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replacement ideas for EMG SSD pickups

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ericmknight1906

Nov 22, 2006
231
14
daytona beach, florida
#1
I recently purchased a spector 5 string. This is an awesome bass as far as action, playability, weight, balance and good looks. Unfortunately ,the lack in tonal power is evident. The so called "tone pump jr. is worthless and the subpar EMG pups sound like crap. I would hate to get rid of this fine bass because of inefficiency in one area that I'm sure could be fixed.

Any ideas on a direct replacement/upgrade of the pups that won't cause me to have to make any or very minimal mods?

I have attached pics to give a better idea of what we're working with.

thanks
 
#3
Crazy how folks don't like the SSD/EMG pups and electronics. I love a stock Rebop5. It's next on my list. Good for me though. Keep hating, and these basses will only sell for less used!

There are a few people who have swapped out the tone pump and stock pups for the real deal EMG pups and pre. You should be able to find some info with a search. I believe there is a direct swap for the pups and the pre should fit in no problem.
 
#4
Hey there, bumping this dusty thread for quite the same reason:

I own a NS-2002B Spector, with a pair of EMG-SSD passive pups.
Here's the bass model, as seen on the official Spector site:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Well the thing is, I am having a hard time to get the desired tone from this bass... What I really like is the common "scooped" sound, with solid, full lower-mids, chopped-off high mids and crispy highs.
I don't like to go very "modern" though, like hollow, generic metal.
Think of a tone like a Ric 4003 only wider, with more lows.

Meanwhile, my lovely Spector, that is it's pickups, are quite the opposite: Tweaked with an "obnoxious" high-midrange and weak, weak, weak on the lows & highs.

So until I can afford a Ric or something in that price range, I am really thinking on upgrading the Spector.
I am thinking of replacing the neck pu as I tend to mix the most from it, to get the bottom end I want.

I have been doing my research on the EMG 35DC's which look like a serious upgrade but I really want to avoid that very modern, sterille sound, something I think they get critism for...

Some other jolly fellow mentioned the EMG 35J, and I wonder if that Jazz tone can offer anything in my direction.

I know that I have probably confused you but if you have an word of advice or further discussion, I would be outmostly greatfull!;)

ps: I know how unique the Ric sound is, yes I do!
I am just mentioning the furthest of goals so I can get somewhere in the middle...:rolleyes:
 
#6
I have the 40DCs in a Euro 5LX. With the TonePump, the bass sounded nasal. I switched to the EMG BQC System and it sounds better. Another option would be to swap the DCs for CS pups; they have a warmer sound.

Incidentally, I just picked up a 2003 ReBop4. The EMG-HZ / TonePump combination sounds really good! Between the bolt-on neck construction and electronics, it has a great punchy and growly tone.

Panos_Athens said:
I have been doing my research on the EMG 35DC's which look like a serious upgrade but I really want to avoid that very modern, sterille sound, something I think they get critism for...
Click to expand...
 

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