ASS MM90 Pup alternatives...

[applemacintosh]

Hi all,

I've got an ASS MM90:

The neck pickup is significantly lower in output than the bridge and along my thinking path I came across the wonder of what I could replace them with should I not be able to determine what the issue is with the level drop.

I thought of sticking in Seymour Duncan P90 stacks, so I could split them with the addition of a 5 way for the 3 way lever, but they have a height issue so I think that idea's out!

I also have a couple of Lukes and love EMGs, so checked if EMG made any P90 sized pups - they do! In cream too!

So, has any ever installed / tried the EMG active or passive P90 sized models and what are your thoughts?

This isn't a definite intention - more of a feeler guage... in case!

Thanks,

Mike

 

[TonyEVH5150]

You could alternately try some of DiMarzio's P90 replacements. Something like the DLX or Virtual might do well.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I guess I'd ask a couple questions first. Is the battery fresh (I assume you have the silent circuit....I have it in my ASS MM90). And, have you contacted customer service with your problem? I don't know if they can solve the problem, but I would certainly not put it past them. Or finally, how about swapping out for another set of MM90's.

I've come to really appreciate mine. They're a unique, nice sound.

jack

 

[applemacintosh]

I looked at the DiMarzios, I've also seen a couple of Axis's with the DiMarzio's in and don't think they look quite right - there's something about that second row of screws that bugs me - I'm aware why they're there though!

As for the battery - yep tried a couple of fresh ones and doesn't seem to help

I did e-mail CS a while ago when I first got the guitar but haven't had a response. I will try again though!

I'm a bit suspect of this guitar as I bought it under the impression it was new [paid full UK going price for it], despite it having the infamous recessed neck plate cracks but I've subsequently found several other tell tale signs that it's been used and tinkered with before my owner ship... Things like sharp edges and worn slots on the screws, mix of screw types on the pickup mount screws [dome and flat cross heads] and the oddest one is the mag socket plate not covering the drill hole in the body properly!

No point in me approaching the dealer I bought it from as I'm sure I have no argument for compensation and because I'm not convinced I'm the 'first' owner I don't think I'd be catered for by CS...

Either way, current lack of cash flow stops me from advancing further on a proper diagnosis / solution.

Great Axe otherwise though!

 

[beej]

They are great pickups. They should be fairly even, though, so this worth investigating.

I'd definitely call CS and ask for their opinion here. They are the experts, and you'll get answers to your questions

 

[applemacintosh]

I've e-mailed EBMM CS for suggestions and also the retailer to see if I can get a history pre my ownership to see if they did any repairs, upgrades etc.

If I can revitalize the MM90, I'll gladly keep that in as I do like them too. I wonder how easy it would be to find a replacement MM90 in cream... if it comes to that?

 

[KungFu Grip]

Strange that the neck pickup is significantly weaker in output. You may want to have the pickup checked out to see if it has some kind of issue. The neck pickup on my ASS is actually slightly louder than the bridge pickup, which is normal in my experience.

 

[Brian G]

I don't recall an unusual level difference between the bridge & neck PUP's on my ASS mm90. I did change the pickups to Fralin P90's, also had an RS electronics kit installed, as well as a Jensen paper-in-oil cap. The overall result was not so much to change the overall tonal character of the guitar as it was to slightly increase detail & harmonics from the pickups, and move the "flavour", if you will, in a slightly more vintage direction.

The Fralins are slightly higher, so there was a small amount of routing needed. Not major, but there.

 

[tommyindelaware]

that sure is one beautiful geetar there bud !!!!!!
you may wanna try just using a shim & raising the pick up a little .those pickups are great pickups. it wouldn't take much to make a big difference , & you can always undo the work.

or........sell me the guitar real cheap

 

[applemacintosh]

Hehe Thanks Tommy - I'll pass all compliments on to EBMM seeing as they built it!

I'm planning on getting this sorted - I live the neck on this thing as well as the pups. Gonna take it to a local guitar tech to have it looked at.

I'll report back once done...