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MTD Kingston Z5 Pickup Upgrade

#41
RevGroove said:
God Speed, try adding a second battery in series to run at 18v. Gives your more headroom, better transients. I did this with my Z5 and it rocks really well in the contemporary/alt rock worship style at my church. A LOT less expensive than a new pre and new pickups! It works for some people, others still go for the more expensive options, but it's worth a try as a first effort!
Click to expand...

A.J.

I am not really having any clipping issues with the stock pre, just a lack of overall frequency. The notion of headroom is still a little confusing to me. Am I right to assume that 18v systems are just a fix for people experiencing distortion/clipping in their signal?

As mentioned before I have to boost the bass completely to get an acceptable amount of bass in either rock or gospel settings. There is no way around it. Since I have to boost the bass it can get "boomy" at certain times. Its not a distorted boom as much as it is a drone. I am thinking that having to boost the bass so much is the cause of this.

In addition the highs in a rock setting are too "bright". When playing Gospel/Funk it is actually welcomed but in a rock setting they sound a little out of place. Do you still think setting up the stock pre with an 18v setup will address these issues?

lowfreqman said:
My biggest gripe with the stock electronics was the lack of bass in the signal. I would always find myself boosting the bass too much just to get an acceptable sound. Additionally, it would eat a 9V battery in about 1.5 months.

With the new electronics, the bass sounds fantastic without any boosts or cuts. This is now my utility bass that I use for rock, funk (both slap and fingerstyle), country, worship, and some new-age jazz. Plus, I have two mid frequencies to choose from for boosting and cutting and the ability to go passive for a more vintage sound.
Click to expand...

I totally understand the lack of bass with the stock pre. I am wondering if it is in fact the pre, or if it is the pups that cause this. It could be both, but no one has swapped just a pre in that I know of. Your set up sounds perfect TBH. Are you running a 18v or a 9v system now?
 
#42
+1 to loqfreqman

I use the Nord Big Splits along with an Aguilar OBP3 preamp. Miles better than the stock pre and pickups. There was also a substantial increase in gain with my new electronics.

Sound = incredible.

You're completely right the stock electronics don't do the bass justice
 
#43
PocketTrio said:
+1 to loqfreqman

I use the Nord Big Splits along with an Aguilar OBP3 preamp. Miles better than the stock pre and pickups. There was also a substantial increase in gain with my new electronics.

Sound = incredible.

You're completely right the stock electronics don't do the bass justice
Click to expand...

Why did you go with Nords, and the Aguilar vs. other pups, and pres?

Is this the correct way to wire a pre for 18v?
Invalid Link Removed
 
#45
I've been looking at and reading up on the Aggies all day, and have decided to go with the OBP3 and try it the stock pickups. If they don't do it for me then I'll swap to some Bart XXPC25's. While I'm installing the Aggie I'll to do the copper shielding too. I am going to see if I can run the 18v set up without routing. If I can't then 9v it is. Thanks for your help guys!
 
#52
I know this is an ancient thread but... I just bought my KZ 5 so I am now doing my research and upgrades.

lowfreqman said:
I am running 9V. I don't know of anyone locally to do the routing necessary to fit another 9V in the battery compartment.
Click to expand...

I added a second 9v to my KZ 5 by splicing into the battery wire in the preamp cavity. No routing necessary. Maybe this is a no-no but it fits, doesn't move around and I haven't noticed any ill effects of it being in with the pre...
 
#53
melarson said:
I know this is an ancient thread but... I just bought my KZ 5 so I am now doing my research and upgrades.



I added a second 9v to my KZ 5 by splicing into the battery wire in the preamp cavity. No routing necessary. Maybe this is a no-no but it fits, doesn't move around and I haven't noticed any ill effects of it being in with the pre...
Click to expand...

Yep, that's what was done with mine. Just wrap something like foam around the battery to keep it packed tight/immobile and keep the casing from rubbing against contacts.

melarson, how do you like the upgrade as opposed to stock?
 
#54
godspeed said:
I've been looking at and reading up on the Aggies all day, and have decided to go with the OBP3 and try it the stock pickups. If they don't do it for me then I'll swap to some Bart XXPC25's. While I'm installing the Aggie I'll to do the copper shielding too. I am going to see if I can run the 18v set up without routing. If I can't then 9v it is. Thanks for your help guys!
Click to expand...

I like the OBP3 with the stock pups. I might swap the pups for the barts. I specifically asked about the Z5 here is Michael Tobias' response.

"the Bartolini makes a dedicated set for your bass and they should be available thru the distributor or he can set that up for you. It would be the same set up as in the ZX series. The pickups are xxp2c" Michael Tobias
 
#57
Would like to know How the Mod's are going?
Barts PUs, Nordys, Aero, Basslines?
Pre's

Im looking to upgrade the sound since mine is a little unbalanced in presence/headroom between the high, mid and low registers.
I have played tru many great rigs from SVT's to Epifani. Bass is great but I'm looking for a "warmer" and tight low end.
Regards
 

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