MM pu's

[jefft54]

Hi. I want to add another MM and am thinking of either the SR5 or Sterling 5. I want to be sure I understand the types of pu's now being used. According to the MM Instrument website, all Sterling 4 and 5's use ceramic while the SR4 uses Alnico and the SR5 uses Ceramic. Correct? Any advantage between one pu or the other.
Thanks

 

[Bass Control]

Incorrect. SR5 now uses AlNiCo.

Someone else will have to go through the details of the advantages between the different magnets. My take on it is that it's a Musicman, you just can't go wrong!

 

[maddog]

aye, bass control has it. Due to the Sterling5, the SR5 went to Alnico. This is to help create definite identification with the instrument names.

If you like Sterlings go with a Sterling. If you like SR's go with an SR.

 

[WillPlay4Food]

The change from ceramic to AlNiCo pickups on SR5 basses is new for 2008. If you're buying something off the shelf you'll need to use the serial number to verify which part is actually in the SR5.

 

[Frantic Slayer]

The change from ceramic to AlNiCo pickups on SR5 basses is new for 2008. If you're buying something off the shelf you'll need to use the serial number to verify which part is actually in the SR5.

or you could just look at it. Ceramic magnets have a bright silver/shiny metal color, and Alnico magnets have a more dull grayish metal color.

 

[kirkm24]

IMO, Alnico are darker sounding whereas Ceramics are more bright and sizzly. I personally like the Alnico pickups better. In fact, my favorite tone right now is the tone I'm getting out of my SUB fretless which from what I understand is closer to the original MusicMan sound. It's nice fat and warm. My 2006 Stingray 4 is definitely brighter even though it also has Alnico pickups.

The Bongo has neodynium pickups which IMO are like full-range. They don't seem to emphasize either end of the spectrum, they can become whatever you want them to become.

 

[Rdub]

Does anyone find much use for "solo single coil" settings on the HS model MM's?

 

[Bass Control]

Does anyone find much use for "solo single coil" settings on the HS model MM's?

I do. I love using my neck single for some solos and for tapping. Haven't played with the bridge single much. I just love the sound I get out of that neck single. When sitting in the mix, I stick to the humbucker (though recently I have been favoring the neck/bridge single combo and the triple coil option). When it comes to stepping out, I use my singles.

 

[Rdub]

Cool. I have enjoyed using a pair of singles, on previous basses that could do that. I have an HH Bongo, and even with the blend knob possibilities, I tend to use 100/0, 50/50 or 0/100. The 5-way switch would seem limiting on the surface, but it's right on IMO. But I never seem to pick solo singles. Options are a good thing!

 

[oli@bass]

I like the solo S on my HS 'Ray with turned down treble, to get sort of a vintage double bass like sound, e.g. I use it when we cover "These boots are made for walking". Haven't found a use for the solo bridge coil yet. Generally I stick to the classic H, but like to use the dual single coils for reggae and ballads.