MTD Z5 Pickups...

[XtromatriX]

For those of you who own MTD Z5 5 string basses, what is your honest opinion of the stock picups? Thanks in advance.

 

[lowfreqman]

They aren't bad, but it seemed like I would have to turn-up the on-board bass eq substantially to get the bottom I felt should have been there when the preamp was set flat. Also, they were too polite for my tastes.

I replaced them with Nordstrand Big Splits and haven't looked back.

 

[alexofc69]

They aren't bad, but it seemed like I would have to turn-up the on-board bass eq substantially to get the bottom I felt should have been there when the preamp was set flat. Also, they were too polite for my tastes.

I replaced them with Nordstrand Big Splits and haven't looked back.

Did you replace the preamp too?

 

[RevGroove]

I stuck with the original electronics, but I also have a ZX with USA Bartolini pickups and EQ which sounds awesome as well...I believe that the electronics can be purchased to upgrade the Z5s through Power Music (MTD Kingston Distributor).

I like both basses, though the Z5 is more of a back up bass with the ZX in the stable these days. I take it on fly dates though.

 

[lowfreqman]

Did you replace the preamp too?

Yes, I did a total electronics make-over. I got a Bart NTMB preamp to replace the stock, mostly for the increased flexibility. Now I can select the mid frequency at which I want to boost or cut (250 or 800 Hz) and I have the ability to switch between active and passive operation. Additionally, the stock MTD preamp ate batteries like nothing I have ever seen before. That has not been a problem with the Bart.