Pickup choices for Tbird pro?

[cinnerman]

Hi All,
I recently acquired an Epi T-bird Pro and although I like the tone of the active pups, I'd like to contemplate a change. I have a Carvin Icon 5p and a hot-rodded MIM Jazz V with updated Fender Noiseless pups and a variation on a varitone, so I think I have a pretty good sample of J and soapbar types. I'm thinking of using a set of P-bass pups at the neck position, and perhaps something like a MM humbucker nearer to the bridge. I recognize that it may require some wierd mounting arrangement, maybe steampunk-inspired, to get the pups on board, but that's OK by me.
I'd like to know if anyone may have any thoughts to share on this swap. I love the bass, it's my favorite 4-string, but I also want to make this one totally different and maybe even get the tone somewhat like a good Pbass + MM.
Your comments are respectfully encouraged.
Thanks,
Cinnerman

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Pickup choices for Tbird pro?

Welcome to the forum.

The wood choices, hardware and construction methods of the Epi T-Bird Pro mean that installing Fender and/or Musicman style pickups is no guarantee of arriving at a "Fender" voicing.

What are the pickup rout dimensions? It is possible that EMG-35 or -40 series pickups would drop straight in with no need to modify the woodwork. Hence, you could install split coils P and dual side-by-side coils pickups under plain rectangular covers. This would change the sound of your instrument without drastically altering its appearance.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Pickup choices for Tbird pro?

Pickup position matters. A split P pickup or a MM pickup are useless unless they sit in the right spot. Unfortunately the right spot for those two clashes, you can't have them both in the same bass.

Exchanging thunderbird pickups is also very annoying since there is little interest from low sales but the pickups Gibson puts in really stink so everybody buys used ones at really high prices when available. It's also a bit unclear which of the replacement soapbars really fit. Without a pickguard you can't easily make them fit.

 

[cinnerman]

Re: Pickup choices for Tbird pro?

Hi, and thanks for your thoughts. Actually, the mounting issue may be moot - I was planning on making a new mounting plate - possibly out of brass - that would attach to the body and place the pups where they should be, were I to copy their placement in an MM or Pbass. Since the SMB4 is about 5/8ths of an inch thick it may fit without modifying the body. Time to go do some measuring. . . I'll also look at the EMGs, but have great respect for what SD has done.
Thanks and Cheers!

 

[cinnerman]

Re: Pickup choices for Tbird pro?

Thanks for your thoughts. Time to go measure a couple of things.
Cheers!

 

[cinnerman]

Re: Pickup choices for Tbird pro?

Welcome to the forum.

The wood choices, hardware and construction methods of the Epi T-Bird Pro mean that installing Fender and/or Musicman style pickups is no guarantee of arriving at a "Fender" voicing.

What are the pickup rout dimensions? It is possible that EMG-35 or -40 series pickups would drop straight in with no need to modify the woodwork. Hence, you could install split coils P and dual side-by-side coils pickups under plain rectangular covers. This would change the sound of your instrument without drastically altering its appearance.

Hi Funkfingers,
I looked at the EMG options and noted that they have a passive TB sized pup - any opinions regarding how it may sound, and going from active to passive on a bass? I kind of like the passive path. . .
Cheers!

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Pickup choices for Tbird pro?

Hi! Welcome to the forum! Im not going to be much help here, but am going to watch the thread as I too have one of the Epi Tbird pros. (black) I still have mine stock and since Im a novice bassist, its suiting my needs so far.. But, as a tweaker, Im always looking for ways to improve my gear