Pickup for my project bass (5-string J w/ MM rout)

[MikeS]

Hey bassheads! I finally gave into to GAS after seeing a bass body in the Warmoth showcase that I could not pass on. It's a 5-string alder jazz bass and a 34" scale maple neck w/ stainless steel frets. The bass is routed for a single Music Man pickup in the sweet spot. The control cavity is rear routed and there should be plenty of room for a battery, but there is no dedicated battery compartment. I've left my MIM J completely stock, so I'm a total newcomer to bass electronics (especially the onboard preamps), and know next to nothing about the music man sound aside from knowing it's mostly from the pickup construction and music man preamp.

So, I'm looking for pickup suggestions. You are not limited to any specific manufacturers, nor are you limited to active or passive electronics. While I have been playing a lot more bass lately, I'm still 100% plugged into a PC, so amp isn't a consideration. I know the low-b with a pickup in the sweet spot has the potential to be boomy, so a pickup that has a lot of snap and clarity in the low end would be ideal. For what I'll likely be using the bass for, I'll be using a pick the majority of the time. I *think* I want a more hi-fi tone for this rather than a vintage tone. I figured an EMG MM5TW could get me there, but I know there are plenty of other bass pickup manufacturers that might offer pickups that also fit the bill.

Any help you all can give me is, as always, much appreciated. And yes, pics to come. UPS delivery is scheduled for Friday, and I can't stop following its progress on the UPS website.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Pickup for my project bass (5-string J w/ MM rout)

The obvious first nomination is our host. So, depending on the range of sounds that you desire, the SD/Basslines SMB-5a Alnico, -5d Ceramic or -5a Three Coil Alnico. Bartolini offers active-sounding passive pickups in this style. EMG makes active pickups that will fit the rout.

Alternatively, you could try to buy the stock EB/MM pickup from somebody who has changed to a replacement brand.

Regarding the MM sound, I would argue that the bridge design is also a major factor. The original version with the adjustable mute pads and the big fastening bolts through it sounds different to the later, smaller, muteless version. To my ears, the two-band, non-detented pot EQ circuit sounds different than any of the later versions. I have yet to hear a five string 'Ray whose sound totally satisfied me.

In my opinion, the essence of the MM sound is a passive pickup through a relatively simple active EQ network.

 

[bagouser]

Re: Pickup for my project bass (5-string J w/ MM rout)

I assembled a Warmoth 5 String Fretless bass with a MM pickup in the bridge (and a jazz pup in the neck) and I must say.....

Bartolini makes the best bass pickups.
I have a Bartolini MM Soapbar in there and it is a MAMMOTH.
More punch, floor rumble, and testicle tingle than any other Bass pickup Ive ever heard.

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Pickup for my project bass (5-string J w/ MM rout)

I've left my MIM J completely stock, so I'm a total newcomer to bass electronics (especially the onboard preamps), and know next to nothing about the music man sound aside from knowing it's mostly from the pickup construction and music man preamp.

I really can't comment on the different pickup choices, but if battery space is an issue you can build a phantom power box and supply power through one side of a stereo cable.