The Soundgear Club

[jonnybass1]

I found a set of covers on the evil bay that are a near perfect size for the MK size pickups on the older soundgears, so I bought two sets. I really don't like the tone of my SR400qm but I love the tone of my SR1000 which has EMG PJ in it. I found that the covers will fit a jazz sized pickup if I sand a bit of the screw hole tubes away on the covers, then the jazz pickup just slides right in to the cover. So I am ordering a EMG J set and try that. Should be interesting…

 

[iTzPrime]

Okay, give...what preamp upgrades? We're always looking to swipe ideas.

Riis

The Aguilar Preamp is awesome with my 1200VNF. Compliments the bubinga/mahogany body really well.

 

[21DaHoagie12]

Okay, give...what preamp upgrades? We're always looking to swipe ideas.

Riis

I, too, have upgraded Ibanez basses with Aguilar preamps and have been very happy with the result. I just need to find one for my btb1605 and I'll be set!

 

[Bartrinsic]

Unfortunately the shop didn't have any of the models I went to try out and the vendor looked me a bit like a lunatic for being interested in multiscales.

I was looking forward to your report for the SRMS805. I have both an SRMS and an SRFF 5er. You can guess if you would like it. Basically, if you like SR 5 strings, including the 16.5 mm spacing and the tendency toward slight neck dive, AND you can play 35" scale basses comfortably, then you'll probably enjoy the SRMS. It feels a little longer than a 34" 5 string, but not as long as a full 35" scale since the shorter D and G strings do reduce the reach, especially for multi-stops. In trade, you get a superb 35.5" B string and more even tension across the strings. If you want that long B string, it is worth it. If you are fine with 34" B strings, then the longer scale isn't worth it--it will slow you down (just a little).

 

[PrimitiveMan]

I was looking forward to your report for the SRMS805. I have both an SRMS and an SRFF 5er. You can guess if you would like it. Basically, if you like SR 5 strings, including the 16.5 mm spacing and the tendency toward slight neck dive, AND you can play 35" scale basses comfortably, then you'll probably enjoy the SRMS. It feels a little longer than a 34" 5 string, but not as long as a full 35" scale since the shorter D and G strings do reduce the reach, especially for multi-stops. In trade, you get a superb 35.5" B string and more even tension across the strings. If you want that long B string, it is worth it. If you are fine with 34" B strings, then the longer scale isn't worth it--it will slow you down (just a little).

Yeah I was surprised how easy the SRMS was to play considering I had never played a fanned fret bass before. But I didn't find the benefits to be that great personally. I just tried one at Guitar Center.

If you down tune below B I feel like it would definitely be worthwhile though.

 

[Standalone]

nbd. SRF706

 

[PrimitiveMan]

View attachment 4447886
nbd. SRF706

Nice! Is that just a replacement knob? Or some other type of mod?

 

[kleinenenten]

I've got a long-standing itch to upgrade my SR505. It's gonna happen soon - hopefully around Christmas. So I'm currently in the saving and researching phase. I know I want it to be all Bartolini, and that Bartolini makes pickups that fit directly into the current routed shape (because apparently the stock pickups are an odd size). Besides hearing nothing but good things about Bartolini, and loving their NTMB pre in another bass, I don't really want to modify my bass THAT much. Here's the question. I'm going to upgrade the pre as well, and definitely want some sort of NTMB. But which one? I'd like the versatility of the 3 way toggle (which my older SR505 doesn't have), but I'd have to have a hole drilled in my bass. There's an option for a 2 way toggle as a push/pull on the mid knob, but then I'm not able to get my current tone (my understanding is that the "default" mids is the "middle mids", and the 2 way only has high or low mids). Of course, I can always just go for the standard NTMB pre with no mid options...

So, which pre? How many of you use the mids toggle in any capacity? What are your thoughts on adding a new hole to the bass? Anything else I'm missing or should consider? Thanks as always!

 

[Moving Pictures]

I've got a long-standing itch to upgrade my SR505. It's gonna happen soon - hopefully around Christmas. So I'm currently in the saving and researching phase. I know I want it to be all Bartolini, and that Bartolini makes pickups that fit directly into the current routed shape (because apparently the stock pickups are an odd size). Besides hearing nothing but good things about Bartolini, and loving their NTMB pre in another bass, I don't really want to modify my bass THAT much. Here's the question. I'm going to upgrade the pre as well, and definitely want some sort of NTMB. But which one? I'd like the versatility of the 3 way toggle (which my older SR505 doesn't have), but I'd have to have a hole drilled in my bass. There's an option for a 2 way toggle as a push/pull on the mid knob, but then I'm not able to get my current tone (my understanding is that the "default" mids is the "middle mids", and the 2 way only has high or low mids). Of course, I can always just go for the standard NTMB pre with no mid options...

