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OLP MM3 Replacement Pickup Help!

Luke19Boarder

Luke19Boarder

Jul 5, 2001
1,524
2,083
Chicago, IL
lwke.bandcamp.com
#1
I recently started using a 5 string, and the one that I have is an OLP MM3 musicman copy. It plays fine, but the pickup sounds pretty weak, and fairly muddy on the low B. I am looking to upgrade the pickup, but want to keep it passive. After doing a number of searches, I know that many of you will recommend routing/installing a pre-amp and making the bass active, but I'm not interested in that. I would just like suggestions on a passive pickup that I can drop into the bass.

Any help is appreciated!

p.s. here's the bass in question (probably not necessary, but I love showing it off whenever I can :p )

IMG00087.jpg
 
#2
If you haven't already done this, remove the stock pickup and see if there is any foam material underneath it to adjust the height of the pickup. Every OLP I've gotten didn't have any so the pickup just sits in the bottom of the cavity and is WAY too far from the strings to work properly. Get the pickup adjusted properly (approx 3/16 + or -) from the strings and you might not be looking for another. JMHO After I added foam under my pickups they weren't anemic any more.
 
#3
Adjusting the pickup height is a great suggestion, IMHO always better to go for the cheap fix first. If you're dead set on replacing the pickup, I believe that Nordstrand makes a replacement for these basses.
 
#7
Luke19Boarder have you tried "Stewart-MacDonald" for parts like pots that you mentioned. They are very good with all types of guitar parts and even some pickups. I would check out the Nordstrands for sure for that bass. Nice looking bass.
 

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