Schecter pickup change

[420 Bass It]

Hi guys. Just wanted some advice on changing pickups on a Schecter bass (Stiletto Studio 5).

This is how it looks like. It comes with EMG-HZs (passives) and an EMG 18v preamp.
I want to swap the pickups to something I'd like more, and I don't know if EMG is the best choice for me.
However, I'm sure the preamp isn't so bad, it's EMG 18v after all, but I don't know if it's possible to use this preamp with pickups that aren't EMGs. Does anyone have an idea?

 

[deff]

Pretty sure they aren't HZ's. I would think that you can use whatever you want as the preamp and active EQ is Schecter designed and should take other actives. HZs say EMG hz

 

[deff]

Congrats on the Stiletto btw. I love mine.

 

[Aidil]

Hi guys. Just wanted some advice on changing pickups on a Schecter bass (Stiletto Studio 5).
View attachment 3262091
This is how it looks like. It comes with EMG-HZs (passives) and an EMG 18v preamp.
I want to swap the pickups to something I'd like more, and I don't know if EMG is the best choice for me.
However, I'm sure the preamp isn't so bad, it's EMG 18v after all, but I don't know if it's possible to use this preamp with pickups that aren't EMGs. Does anyone have an idea?

The specs on Schecter web page says EMG 40HZ and yes they are passive pickups paired with EMG preamp.

I've had some experiences of using EMG active pickups with EMG preamp, EMG passive pickups with other preamp, but zero experience combining other passive pickups with EMG preamp.

Pretty sure they aren't HZ's. I would think that you can use whatever you want as the preamp and active EQ is Schecter designed and should take other actives. HZs say EMG hz

They are HZs and the preamp is EMG's. Schecter spec sheet says so.

These days the HZ isn't necessarily written on the cover. My 2017 Ibanez SRC6 came with a pair of EMG 35HZs and the writing on the covers also say EMG only.

 

[RyanOh]

I've never heard of HZ's not saying EMG-HZ on them. I have a few Schecters that came with HZ's and the EMG BTC System -- there are dipswitches to change the response/output.
Invalid Link Removed

Here's the spec on the EMG-40HZ: Invalid Link Removed

I also have a Riot-5 that came with EMG's (40DC and 40J) and 18v preamp. This sounds like what the OP has in terms of EMG's?

OP: Can you take a pic of the inside of the control cavity?

I wonder if Schecter's spec page is wrong? I'm interested to know -- because I like Schecters and buy used basses -- I'd learn something new!

 

[deff]

I'm fairly certain that when I contacted EMG about my Stiletto with a picture of the preamp they said it wasn't theirs. I think the Schecter page is incorrect. I'll take a picture of my Studio and Stage to see if it is the same. It'd be nice to compare notes.

 

[deff]

Talked to Schecter tech support. They confirmed 35hz in mine. The module wiring harness is EMG's. I'm going to contact EMG to determine if the module will work with their active pickups.

 

[Aidil]

Told ya they were really HZ (despite no HZ lettering on the cover).

But... since yours is 5 string, they should be the 40HZ instead of the 35HZ. Luckily they are easily determined by measuring the housing length. If the length is 4.0" then they are the 40HZ or 3.5" for the 35HZ.

Basically, your EMG 3 band preamp can be used with EMG active pickups. But, you need to change the pickup blend module (EMG Active Balance Control) from B125 to B118. That's all. The rests of the preamp are the same.