Ventura / Matsumoku EB-0 copy

[nemaulatka]

Hello TB!

I have recently purchased a supposedly 70's Ventura EB-0 copy in pretty good condition and while overall im happy with the quality/playability of that bass there is one thing that i think about possibly improving here - the pickup. The pickup on mine bass doesnt looks like original sidewinder mudbucker pickup but more like average humbucker. I also possess a squier vm telebass with the mudbucker which sounds a bit more loud and oomphy. So my question is - has anyone had experience with those pickups im talking about and wouldnt it be better to try to find a mudbucker replacement for it and if yes what option would be the best (as ive heard modern sidewinder pickups does not sound the same as the vintage ones). Photo included is from E-bay (but it is exactly the same bass as mine). Thanks(this is also my first post here).

 

[UnfortunateTony]

If you want the look of the original EB-O pickup I can't help you, but I'd go with the Dimarzio Model 1 as a replacement to that one. More definition to the notes while retaining that beefy bottom end.

 

[GM60466]

I'd leave it just like it is.

 

[James Judson]

That large aperture pickup and its placement will give you mud until the cows come home. The Model 1 replacement pickup will make about a 25% improvement. I mounted a thumbrest just ahead of the bridge, another 25% improvement. I've been looking for a Gibson replacement as the new EB-3's sound really good.

And the P bass guys don't call it mud, they call it warmth. Gibson took that warmth to the highest level with their Mudbucker. If you find a pickup that improves the tone in that thing let us know.

 

[KramerBassFan]

Artec Custom Hot 4 String Bass Pickup 30K Ohms Chrome | eBay

No financial or other relation to auction..

 

[nemaulatka]

Thanks everyone for your messages!
after some research i decided to possibly put an rio grande pitbull humbucker as it will probably fit into the cavity that i have currently. the pickup on this bass is pretty much of a standard guitar humbucking pickup size. wondered if anyone had experience with those pitbull pups or has any suggestions on other humbucker-sized pickups?

 

[Atlbass81]

If you are looking for more of a full-range sound check out this one from Curtis Novak.

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Gibson Pickup Demo - YouTube

 

[lunarpollen]

Curtis Novak also makes an EB-0 pickup wound to original specs.

 

[Pilgrim]

The Artec has a good reputation and is priced right.

The Dimarzio Model One is designed as a direct mudbucker size replacement and is a solid pickup that gives you some of the Gibson's wooliness but with more clarity.

The original mudbuckers (fer example, early 60's) are powerful, hot, and so woofy that they are not useful in some modern music. Search out some YouTube demo videos like this...it's a perfect example of original mudbucker sound - there are NO effects pedals on this, it's the actual pickup: 1961 Gibson EB-O 00605 - YouTube. You'd swear there's a distortion pedal on it, but not so.

The Curtis Novak pickups also have demos on YouTube...check 'em out.

If you're looking at the Pit Bull, check with the company before ordering. Those pickups aren't cheap and you should ask the maker if it's a good fit.