So, which pre? How many of you use the mids toggle in any capacity? What are your thoughts on adding a new hole to the bass? Anything else I'm missing or should consider? Thanks as always!

I had one of those older SR505s. I move to a premium. If it were me upgrading your bass, I'd add the extra hole so I could get the tone I want. It seems like a worthwhile upgrade to me.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I've got a long-standing itch to upgrade my SR505. It's gonna happen soon - hopefully around Christmas. So I'm currently in the saving and researching phase. I know I want it to be all Bartolini, and that Bartolini makes pickups that fit directly into the current routed shape (because apparently the stock pickups are an odd size). Besides hearing nothing but good things about Bartolini, and loving their NTMB pre in another bass, I don't really want to modify my bass THAT much. Here's the question. I'm going to upgrade the pre as well, and definitely want some sort of NTMB. But which one? I'd like the versatility of the 3 way toggle (which my older SR505 doesn't have), but I'd have to have a hole drilled in my bass. There's an option for a 2 way toggle as a push/pull on the mid knob, but then I'm not able to get my current tone (my understanding is that the "default" mids is the "middle mids", and the 2 way only has high or low mids). Of course, I can always just go for the standard NTMB pre with no mid options...

So, which pre? How many of you use the mids toggle in any capacity? What are your thoughts on adding a new hole to the bass? Anything else I'm missing or should consider? Thanks as always!

I'm not a big fan of the NTMB but that's just me. Given your criteria, I'd go with an Audere preamp w/ 3 position mid-freq switch and mate it with your existing pickups...you may be surprised by the outcome and not need to swap-out the pick-ups. That will save a wad o' dough. If still short of the desired goal, then s/o the pick-ups. Your complete mod package will be worth more than the bass.

 

[kleinenenten]

I'm not a big fan of the NTMB but that's just me. Given your criteria, I'd go with an Audere preamp w/ 3 position mid-freq switch and mate it with your existing pickups...you may be surprised by the outcome and not need to swap-out the pick-ups. That will save a wad o' dough. If still short of the desired goal, then s/o the pick-ups. Your complete mod package will be worth more than the bass.

View attachment 4449176

Besides money, why do you prefer the Audere over the NTMB? I have yet to look into Audere (though I hear good things!), but the picture you attached seems to have the identical functions of the NTMB, minus the push/pull for passive.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Besides money, why do you prefer the Audere over the NTMB? I have yet to look into Audere (though I hear good things!), but the picture you attached seems to have the identical functions of the NTMB, minus the push/pull for passive.

Just sounds better IMO with no coloration. The Audere does NOT have a passive option but it's not needed. I pulled and posted the config which I felt best meets your needs. I've installed ~4 over the years. My favorites are my Fernandes APB5's which have active pickups and required the addition of capacitors (included) during installation.

Riis

 

[jonnybass1]

I thought I would post a pic of 2 of my Soundgears that I used today.

 

[fourstringbliss]

I'm not a big fan of the NTMB but that's just me. Given your criteria, I'd go with an Audere preamp w/ 3 position mid-freq switch and mate it with your existing pickups...you may be surprised by the outcome and not need to swap-out the pick-ups. That will save a wad o' dough. If still short of the desired goal, then s/o the pick-ups. Your complete mod package will be worth more than the bass.

View attachment 4449176

I was so going to recommend this exact Audere preamp! Bart preamps are fine, but you'll get way more versatility out of the bass with Audere. Active volume so you don't lose treble if you turn down. Pickups connect to the preamp in stereo to get real blends instead of kinda blends. True passive sound of the pickups when the EQ controls are flat. Very well chosen EQ points.

Go for the extra hole - I have in two of my basses, each with Audere preamps.

 

[kleinenenten]

I was so going to recommend this exact Audere preamp! Bart preamps are fine, but you'll get way more versatility out of the bass with Audere. Active volume so you don't lose treble if you turn down. Pickups connect to the preamp in stereo to get real blends instead of kinda blends. True passive sound of the pickups when the EQ controls are flat. Very well chosen EQ points.

Go for the extra hole - I have in two of my basses, each with Audere preamps.

Alright, sounds pretty good overall, and I like the cheaper price point. It also seems that the Audere preamps include the pots, which is a nice touch. But this is the first I've heard of "active volume". Can you elaborate? I'm not a very treble-based player, preferring flats to rounds and hating fizz in my distortion pedals. That being said, I typically have the volume on my basses at max. How would you compare the tones of the Bartolini and Audere preamps? I'm quite the fan of the NTMB, as I noticed a large improvement from the stock preamp (and I was honestly surprised at that!), but it's the only aftermarket preamp I've tried, so I'm by no means an expert.

