Music Man sound and pickups

[PhinDog]

Hey,
Anyone have a good starting point for pickup height on an SD SMB-4A? I’ve gone through Talkbass and SD websites and google. Coming up empty.
Thanks!

 

[BlueTalon]

Hey,
Anyone have a good starting point for pickup height on an SD SMB-4A? I’ve gone through Talkbass and SD websites and google. Coming up empty.
Thanks!

If your plan is to start at a starting point and adjust until you get to your optimum point, you can start anywhere. If you're looking for a suggestion, try about 3/16" (give or take) below the level of your fretboard/fingerboard.

Oh, and pictures. I know that's a new pickup, I want to see what you put it in.

 

[PhinDog]

If your plan is to start at a starting point and adjust until you get to your optimum point, you can start anywhere. If you're looking for a suggestion, try about 3/16" (give or take) below the level of your fretboard/fingerboard.

Oh, and pictures. I know that's a new pickup, I want to see what you put it in.

Thanks!
After my post I found the Music Man bass set up specs on their website.
It mentions 3/16 but from plastic to bottom of the string. I started there and it sounds pretty good. I didn’t depress the string at the last fret like I usually do because it doesn’t mention that. But it seems to be working out. That SD pickup and pre sounds great.
I also hung onto the Nordy pickup to try out eventually as well. But for now I’m enjoying the SD.
Thanks for the help.

I put the pickup and pre in a SBMM Ray4. It’s my first install/mod and it was a lot of fun!
I’ll post some better pics as I finish it up. Still need to pull off the plastic on the pick-guard.
Thanks again!

 

[dfuentevilla]

Hey guys,
I got myself a brand new SBMM Ray4 a couple months ago, and the only thing I didn't like about it is the stock pickup, it sounded too harsh and tinny to me.

So I went ahead and got a Nordstrand MM4.2, got it installed, and to be honest, I wasn't too convinced about the sound either. I guess I found out I'm more of a modern sounding MM pickup fan, but found out too late .

I like the sound of the 90's EBMM basses, and to my understanding those had ceramic pickups installed from the factory, unlike the Norstrand which is Alnico. And would someone shine a light whether those were wired series or parallel back in those days?

What would your recommendation be to get that sound? Should I get a 3-band preamp first and go back to the stock pickup, get an entirely new pickup (like the SD MM ceramic), or just get both?

Thanks!

 

[BlueTalon]

What would your recommendation be to get that sound? Should I get a 3-band preamp first and go back to the stock pickup, get an entirely new pickup (like the SD MM ceramic), or just get both?

Thanks!

I recommend that!

But truth alert: my recommendation is largely self serving, since I happen to have one listed right now in the classifieds.
But it's not entirely self serving, because I do believe it is a good pickup at a fair price.

 

[BasseroDE]

Hey guys,
I got myself a brand new SBMM Ray4 a couple months ago, and the only thing I didn't like about it is the stock pickup, it sounded too harsh and tinny to me.

So I went ahead and got a Nordstrand MM4.2, got it installed, and to be honest, I wasn't too convinced about the sound either. I guess I found out I'm more of a modern sounding MM pickup fan, but found out too late .

I like the sound of the 90's EBMM basses, and to my understanding those had ceramic pickups installed from the factory, unlike the Norstrand which is Alnico. And would someone shine a light whether those were wired series or parallel back in those days?

What would your recommendation be to get that sound? Should I get a 3-band preamp first and go back to the stock pickup, get an entirely new pickup (like the SD MM ceramic), or just get both?

Thanks!

Now that you have a Nord MM I guess the main culprit is the preamp. You should change this and I installed a series/parallel switch in my Ray35CA so I have both options.

Remember the original MM preamp was quite simple and you can get a DIY kit here in Germany for <20 bucks.

From what I read the Eastman preamp gets a lotta love. Maybe you want to check out one of Lobsters videos on his various mod projects (whole Stingray series with ~10 different videos).

 

[SteveCS]

Hey guys,
I got myself a brand new SBMM Ray4 a couple months ago, and the only thing I didn't like about it is the stock pickup, it sounded too harsh and tinny to me.

So I went ahead and got a Nordstrand MM4.2, got it installed, and to be honest, I wasn't too convinced about the sound either. I guess I found out I'm more of a modern sounding MM pickup fan, but found out too late .

I like the sound of the 90's EBMM basses, and to my understanding those had ceramic pickups installed from the factory, unlike the Norstrand which is Alnico. And would someone shine a light whether those were wired series or parallel back in those days?

What would your recommendation be to get that sound? Should I get a 3-band preamp first and go back to the stock pickup, get an entirely new pickup (like the SD MM ceramic), or just get both?

Thanks!

