wide string spacing MM 5-string pickup?

[mcnach]

I recently bought a cheap Squier Jazz V DeLuxe, because of the wide string spacing and the grat reviews...
I normally play a Stingray or for 5-string I go for my SUB5 and G&L L2500... but on 5-strings I only really feel totally comfortable with a wide string spacing (19-20mm)...

I was looking at options and this little Squier Jazz showed up, and I picked up a used one in mint condition.

And I'm falling rapidly in love with it. Except it sounds a bit "polite". It works as it is, but I think this is a keeper, so I'd like to make it punchier and generally more like the bass I want it to be.

One of the possibilities is to route the bridge position to install a MM style pickup. Later on I'd put a John East Stingray preamp and I'd be in Stingray territory: the SR5 they don't allow me to buy
I don't care about resale value etc, because it is a good bass that's defintely going to stay.

Right, the issue is... I already have a Seymour Duncan SMB5A pickup. I really like it. But it's a bit too narrow...
The picture below illustrates this, and bear in mind the pickup should really be placed a bit lower even (the magnetic pull of the J pickup underneath made it impossible for me to place it at the correct spot)...
Now, in my experience, it will not have a HUGE effect because of the wide field that these polepieces create. But there's always the chance that the effect may be a bit more noticeable than I'd like.

So I wonder who makes good MM style pickups for a 5-string with a 19mm string spacing at the bridge.
Nordstrand does, MM5.2. The thing is I tried a MM4.2 and I preferred the Seymour Duncan SMB4A... so I'm a little undecided.

What do the good experienced people of Talkbass think?

Here is the picture:

 

[tubby.twins]

Delano would be my first choice. You'll probably need to make a special order for your string spacing, but I think you'll be pleased with the results.

 

[glimmerofdope]

Probably not in the league of Delano, but Carvin has MM5 pickups in reg and wide.

 

[Darkstrike]

As I said on the other side, Duncan will make you one with wider spacing, at some upcharge.

Though, I'd be sorely tempted by Delanos myself, in fact I'm thinking of picking up one in Alnico & one in Ferrite for myself...

 

[tedsalt]

I'm putting Nordy Big Single 5s in my Squier DJAV, but will be running it passive.

 

[SGD Lutherie]

That Duncan MM looks fine to me. As long as the string is over the pole you are OK. It doesn't have to be centered.

 

[mcnach]

That Duncan MM looks fine to me. As long as the string is over the pole you are OK. It doesn't have to be centered.

That is my feeling, based on my own experience over the years, bending strings and playing instruments with pickups that had some decidedly non-centered polepieces...

But there's always that niggle at the back of your mind that since you're going to go to the trouble of routing the body for a pickup, you might as well get it *just right*.

 

[Rano Bass]

Bartolini and Carvin make those kind of pickups.
Or the ones that come on Lakland basses.

 

[Darkstrike]

But there's always that niggle at the back of your mind that since you're going to go to the trouble of routing the body for a pickup, you might as well get it *just right*.

That's the way I'd feel, may as well go the whole 9 yards and do the job right.

 

[mcnach]

Bartolini and Carvin make those kind of pickups.
Or the ones that come on Lakland basses.

The reviews I've seen for the Carvin ones were not encouraging. And I forgot to say... I really like the look of the exposed polepieces.

what? difficult? me? Never!

 

[mcnach]

That's the way I'd feel, may as well go the whole 9 yards and do the job right.

The Nordstrand MM5.2 seems like the easiest option, readily available etc, and looks good. Pity that my experience with the MM4.2 makes me think there are better pickups out there.
Still, I have to admit it is *not* a bad pickup. Not one bit. I just like better the Seymour Duncan version.

I have emailed Seymour Duncan about the possibility of getting a custom made one. But I am not hopeful. I don't think it would be cheap, needing a different pickup cover etc. Unless, of course, I am not the first to request such thing... and it's not unimaginable that someone else already asked for a pickup like that and that they have the materials... We'll see. I don't want to escalate the cost of this thing...

 

[Darkstrike]

The Nordstrand MM5.2 seems like the easiest option, readily available etc, and looks good. Pity that my experience with the MM4.2 makes me think there are better pickups out there.
Still, I have to admit it is *not* a bad pickup. Not one bit. I just like better the Seymour Duncan version.

I have emailed Seymour Duncan about the possibility of getting a custom made one. But I am not hopeful. I don't think it would be cheap, needing a different pickup cover etc. Unless, of course, I am not the first to request such thing... and it's not unimaginable that someone else already asked for a pickup like that and that they have the materials... We'll see. I don't want to escalate the cost of this thing...

I have a 5.2 in 17.5mm that I'm happy with, I have a Duncan too, but it's the ceramic version, so not comparing apples to apples, plus, the Nord is in a custom, the Duncan in a SX, so even less common ground. As I said over on the other side though, I have been considering the Delano, just for kicks. Also thinking of trying the new Nordstrand MM preamp.

