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Need some help, looking for direct replacement pickup size

B

Big_Bottom-Bass

Jun 3, 2016
31
43
Louisiana
#1
Hiya,

I have an LTD F5E bass. I'm considering swapping out the pickups, and one of the options is Bartolini. I am looking to find out the exact dimensions so I can look for the proper size replacements. I bought the bass new, so it has the stock pickups in it now.

First question, does anyone know the dimensions?

Second, having not done this before, would I need to swap out the preamp as well? Handy with tools, just have not done this operation before. I want more punch from the bass. Normally when I play, I'm playing direct to the board, so an amp won't solve it.

Also, anyone with recommendations for pickups aside from Bartolini, please feel free to drop those here too.
 
#2
Is this the bass?
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

regarding the preamp, that’s a maybe. The website says the pickups are active, and if they are, it may be more tricky. Take some pics of its guts and share here, someone more knowledgeable should be able to explain….

Regarding pickups, they look EMG-shaped, I’d be guessing EMG-40. Those are 1.5x4 inches. But confirm by precise measurement on your bass. Most reputable pickup makers have several models in that size, so you should have lots to choose from. The big question is - why do you want to change them? What’s wrong with the stock ones?

edit: I see there’s an older model called F5E, which seems to have same size pickups, but makes no claim they’re active (which is more realistic anyway), which would make the comment about the preamp above moot. ESP LTD F-5E - Natural Satin
 
Last edited:
#3
sikamikanico said:
Is this the bass?
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

regarding the preamp, that’s a maybe. The website says the pickups are active, and if they are, it may be more tricky. Take some pics of its guts and share here, someone more knowledgeable should be able to explain….

Regarding pickups, they look EMG-shaped, I’d be guessing EMG-40. Those are 1.5x4 inches. But confirm by precise measurement on your bass. Most reputable pickup makers have several models in that size, so you should have lots to choose from. The big question is - why do you want to change them? What’s wrong with the stock ones?

edit: I see there’s an older model called F5E, which seems to have same size pickups, but makes no claim they’re active (which is more realistic anyway), which would make the comment about the preamp above moot. ESP LTD F-5E - Natural Satin
Click to expand...

I'll need to get out the tape measure next time I have my bass at home. It's on our stage right now.

The natural satin one you linked is the exact one I have, and it is active. If you scroll through the photos on that link you'll see one of the back, with the oval shaped battery cover.

Why do I want to change them? It's not that they are bad, it's just that they seem to lack that punch. I'm running direct to the board, and I am the only channel that's got a preamp on it....and they have to turn my channel up higher to carry to where the bass can just be heard in the mix. I'm not trying to blow through everything else, but it seems like I'm not getting the strength I am looking for. I like to just be audible in the live mix, so that you can hear me in there but where I'm supposed to be--not over the keys, guitars, etc etc. Picked the bass up about 7 years ago, and it gets the most use out of my basses, it's just so comfortable to play.

I'll try to get a photo for you of the guts next time too. Thanks for responding
 
#4
Big_Bottom-Bass said:
I'll need to get out the tape measure next time I have my bass at home. It's on our stage right now.

The natural satin one you linked is the exact one I have, and it is active. If you scroll through the photos on that link you'll see one of the back, with the oval shaped battery cover.

Why do I want to change them? It's not that they are bad, it's just that they seem to lack that punch. I'm running direct to the board, and I am the only channel that's got a preamp on it....and they have to turn my channel up higher to carry to where the bass can just be heard in the mix. I'm not trying to blow through everything else, but it seems like I'm not getting the strength I am looking for. I like to just be audible in the live mix, so that you can hear me in there but where I'm supposed to be--not over the keys, guitars, etc etc. Picked the bass up about 7 years ago, and it gets the most use out of my basses, it's just so comfortable to play.

I'll try to get a photo for you of the guts next time too. Thanks for responding
Click to expand...

oh, the bass is active for sure… the question is whether it’s just the preamp that’s active or pickups too. Active pickups are rare, but they do make an appearance every now and then, like some EMG pickups. The ESP website claims the current model uses active pickups, which could indicate the preamp may not work well with traditional passive pickups. But the second link above doesn't indicate your bass (discontinued model) uses active pickups, so chances are a pickup swap would be straightforward.

In terms of fixing the sound, you mention having other basses - which ones gets the job done best, sonically?
 

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