/ Register

Pickups or Pre? Ibanez.

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by 4130, Apr 12, 2012.

  1. Apr 12, 2012 #1
    4130

    4130

    Jan 8, 2012
    Hi. I've been following awhile but this is my first time posting. I am hoping I can get a few questions answered about upgrading an Ibanez. I have a 2002 SR405 and I love the way if plays but feel like its lacking in tone. I feel like it sounds a flat or muddy ( I'm not sure if that's the right words for what I mean but I think you'll get the idea). I cannot afford a whole new bass and don't think anyone else makes a thin neck with tight string spacing like that anyway. But I was wondering if a new preamp or pickups would help? I think a preamp would be cheaper and easier to figure out but if it wouldn't make big difference then I wouldn't bother. I'd like to keep a three band eq so I can dial in a deep full tone for finger style and then a punchy growl for playing with a pick. If anyone has experience getting the most out of a SR405 I'd love to hear it. I play worship at my church and also play punk/rock stuff. My main amp is a Carvin MB210 in case that matters. Thanks!
     
  2. Apr 12, 2012 #2
    droo46

    droo46

    Jun 16, 2011
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    I put some DiMarzio's in my old SR400 and it made a world of difference. It greatly improved the tone and clarity of the instrument. I can't speak on what kind of difference you'll get swapping out the pre though.
     
  3. Apr 12, 2012 #3
    testing1two

    testing1two

    Feb 25, 2009
    Southern California
    I think you'll find that upgrading one or the other will make a positive difference but the true potential is realized when you replace both. I agree that changing the pickups first is probably your best bet.
     
  4. Apr 12, 2012 #4
    darkstorm

    darkstorm

    Oct 13, 2009
    Pickup[ change is better imo, then add preamp later when you can aford to. Ibanez J and P pups are about the worst Ive heard sound wise.
     
  5. Apr 12, 2012 #5
    4130

    4130

    Jan 8, 2012
    Ok so it's looks like pickups are the best bet. I have a 5 string so I'm looking at soap bars. Do I just wire them into my existing preamp? And what are some decent pickups since I can't really try until I buy? Thanks for the help do far.
     
  6. Sep 24, 2012 #6
    hemmerlinj

    hemmerlinj

    Sep 21, 2012
    Astoria, NY
    I have 98 SR405. Still my favorite bass. I put a full EMG set in this bass. In the Neck position I put in a TW and the Bridge I think a DC. I got the BQS system as well. I have a push pull pot for the TW pickup to go from dual coil to single. I went with volume for each pup as I don't really like blend pots.

    I knw this response is probably late, but I only just became a member a few days ago. If you went with the change I hope it went well.