Once you become a ceramic convert, Alnico never quite cuts the mustard - it feels just a little tame, polite and compressed (lifeless, muddy and unresponsive) by comparison (IMHO/IME). So I would go all in with the SD or Delano FE (my personal choice), wired parallel or on a series/parallel switch. That said, the Ray4 preamps are quite different to the Ray34/EB SR4 preamps. I can't speak for the SD MM preamp, but the John East MMSR is fantastic, if you are minded to go truly 'all in'.

 

[PhinDog]

I recommend that!

But truth alert: my recommendation is largely self serving, since I happen to have one listed right now in the classifieds.
But it's not entirely self serving, because I do believe it is a good pickup at a fair price.

Hey guys,
I got myself a brand new SBMM Ray4 a couple months ago, and the only thing I didn't like about it is the stock pickup, it sounded too harsh and tinny to me.

So I went ahead and got a Nordstrand MM4.2, got it installed, and to be honest, I wasn't too convinced about the sound either. I guess I found out I'm more of a modern sounding MM pickup fan, but found out too late .

I like the sound of the 90's EBMM basses, and to my understanding those had ceramic pickups installed from the factory, unlike the Norstrand which is Alnico. And would someone shine a light whether those were wired series or parallel back in those days?

What would your recommendation be to get that sound? Should I get a 3-band preamp first and go back to the stock pickup, get an entirely new pickup (like the SD MM ceramic), or just get both?

Thanks!

I came to the same conclusion. I really like the 3 band EBMM sound. I too bought the Nordy pickup but before I installed it bought a SD Alnico V pickup from @BlueTalon at a great price brand new and found a good deal on the SD Pre-amp. I gotta say it’s really nice. Super flexible and very Ray. I can’t find a setting that doesn’t sound good.
I am still learning the preamp but I’m pretty impressed. The notes jump out of the amp or can be very smooth and clear which was the sound I had in my head.
I’d agree that the Ceramic sounds nice as well. Might have to try one as well in the future. While I still have the Nordy I am interested to try this as well. Might have to throw it in to see how it plays with the pre.

This has definitely been a gateway drug into the stingray sound, hopefully I can stay happy with the Ray4 for a while and not just jump for a EBMM. I keep trying to balance the prices of the upgrades with the price of a used stingray or even Ray34CA (I like the 1 1/2” nut), I’d like a better bridge and tuners.
Last thing I’d add is Seymour Duncan has a great free online course to learn how to solder and install pickups. I just took it and installed this set up. It’s was fun and easier than I thought it would be. Plus for the price of a tech to install the parts I now own the tools.
Good luck!

Edit:
After thinking about this. With the Nordy installed I’d try the SD pre, STC-3M3. I bet you get a lot closer and it’s cheaper to go with the good pickup you already have.

 

[dfuentevilla]

Once you become a ceramic convert, Alnico never quite cuts the mustard - it feels just a little tame, polite and compressed (lifeless, muddy and unresponsive) by comparison (IMHO/IME).

That was exactly my thought as well, I was kind of disappointed when I first tried it out, but it was already too late. In all fairness, I got a little carried away when I decided on that pickup and should've made a little more research beforehand.

I have an OLP MM2 and love the way it sounds and plays, and the Nordstrand just has a completely different sound from what I like about an EBMM style bass, it just sounds duller, more tame, and to me, a little P-Bass like even. Which if you're looking for a more vintage sound I guess it's alright, but I discovered I like the modern style sound better.

Not saying it's a bad pickup, just not the one for my taste, and that's all on me of course.

 

[dfuentevilla]

I came to the same conclusion. I really like the 3 band EBMM sound. I too bought the Nordy pickup but before I installed it bought a SD Alnico V pickup from @BlueTalon at a great price brand new and found a good deal on the SD Pre-amp. I gotta say it’s really nice. Super flexible and very Ray. I can’t find a setting that doesn’t sound good.
I am still learning the preamp but I’m pretty impressed. The notes jump out of the amp or can be very smooth and clear which was the sound I had in my head.
I’d agree that the Ceramic sounds nice as well. Might have to try one as well in the future. While I still have the Nordy I am interested to try this as well. Might have to throw it in to see how it plays with the pre.

This has definitely been a gateway drug into the stingray sound, hopefully I can stay happy with the Ray4 for a while and not just jump for a EBMM. I keep trying to balance the prices of the upgrades with the price of a used stingray or even Ray34CA (I like the 1 1/2” nut), I’d like a better bridge and tuners.
Last thing I’d add is Seymour Duncan has a great free online course to learn how to solder and install pickups. I just took it and installed this set up. It’s was fun and easier than I thought it would be. Plus for the price of a tech to install the parts I now own the tools.
Good luck!

