SD ASB-5 Pickups as a Replacement for Soundgear MK1's?

Z

Zooberwerx

New member
I ran across a set of NOS (30 y.o.) ASB-5 active pickups for a great price. The intended target is a mid-tier Soundgear 755 with the stock MK1 soapbars mated with an OBP-3 preamp. Would the SD pickups truly be an upgrade / improvement? I can't find much in terms of a solid discussion in this arena and don't feel like dropping any major coin on Aguilar, Nordstrand, Delanos, etc. as the hardware would be worth more than the bass...it's quickly becoming a mongrel! Thinks for the consideration and assistance.

Riis, aka Zooberwerx
 
i really like those old asb pups, if its a good deal, id grab em as long as they will fit the bass. those mk1 soapbars are passive, yes? that might be an issue with the preamp. i dont know enough about that unit
 
jeremy said:
i really like those old asb pups, if its a good deal, id grab em as long as they will fit the bass. those mk1 soapbars are passive, yes? that might be an issue with the preamp. i dont know enough about that unit
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I've contacted Aguilar re: same and will post the response.

Riis
 
Follow-up: installed the ASB-5's but had to defeat the OBP-3's passive function. It was a tight fit side-to-side. Once installed, the tech was *meh* about the whole affair...I think he was expecting something more along the Nordstrand character. They're certainly better than the MK-1's with more girth and articulation in the low-mids. The price was right, too, and they look really cool!

BassLines.webp
 
Mincer said:
^That's one cool looking bass!
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It's actually a mid-tier 755 which falls between the 505 and Premium line. Keeper because it's really light and has a comfy neck profile. The body woods are a veritable "hippie sandwich" with multiple laminates. Secondhand prices are creeping-up. If I could find a body & neck on-the-cheap, I have enough original parts to cobble-together another bass!

Riis
 
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