MTD Vs. KSD?

[jmain]

To be as authentic as possible, they are made with Single coil pickups. You get that same famous 60 cycle hum as you do on every Jazz Bass in the world with singles IF the pickups are not balanced evenly with the selector. When the balance is even, no noise at all.

Right on. If I wanted to switch pickups, what are the dimensions (are they identical to any)? Lastly, is there any additional routing (ala Fender) under the pickguard, or is it possible to have a clear guard.

I ask all of this b/c I should be getting a KSD 705 next week. I already have a 5-string jazz with single coils (although 60's spacing) and a J-Retro. Of course I want to hear it first before making modification decisions. Just pondering some things.

 

[superblues]

I just traded for a used tobacco MTD Kingston 5 (passive, J/MM pups, maple board).
The strings are a bit old, but not terrible. Plenty of bark w/ the tone up, thump to spare w/ the tone back.

The Kingston neck is asymmetrical and a bit thick on the B side. I was not immediately sold on the design. but it really has grown on me and feels quite nice while playing when standing. The bass also feels a bit neck heavy, but balances perfectly on a strap.

Nothing against KSD's, i've never seen any around and jazz bodies always feel too large to me.

 

[jmain]

Right on. If I wanted to switch pickups, what are the dimensions (are they identical to any)? Lastly, is there any additional routing (ala Fender) under the pickguard, or is it possible to have a clear guard.

I ask all of this b/c I should be getting a KSD 705 next week. I already have a 5-string jazz with single coils (although 60's spacing) and a J-Retro. Of course I want to hear it first before making modification decisions. Just pondering some things.

Heath already addressed the extra routing question.

Does anyone know the pickup dimensions? Ken?