pickup replacement for schecter, can't get the sound I want

Welcome to TalkBass!!!!

Here's the thing. You may be trying to jam a square peg into a round hole.

If the Schecter plays super incredibly great, go through the effort to make it sound like the Yamaha. If not, just sell it and get another bass similar to the Yamaha that sounds like you like. There are thousands of us here. If you post the model of Yamaha you bought, and ask something like "What's a bass that sounds like this and maybe has a slimmer neck?" (or whatever would enhance YOUR bass experience) I'm sure we could help.

Short version. I don't think you'll make the Schecter sound like the Yamaha.

Glad you found us!

 

My perspective is a bit different: because the Schecter uses the standard EMG pickup size, there is a huge variety of replacement pickups available to you. I believe that you can improve on the Schecter. It probably won’t sound exactly like the Yamaha, but a pickup replacement can help.

Disclaimer: Every bass is a unique combination of elements. The woods used, the construction type, the electronics package, the strings, they all work together to give that instrument its particular personality. No one element can negate the contributions of the others.

That said, if you’re looking for midrange punch, there are some good pickup choices out there. I’d start with the EMG 35PX and 35JX. They’re active, which turns some people off, but you already have active EQ in the bass, so it’s not that much more of a burden. If you characterize your EMG HZ pickups as “subdued/dull/boring”, then the EMG active pickups should provide what you’re looking for. And if you decide you don’t like the PX and/or JX, you can easily swap them out for the CSX and/or DCX instead. (The DC is the de-facto standard pickup for metal.)

Other high-quality pickups (active and passive) are made in that same shape by Nordstrand, Delano, Bartolini, Lace, Seymour Duncan, and others that I’m forgetting just now. Lots and lots of options! But, because each instrument is unique, and because your ears have to be the final judge, there’s no getting around doing your own experimentation.

 

I had a Yamaha BB1024X, those pickups are specifically engineered for pick players and very much sounded like JBs tone in DIO, Jimmy played with a pick and when he recorded Holy Diver he brought his Yamaha (I forget the model) and his Ampeg SVT head into the studio and plugged in to the board, thats how he got his sound, you can come very close many ways, experiment and and you will get there. Using a pick with your GK (turn up the treble and hi-mids) should get you very close...I also am a GK guy. The TH500 is a very warm and woody vintage sounding amp, thats the baked in Aggie tone, but if its working for ya then good for you. I have ZERO experience with Schecter basses so I wont speak to them but they do get some love here on TB.
Rock on.

 

Punch is typically found in the low mids...I dont recall JB ever having punch, he was always gnarly and gritty and cutting with a lot of bite, I apologize I may be misunderstanding what you are looking for here...but I am sure you will find it.
Rock on.

 

In the end you're comparing PJ pickups to a pair of humbuckers. Very different designs that inherently are going to sound different.

I don't know the model numbers, but there are split coil and single coil pickups in EMG size housings. You might start looking at those.

 

Those are the ones I mentioned earlier.

Soapbar is just a shape. Inside a soapbar you can find single coil, split coil, dual coil, sidewinder, multi-coil... pretty much anything under the sun.

 

The classic EMG sound is a scooped midrange (except maybe the Geezer). I can’t stand them personally. The GK/HLF/B7K might be making the problem worse. If the bass is a 35” scale, that might also translate to a high fidelity less punchy sound.

You could try Nordstrand or Bartolini pickups. I love Nordstrand Big Splits. But I’d first try the Schechter through the Aguilar rig.

 

Before you replace the pickups, maybe try a new set of strings like DR Lo-Riders or Fat beams. Ill agree the HZ's arnt the most exciting set of pickups out there but they should definitely be suitable for classic rock and hair metal. I gigged with a schecter stiletto w/HZ's for a while and I thought it sounded pretty good. You might also try bumping the low mids, and the highs on the amp. The HZ's are a little on the darker side of the tone spectrum. Good luck!

 

Such a great point, I should have mentioned it too. Strings can make a huge difference, and are cheaper and easier than a pickup swap.

 

Great choice, one of my faves. What strings are on the Schecter currently?

 

Dead strings can certainly cause a "dead sound". Some fresh strings should liven up the sound, maybe try some stainless steel.

In my experience, the EMG HZ and 40DC have a similar "base sound", but the active pickups just have more of everything. The HZs IMHO don't actually sound half bad when combined with a decent preamp/EQ, but a little warmer.

 

I’d say you’re prob better off selling the bass that isnt working for you and getting another Yamaha. But it is fun to work on a bass.

 

I improved my Schecter Omen-5 with an Aguilar preamp and Seymour Duncan pickups.

 

I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised after you throw those high beams on it! Let us know how it goes!