I'd imagine the upcharge for the Duncan can't be *too* much, from looking at their custom page they list alternate string spacings as an option. I mean, if they can make one for an 8 string bass, I'm sure making a wide spaced 5er can't be too tricky.

As for the Bart, I think it'd be a completely different vibe, more like the Bart tone in a MM shape, rather than MM tone in a Bart case.

 

[mcnach]

I have a 5.2 in 17.5mm that I'm happy with, I have a Duncan too, but it's the ceramic version, so not comparing apples to apples, plus, the Nord is in a custom, the Duncan in a SX, so even less common ground. As I said over on the other side though, I have been considering the Delano, just for kicks. Also thinking of trying the new Nordstrand MM preamp.

I'd imagine the upcharge for the Duncan can't be *too* much, from looking at their custom page they list alternate string spacings as an option. I mean, if they can make one for an 8 string bass, I'm sure making a wide spaced 5er can't be too tricky.

As for the Bart, I think it'd be a completely different vibe, more like the Bart tone in a MM shape, rather than MM tone in a Bart case.

Is your MM5.2 in a Stingray?

The SMB5D (ceramic) and the SMB5A (alnico) sound rather different. Both nice, 'though.

Bartolinis: I think you're probably right. I'm definitely going for a Stingray vibe.

I hope you are right re: cost of the custom Seymour Duncan pickups. The Nordstrand may be good, but I already have had experience with the SMB5A (and the SMB4A) and I know I'm happy with those, despite the ugly "basslines" logo on the cover.
I'll report here when they get back to me.

 

[Darkstrike]

Is your MM5.2 in a Stingray?

No sir, it's in a Gadow(in my avvie over on Basschat), but it is in the MM sweetspot, and combined for now with the East MMSR pre.

The SMB5D (ceramic) and the SMB5A (alnico) sound rather different. Both nice, 'though.

I definitely dig the Bassline, I'll have to try the alnico version sometime, no clue what I'll put it in, never opening that SX's control cavity as long as it works, wiring's an utter cluster****, as I added a 3 way switch to the control plate, right where the preamp should go.... yes, yes, I'm an idiot.

Bartolinis: I think you're probably right. I'm definitely going for a Stingray vibe.

Nothing wrong with them, I love the Bart sound, have them in other basses, just a different target.

I hope you are right re: cost of the custom Seymour Duncan pickups. The Nordstrand may be good, but I already have had experience with the SMB5A (and the SMB4A) and I know I'm happy with those, despite the ugly "basslines" logo on the cover.
I'll report here when they get back to me.

Well, Nord seem to offer string spacing options at little extra, I'd guess Duncan couldn't do it for a pile more, or no one would use their custom shop, and IIRC, it's very popular. So I hope I'm right too.

 

[mcnach]

No sir, it's in a Gadow(in my avvie over on Basschat), but it is in the MM sweetspot, and combined for now with the East MMSR pre.

ah, that looks nice, and sounds very interesting especially as you said you're using an MMSR. I have an MMSR in my 2002 Stingray (replacing the original 2EQ) and I really really like it.

I definitely dig the Bassline, I'll have to try the alnico version sometime, no clue what I'll put it in, never opening that SX's control cavity as long as it works, wiring's an utter cluster****, as I added a 3 way switch to the control plate, right where the preamp should go.... yes, yes, I'm an idiot.

sounds like you *need* another bass, my friend.
Do you want a prescription?

Well, Nord seem to offer string spacing options at little extra, I'd guess Duncan couldn't do it for a pile more, or no one would use their custom shop, and IIRC, it's very popular. So I hope I'm right too.

I'l let you know very soon!

 

[Darkstrike]

ah, that looks nice, and sounds very interesting especially as you said you're using an MMSR. I have an MMSR in my 2002 Stingray (replacing the original 2EQ) and I really really like it.

I remember! I've read most every thread here and on Basschat about the pre, so I was paying close attention when you were swapping the pre's about.

sounds like you *need* another bass, my friend.
Do you want a prescription?

I'm terribly sick, I always seem to need a new bass.
Was actually just looking at a German company, called Invalid Link Removed coincidentally enough, who do a series of single MM basses, with MEC pickups, and Noll preamps. Love the look of their Invalid Link Removed.

I'l let you know very soon!

Awesome, can't wait to hear what they say.

 

[mcnach]

Well, Seymour Duncan got back to me and they will indeed make a 5-string wide space pickup. With ears, nice
I can also get it without the basslines logo. Great.

Cost?

$225 plus shipping.

It's not going to be cheap, but when you compare it to what a Nordstrand costs over here... it's not going to be a terrible difference, I can live with it if it means I get the pickup I really wanted.

I'm getting one.

 

[Darkstrike]

Not bad for a custom pickup, and definitely worth it since that's what you really want.

 

[mcnach]

Indeed.

The printout lines up perfectly

 

[Darkstrike]

Niiiice!