Edit:
After thinking about this. With the Nordy installed I’d try the SD pre, STC-3M3. I bet you get a lot closer and it’s cheaper to go with the good pickup you already have.

I guess that's what I'm going to try, switch out the stock preamp for a 3 band, see how it goes.

Thank you guys for your very helpful answers!

 

[Baker69]

That was exactly my thought as well, I was kind of disappointed when I first tried it out, but it was already too late. In all fairness, I got a little carried away when I decided on that pickup and should've made a little more research beforehand.

I have an OLP MM2 and love the way it sounds and plays, and the Nordstrand just has a completely different sound from what I like about an EBMM style bass, it just sounds duller, more tame, and to me, a little P-Bass like even. Which if you're looking for a more vintage sound I guess it's alright, but I discovered I like the modern style sound better.

Not saying it's a bad pickup, just not the one for my taste, and that's all on me of course.

If you’ve seen my recent postings regarding my Nordstrand MM5.2 installation, I have concurred too that the Nordy hasn’t quite lived up to my expectations. I also think it’s due to the Nordy being an Alnico pickup. I’m going to take a gamble and swap out the preamp but am undecided yet whether to go with something like the Retrovibe Stinger or the John East 3 band? The Stinger is obviously the cheaper option.

Can anyone give their opinion on the Nordstrand MM4.2 or MM5.2 with the Retrovibe Stinger?

 

[PhinDog]

If you’ve seen my recent postings regarding my Nordstrand MM5.2 installation, I have concurred too that the Nordy hasn’t quite lived up to my expectations. I also think it’s due to the Nordy being an Alnico pickup. I’m going to take a gamble and swap out the preamp but am undecided yet whether to go with something like the Retrovibe Stinger or the John East 3 band? The Stinger is obviously the cheaper option.

Can anyone give their opinion on the Nordstrand MM4.2 or MM5.2 with the Retrovibe Stinger?

+1.
I’d love to hear some clips of the retro vibe. Plenty of praise and clips of the East. That is back in stock BTW.

 

[Baker69]

+1.
I’d love to hear some clips of the retro vibe. Plenty of praise and clips of the East. That is back in stock BTW.

The John East may be back in stock where you are but not here in the UK, well not yet anyway and I did a search last night.

The East pre is a completely different animal (and price!) and I need to carefully make my mind up whether to go for this or just the Retrovibe Stinger. If the Stinger is fine then the money saved not going for the John East MMSR 3 band could go towards a set of Schaller BM Tuners.

The dilemma is that if I go for the Stinger I may always regret not getting the John East. Decisions, decisions.........sigh!

 

[mcnach]

The John East may be back in stock where you are but not here in the UK, well not yet anyway and I did a search last night.

The East pre is a completely different animal (and price!) and I need to carefully make my mind up whether to go for this or just the Retrovibe Stinger. If the Stinger is fine then the money saved not going for the John East MMSR 3 band could go towards a set of Schaller BM Tuners.

The dilemma is that if I go for the Stinger I may always regret not getting the John East. Decisions, decisions.........sigh!

Where did you look? They are back in stock at John East's site.

 

[Baker69]

Where did you look? They are back in stock at John East's site.

I looked at the place where I bought my Nordstrand Pickup - Bass Direct in Warwick. They are the sole distributor here in the UK for Nordstrand products and I assumed John East as well - I wasn't aware that I could buy direct from East, I'll have a look thanks.

 

[Baker69]

I've decided to go for the John East MMSR 3 band eq, I've ordered direct from East and thought I'd bite the bullet, they were only showing 2 No. in stock so I thought I'd go for it!

Thanks mcnach for the heads up.

 

[Videojunkie]

Thanks guys for your help. Got the Seymour Duncan's wired up and slotted into the bass. They sound fantastic!

 

[TD3691]

Hey guys, I’m currently building my dream bass.It’s a Jaguar PJ body, which I plan on adding a MM style humbucker to.

To position a MM style humbucker pickup, I need to expand the existing jazz bass bridge pickup cavity. I’m assuming expanding the pocket towards the neck will give more of a MM sound, than routing it closer to the bridge.

I intend to have 3 pickup switches to toggle between the PJ, P, and MM pickup combos.

Any recommendations for a hum cancelling, alnico V, dual coil MM humbucker available in UK for less than £125

 

[dabis]

Thanks guys for your help. Got the Seymour Duncan's wired up and slotted into the bass. They sound fantastic!

View attachment 4950357

Your bss seems pretty nice on this picture. Can you show us the entire instrument?

 

[Videojunkie]

Your bss seems pretty nice on this picture. Can you show us the entire instrument?

5 string Ricken-Musicman Bass.

Everything you ever wanted to know about it...