A bunch of bass pickup/preamp questions

[bob7point7]

I'm planning a bass build, but I'm undecided on some of the pickup and preamp details. I'm hoping to get some input on a couple of things. First I'll explain the plan. I'm going to build a 32" scale bass using a Warmoth body and neck. I want the old school Stingray sound as the foundation, but I'm thinking of adding a Jazz pickup in the neck position for a little more versatility. The MM pickup will be in the sweet spot, so the J neck pickup would need to be around 1/2" closer to the neck than normal. Based on what I've read here, I plan on using the SMB-4a Music Man pickup. If I go with a Jazz pickup, I'm thinking either the STK-Jn or the SJB-2n.

1st question: Is it worth it to add the Jazz pickup to the neck? I'm torn because it seems like it would add some versatility, but at the same time I like the simplicity of a single pickup bass.

2nd question: Can I split the MM to the bridge side and have it be hum-cancelling when combined with the SJB-2n?

3rd question: I assume the 3 coil version of the STC-MM3 has a dummy coil that can be combined with the split MM pickup to make it hum cancelling when split. Is this correct? If so, it seems like I could combine the split MM with the dummy coil and the STK-Jn for a noiseless 2-single-coil sound, or I could use the dummy coil to make the soloed SJB-2n noiseless.

4th question: Is the voicing the same between the STC-3M and the STC-3P preamps? Looking at the wiring diagram, it seems like the only difference is the blend pot on the 3P, but I'm wondering if the 3M has center frequencies that are optimized for the MM pickup or anything like that.

Sorry for throwing all these questions out at once, and thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: A bunch of bass pickup/preamp questions

1st - The argument in favour of adding a Jazz Bass PU is that two single coils a reasonable distance apart can create those classic "honky" Jazz Bass tones that two coils right next to each other never can.

2nd - When splitting the MM pickup, simply use whichever coil is RP/RW with respect to the Jazz Bass neck PU.

3rd - The dummy coil under the SMB-4a is there to cancel noise in single coil mode. The dummy coil produces no worthwhile audio output. If you choose the correct coil of any MM replacement PU to combine with the Jazz PU, that combination should be hum cancelling.

The exact degree of hum cancellation will depend on the relative levels of the two coils. Neck PU up full combined with bridge single coil at, say, 75% can be no better than 75% hum cancelling.​

4th - You are correct. The STC-3MM3 (or 4) pre-amp has different centre frequencies and boost/cut ranges, tailored to suit the Stingray type pickup.

 

[jeremy]

Re: A bunch of bass pickup/preamp questions

i would bag the idea of the three coil mm pup, stick the the alnico two coil. its a fantastic sounding pup.

32" scale has a different sound than 34" is there a reason you want that scale? dont get me wrong i think 32" can be great but it is a different thing.

 

[bob7point7]

Re: A bunch of bass pickup/preamp questions

Thanks for the responses, guys. I think I'm going to add the J pickup for the versatility. I really like the sound of a neck J pickup by itself, so I'm strongly considering the hot stack. I wonder if this pickup sounds good at all when it's split. It would be nice to split it and the MM pickup to get a (somewhat) noiseless 2-single coil sound.

I'm going to stick with the STC-3MM preamp and use my own blend or pickup switch since the MM sound is the one I'm most concerned with. I'll also stick with the 2 coil version of the MM pickup. The reason I'm going with the 32" scale is because I find it much more comfortable and I don't think there is much sacrifice to the sound. I've already build a jazz bass (with classic stacks) in 32" scale and I love the way it plays and sounds.