than my then Ibanez EDB550, which I sold, it had Duncan designed single coils. A few months ago, I had this 80s metal band, we were in the studio for an ep. The studio guy liked the sound of the HZs on a Cort T75 with Bartolini 3 band EQ, compared to my 45DCs. Though the DCs are very clean, he didn't like the tone. It was hard for me to find the tone of my DCs but recently, I think I already got it. It has the BQC system. EMG 45DCs cover a wide a variety of tones/genre but that is for you to dial in especially if you pair it with an onboard EQ with Mid Q. I like my DCs but I still have to find or try other pickups but in my location access is very limited.

    People will always say, it is up to you to decide.

    Those are my thoughts.
     
  4. Jan 4, 2015 #4
    SubNoizeRat3691

    SubNoizeRat3691 Lovin' the lows

    Feb 1, 2010
    Davenport, IA
    What about the Nordstrand Dual Blade Neo's, they also come in the EMG 45 shape/housing.