Searched a few threads to find info on swapping pickup and preamp in a Sterling Ray35. While I found some discussions, I did not find a concise thread on it (particularly on pickup size), so going to offer up the modifications I did on mine.
Parts:
Delano Quad Coil Pickup (MC5 FE/M2 EB 5 String MV)
4 way switch (I used Toneshaper Core Switch)
John East MM preamp (MMSR 1-Pickup 4-Knob 3-Band)
Pickguard modified for MM5 no ear pickup shape (custom order from Paradox Guitar Supply)
The only difficult part of this swap is enlarging the factory pickup opening (see photo). While I have a decent Bosch router, I opted to use a Dremel with plunge router attachment and Dremel router bit. I was able to get the opening accurate without using a template. If you happen to mess up, the pickguard should cover up your error anyway.
Before:
After:
I liked the sound from the Ray35 in stock form, but felt the preamp could use improvement (seemed to distort a little at more extreme settings). Since I was already opening it up, I decided to swap the pickup as well. This turned out to be a good move. One of my favorite Musicman sounds is single coil setting from the 3 coil basses. With the quad coil pickup and four way switch, I have series, parallel, and two different single coil settings (neck and bridge). All settings are hum free.
One thing worth noting is the pole pieces appear slightly out of alignment after the mod. After looking at photos, I realized they were before the mod as well. No impact on sound, but if the aesthetic issue bothers you, then go for something that does not have exposed polepieces (assuming you like the sound of those options).
Parts:
Delano Quad Coil Pickup (MC5 FE/M2 EB 5 String MV)
4 way switch (I used Toneshaper Core Switch)
John East MM preamp (MMSR 1-Pickup 4-Knob 3-Band)
Pickguard modified for MM5 no ear pickup shape (custom order from Paradox Guitar Supply)
The only difficult part of this swap is enlarging the factory pickup opening (see photo). While I have a decent Bosch router, I opted to use a Dremel with plunge router attachment and Dremel router bit. I was able to get the opening accurate without using a template. If you happen to mess up, the pickguard should cover up your error anyway.
Before:
After:
I liked the sound from the Ray35 in stock form, but felt the preamp could use improvement (seemed to distort a little at more extreme settings). Since I was already opening it up, I decided to swap the pickup as well. This turned out to be a good move. One of my favorite Musicman sounds is single coil setting from the 3 coil basses. With the quad coil pickup and four way switch, I have series, parallel, and two different single coil settings (neck and bridge). All settings are hum free.
One thing worth noting is the pole pieces appear slightly out of alignment after the mod. After looking at photos, I realized they were before the mod as well. No impact on sound, but if the aesthetic issue bothers you, then go for something that does not have exposed polepieces (assuming you like the sound of those options).
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