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New MTD Kingston Saratoga!
- Thread starter skb5string
- Start date
Ya. Maple would be easy. I'm just not sure that I'll be able to stain it so that it looks like it somewhat matches the bass.
I got a MTD Kingston Saratoga today. It looks classy and it plays really well but the original pickups are pure joke. 
I need to change the pickups and perhaps install a preamp. Let's see what will happen. 
I need to change the pickups and perhaps install a preamp. Let's see what will happen. 
Ds1
Commercial User
- Dec 3, 2008
- 556
- 51
- Disclosures
- Owner: Ish Guitars, Inc. Owner: Ish Case, Inc
Thats too bad, I really don't mind the stock pickups, considering they are supposed to have that simplistic passive kind of vibe to them. But... some passive Barts would be sick!
I got to check one out and the pickups were okay. I have one headed my way now. I found a used Bartolini NTMB 3-band, 5 knob on here - so I'll have to get the two holes drilled.
Been trying to decide if I want to try the stock pickkups with the Bart preamp, or go ahead and get a set of 59J1s.
Hey guys, what is the size of the bridge (if you have the 5 string)? I'm wondering about a Hipshot Vintage bridge, but wanted to make sure the front two screw holes would be covered up.
Been trying to decide if I want to try the stock pickkups with the Bart preamp, or go ahead and get a set of 59J1s.
Hey guys, what is the size of the bridge (if you have the 5 string)? I'm wondering about a Hipshot Vintage bridge, but wanted to make sure the front two screw holes would be covered up.
The stock pickups are a little noisy (at least mine are).
More than your typical single coils.
I mentioned it to Mike and said he would swap them out,
but I just left them in.
They're fine for what I do...
More than your typical single coils.
I mentioned it to Mike and said he would swap them out,
but I just left them in.
They're fine for what I do...
I got the bass last night anf the stock pups are ok. But I already have a Bart 59J1 set on the way and NTMB waiting.
Installed the Hipshot Ultralite HB6Y tuners last night. Perfect drop-in replacement (as I've found researching TB and asking the man himself).
Since I had the strings off, I figured I'd install the Bartolini pickups. It was late and temporary, so I just used mini wire nuts with the stock passive electronics. The stock pickups are okay, but the Bartolinis are where its at for me. (Pics forthcoming, as I can't access PB from here.)
I have a 5-knob NTMB preamp to install. I'll be getting the two holes drilled in the body tomorrow. (I'll pay for the comfort of someone more skilled taking care of that.) Hopefully I'll have it back together for Sunday morning services.
I'd like to give a shout out to Steve Hinojosa at Dana B. Goods for his excellent customer service and of course Michael Tobias for designing an awesome bass and being super responsive in answering questions about hardware and finishes.
I need to go over to the club thread and get me one of them numbers!
Since I had the strings off, I figured I'd install the Bartolini pickups. It was late and temporary, so I just used mini wire nuts with the stock passive electronics. The stock pickups are okay, but the Bartolinis are where its at for me. (Pics forthcoming, as I can't access PB from here.)
I have a 5-knob NTMB preamp to install. I'll be getting the two holes drilled in the body tomorrow. (I'll pay for the comfort of someone more skilled taking care of that.) Hopefully I'll have it back together for Sunday morning services.
I'd like to give a shout out to Steve Hinojosa at Dana B. Goods for his excellent customer service and of course Michael Tobias for designing an awesome bass and being super responsive in answering questions about hardware and finishes.
I need to go over to the club thread and get me one of them numbers!
Ds1
Commercial User
- Dec 3, 2008
- 556
- 51
- Disclosures
- Owner: Ish Guitars, Inc. Owner: Ish Case, Inc
I know I'm a little late to party, but glad I finally showed up.
Picked it up yesterday. I hung out on Saturday and "helped" Daniel Carbone at Arlington Fret Works. Couple issues: hole drilled same size as others didn't fit the mid selector pot so had to make it bigger with a tapered file, and the input jack of the preamp was too big for the plate so had to drill it out a bit. Glad I brought it to Daniel and didn't try this myself. He installed the preamp too since everything was cleared out. I installed the pickups and tuners, but that's pretty easy - direct drop in for both.
Gotta try some different strings. But this thing is kickin'. Started off at 8.4 lbs and with the ultralites and replacing the heavy metal knobs, probably down around 8 lbs. Need to weigh it. And the little "Kingston" sticker that they're putting on over the finish is easy enough to peel off.
Bartolini 59J1 pickups - fit perfectly
Bartolini NTMB 3 band with selectable mids
Hipshot Ultralite HB6Y tuners
Rubber knobs from the 'bay
Quick couple pics:
5-Knob layout
Tuners (sorry no back shot)
Nice grain on the fretboard
Picked it up yesterday. I hung out on Saturday and "helped" Daniel Carbone at Arlington Fret Works. Couple issues: hole drilled same size as others didn't fit the mid selector pot so had to make it bigger with a tapered file, and the input jack of the preamp was too big for the plate so had to drill it out a bit. Glad I brought it to Daniel and didn't try this myself. He installed the preamp too since everything was cleared out. I installed the pickups and tuners, but that's pretty easy - direct drop in for both.
Gotta try some different strings. But this thing is kickin'. Started off at 8.4 lbs and with the ultralites and replacing the heavy metal knobs, probably down around 8 lbs. Need to weigh it. And the little "Kingston" sticker that they're putting on over the finish is easy enough to peel off.
Bartolini 59J1 pickups - fit perfectly
Bartolini NTMB 3 band with selectable mids
Hipshot Ultralite HB6Y tuners
Rubber knobs from the 'bay
Quick couple pics:
5-Knob layout
Tuners (sorry no back shot)
Nice grain on the fretboard
