When did sterling basses change pickup shape?

[sjhiker]

I've got a 2007 sterling HH, and recently replaced the pickups with a set of nordstroms. While replacing them I noticed that the pickups are shaped slightly differently. The difference is where you would rest your thumb on the pickup.

On the original pickups, the area between the two mounting screws is connected and acts like a ramp since it's concaved a bit.

The nordstroms, and on quite a few pictures that I've seen on the net the two mounting holes are isolated from each other and protrude in two independent bumps.

When did MM change from the older style to the 'ramp' style?

Also, does MM sell pickguards for the older style (isolated) or do I need to go aftermarket?

 

[Dargin]

Single humbuckers still have the old style and dual pickup basses have the newer style.

 

[sjhiker]

This would explain why I have two of the 'old style'. Now to find someone to make a HH pickguard with the single H pickup cutouts...

 

[jlepre]

I've got a 2007 sterling HH, and recently replaced the pickups with a set of nordstroms...

This is where you took a wrong turn my friend...

If it ain't BROKE, don't fix it...

 

[sjhiker]

Since this was a 2007, it was before the SLO stingrays. So my goal was to get a sterling with a set of stingray type pickups. IMHO, the sterling neck is the most playable neck I've ever used. Nordstom makes a set of stingray pickups that drop into a sterling. So back in 2008, I performed the operation...

I also rewired it so the selector switch gave me the pickups combinations that I wanted... If the pickups from the top are read as (A,B,C,D) and the 5 position pickup selector switch is (1,2,3,4,5) I wired it up so I ended up with the following:

1 AB
2 ABC
3 ABCD
4 BCD
5 CD

My reasoning for doing 2 was that I wanted mostly neck pickup sound with "just a touch of bridge" and 4 was "mostly bridge with just a touch of neck".

Other than the space between the pickup mounting holes, I love this bass. It's so smooth and mellow and got even better after adding a set of TI-Jazz flats...

 

[bovinehost]

Good job of getting exactly what you wanted.

 

[syciprider]

I've got a 2007 sterling HH, and recently replaced the pickups with a set of nordstroms.

Divided by zero.

 

[stu42]

Single humbuckers still have the old style and dual pickup basses have the newer style.

Ummmm...I kinda hate to do this to you but....this is my 2010 Sterling 5H

 

[7broccos]

good job of getting exactly what you wanted.

+1

 

[Freddels]

Ummmm...I kinda hate to do this to you but....this is my 2010 Sterling 5H

The single H 4 stringers still have the old style.

For me, it doesn't really matter since I place my thumb on top of the pickup and rest it against the lowest string.

 

[depalm]

I don't know why they changed the PU cover design but it is very difficult to replace PUs since covers are glued on PU and there's no aftermarket parts.

I've spoke to the Nordstrand crew and if you send your original PUs they could manage to unglue the covers and replace ceramic PU for the alnico.

I know, I know. This is a EBMM forum, but I'm not trying to disrespect no one. But since I've been trough the same experience I think it's Ok to share.

 

[Freddels]

I'm going to guess as to why the change in shape . . . my guess it probably has to do with manufacturing the pickup cover and/or the route in the bass itself. It probably costs less, saves time in routing, etc. and it really doesn't have any function other than a place for the screws. Aesthetically it looks good either way to me.

 

[Rano Bass]

Ummmm...I kinda hate to do this to you but....this is my 2010 Sterling 5H

We are talking four strings here, that's a fiver

 

[bovinehost]

I'm going to guess as to why the change in shape . . . my guess it probably has to do with manufacturing the pickup cover and/or the route in the bass itself. It probably costs less, saves time in routing, etc. and it really doesn't have any function other than a place for the screws. Aesthetically it looks good either way to me.

Started with the Bongo. Many of us find the little ramp quite ergonomic. I was glad when the other instruments began to feature these versus the old style "two screw bumps" design.

 

[oli@bass]

Many of us find the little ramp quite ergonomic.

+1

Before I had one, I didn't think I'd like that ramp because I used to anchor my thumb between the two screws, especially for heavily rocking out. But the ramp is actually nicer because it does not enforce a certain position. Made me rely less on that anchor and be more variable with my right hand positioning.