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Music Man sound and pickups

#988
What replacement pickups can easily be wired in series instead of parallel, or is it always a custom order? It's for my passive USA SUB, where I have started sometimes playing on top of the pickup and need something more flat. Like a ramp.
 
#989
sears said:
What replacement pickups can easily be wired in series instead of parallel, or is it always a custom order? It's for my passive USA SUB, where I have started sometimes playing on top of the pickup and need something more flat. Like a ramp.
Click to expand...

Most aftermarket pickups can be wired either way. If they have 4 wires, you're good to go.

If you're careful, you can convert the existing pickup. The pickups on those SUBs were the same as the full Stingrays of the era, which I think are great. It's a little tricky but doable.

Otherwise. Seymour Duncan, Nordstrand, Aguilar... you've got some options there. The Nordstrand MM4.2 would be my choice as it's very close to the original, which I like.
 
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#991
sears said:
I was (mis?-) informed that the passive SUB had a humbucker wired in series not parallel, which is why I was making sure a replacement would work in series. I think I understand how the 4 wires work a little better now. Thanks!
Click to expand...

It's a bit confusing. I don't know about the passive ones, but I know for sure that some active ones (they always seem to be from 2003 or early 2004) were wired in series.
I had one of them (and also a 2005 one wired in parallel as you'd expect) and I actually preferred the series configuration, it seemed to match the 2-band EQ better, to me.

Both configurations will work in either active or passive instruments. If you're going to go to the trouble or modifying or replacing the pickup maybe you could install a little switch to give you both options. Just a possibility. Or even have an option for one of the coils alone too. I have a cheap 5-string Stingray style bass with such mod, and I really like the neck-facing coil alone. Options options :D
 
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#992
Something I'd like to know is how close in sound a Ceramic MM is to the Neodymium MM.

Currently wanting a bit more zing out of my Stingray Special 5 with the Neo and I'm
Trying to figure out whether to go Ceramic or Alnico.

Swapped out the Special preamp for a MM 2 band and it's made a huge difference so far, just want that last piece of the puzzle.
 
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#993
tonymcbony said:
Something I'd like to know is how close in sound a Ceramic MM is to the Neodymium MM.
Click to expand...

I put ceramic (Delano MC4 FE*) in both of my Rays after playing an EBMM Sterling. The sound is generally more transparent and airy, with clearer highs, faster, more articulate transients and more linear dynamic response, in other words it makes me feel more 'connected' - the bass does more of what I ask of it compared to the smoothness and natural compression of Alnico.
YMMV

*Edit. Actually it's a Delano MC4 FE pickup in the EBMM StingRay and an EBMM Sterling pickup in the SBMM Ray34. Confused?
 
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#994
SteveCS said:
I put ceramic (Delano MC4 FE*) in both of my Rays after playing an EBMM Sterling. The sound is generally more transparent and airy, with clearer highs, faster, more articulate transients and more linear dynamic response, in other words it makes me feel more 'connected' - the bass does more of what I ask of it compared to the smoothness and natural compression of Alnico.
YMMV


*Edit. Actually it's a Delano MC4 FE pickup in the EBMM StingRay and an EBMM Sterling pickup in the SBMM Ray34. Confused?
Click to expand...

Lots of great info. Can you tell me what pickup is in my 2020 $299 version Sterling StingRay? I've certainly thought about replacing it but have no idea about what tonal difference It'd make overall (understanding that each brand has its own unique characteristics). I enjoy the sound of the stock pickup but have a curious mind.
 
#995
Some very beautiful sounding cheap ceramic pickups in a Glarry J reopened this magnet material question for me. @SteveCS's description seems pretty good. But I haven't decided which I like better.
 
#996
LoveJackBruce said:
Lots of great info. Can you tell me what pickup is in my 2020 $299 version Sterling StingRay? I've certainly thought about replacing it but have no idea about what tonal difference It'd make overall (understanding that each brand has its own unique characteristics). I enjoy the sound of the stock pickup but have a curious mind.
Click to expand...

I believe the Ray4 is ceramic. I think with the Ray4 you would get more StingRay mileage from an aftermarket preamp than a replacement pickup.
 
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#999
RandalPinkFloyd said:
I see all the suggestions for the H Subs, but what about the HH Ray5? Same logic apply? I can't seem to find specs to see if the dual humbuckers are the same size as the Subs with a single humbucker. I'm considering these

Nordstrand 5 String Musicman - Best Bass Gear

but I'm unsure if they'll fit, and the difference between dual, quad, and tri coil.
Click to expand...

After more research, switching gears to the Seymour Duncan setup. Pre-amp and pickups. Just emailed the SD custom shop to see what they suggest, as I can't find any info on whether I can use the same stuff for the HH as people are using for the H.
 
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