 

[fourstringbliss]

Alright, sounds pretty good overall, and I like the cheaper price point. It also seems that the Audere preamps include the pots, which is a nice touch. But this is the first I've heard of "active volume". Can you elaborate? I'm not a very treble-based player, preferring flats to rounds and hating fizz in my distortion pedals. That being said, I typically have the volume on my basses at max. How would you compare the tones of the Bartolini and Audere preamps? I'm quite the fan of the NTMB, as I noticed a large improvement from the stock preamp (and I was honestly surprised at that!), but it's the only aftermarket preamp I've tried, so I'm by no means an expert.

I'm with you in that I usually play my basses with the volume maxed. I do have one MM/P bass, though, where the output difference between having the P in series or parallel is big, or switching between having the P in series and both coils of the MM going and then switching to having the P in parallel paired with the bridge MM coil is big as well. Here's where having active volume is useful. If I'm going to be switching settings during a set I'll set my levels using the quietest switching mode, and then when I switch to a higher output mode I can just roll the volume back to compensate. On a normal passive bass this would introduce perceived muddiness because of something to do with how passive pots work, but not with this active blending.

Audere preamps come fully wired, and unless you're going to be using a different output jack you'll only have four wire connections to make. the pots are tiny but turn super smoothly. I can't comment on the sound differences between the two different preamps, though. I do know that if you like the sound of your pickups the Audere won't get in the way - no extra coloration. Some preamps have a distinctive sonic flavor to them, but Audere preamps are truly transparent.

What pickups would you be using?

 

[kleinenenten]

I'm with you in that I usually play my basses with the volume maxed. I do have one MM/P bass, though, where the output difference between having the P in series or parallel is big, or switching between having the P in series and both coils of the MM going and then switching to having the P in parallel paired with the bridge MM coil is big as well. Here's where having active volume is useful. If I'm going to be switching settings during a set I'll set my levels using the quietest switching mode, and then when I switch to a higher output mode I can just roll the volume back to compensate. On a normal passive bass this would introduce perceived muddiness because of something to do with how passive pots work, but not with this active blending.

Audere preamps come fully wired, and unless you're going to be using a different output jack you'll only have four wire connections to make. the pots are tiny but turn super smoothly. I can't comment on the sound differences between the two different preamps, though. I do know that if you like the sound of your pickups the Audere won't get in the way - no extra coloration. Some preamps have a distinctive sonic flavor to them, but Audere preamps are truly transparent.

What pickups would you be using?

As of now, it would be the stock Bartolini MK1 pickups. I've thought of purchasing the MK5CBC pickups as well, but am not totally sold. I hear that the stock pickups are fine, and seeing that I love them in my other bass with the NTMB upgrade, I have no reason to disagree. One of the reasons I'm contemplating upgrading is that I have a persistent low hum, even after having the bass gone over by a tech. No other basses of mine do this, so I'm figuring I'll just gut it and see if all new electronics solve the issue. A bit overkill, I'm sure, but it's also an opportunity to conduct an experiment I've been interested in for years!

 

[fourstringbliss]

As of now, it would be the stock Bartolini MK1 pickups. I've thought of purchasing the MK5CBC pickups as well, but am not totally sold. I hear that the stock pickups are fine, and seeing that I love them in my other bass with the NTMB upgrade, I have no reason to disagree. One of the reasons I'm contemplating upgrading is that I have a persistent low hum, even after having the bass gone over by a tech. No other basses of mine do this, so I'm figuring I'll just gut it and see if all new electronics solve the issue. A bit overkill, I'm sure, but it's also an opportunity to conduct an experiment I've been interested in for years!

Done the overhaul thing many times. Here's a video where someone A/B's MK1's vs the upgraded Bartolini MK5's

 

[kleinenenten]

Done the overhaul thing many times. Here's a video where someone A/B's MK1's vs the upgraded Bartolini MK5's

Judging by that video, I may actually prefer my MK-1s...

 

[Zooberwerx]

I was so going to recommend this exact Audere preamp! Bart preamps are fine, but you'll get way more versatility out of the bass with Audere. Active volume so you don't lose treble if you turn down. Pickups connect to the preamp in stereo to get real blends instead of kinda blends. True passive sound of the pickups when the EQ controls are flat. Very well chosen EQ points.

Go for the extra hole - I have in two of my basses, each with Audere preamps.

It's a stereo set-up so the character is not degraded as one may experience with the conventional "loading" of a typical blend pot configuration. IOW, your bridge pick-up will actually have some heft to it.

Riis