Musicman Stingray 5 Pickup options?

[aphekgreg]

Hi,

I have a '93 4 string Stingray and a '04 Stingray 5. I want to get the 5 to have a tone more like the 4. The 4 has Alnico magnet pole pieces, where as the 5 has steel pole pieces, with a Ceramic bar magnet and a third 'dummy' coil. I'm also of the understanding that they changed the preamp, when they went to the three coil design.

I'm wanting to get a SD Alnico replacement, but can't decide whether to go with the three coil direct replacement, which includes info on modding the stock pre or the old style one and the SD preamp. I don't care about not having the three way switch with the second option, I'm just looking for more of the classic Stingray tone.

My feeling is that the old style pickup is more likely to give 'that' sound, as that's the originals were. My concern with the three coil option, is if the dummy coil will affect the sound even when it's not in the circuit.

Thanks
Greg

 

[Scott Miller]

Re: Musicman Stingray 5 Pickup options?

The dummy coil should not affect the tone when it is not in use. I would go with the 3-coil replacement---it will be a much easier swap, and you will retain the versatility of the instrument, and reap the benefits of the alnico pole pieces.

 

[aphekgreg]

Re: Musicman Stingray 5 Pickup options?

Thanks Scott.

So does that mean there aren't any magnets with the dummy coil?

Greg

 

[Scott Miller]

Re: Musicman Stingray 5 Pickup options?

Yes---the dummy coil has pole pieces.

 

[aphekgreg]

Re: Musicman Stingray 5 Pickup options?

Are the pole pieces magnetic? If so, won't they affect the other coils, just by proximity?

 

[Scott Miller]

Re: Musicman Stingray 5 Pickup options?

Engineering tells me that the pole in the dummy coil are NOT magnetized.

 

[aphekgreg]

Re: Musicman Stingray 5 Pickup options?

Fantastic. Thanks Scott.