Bartolini pups in a MM5. And what pickguard?

[Asomodai]

Hey guys.

I just picked up this MM off of ebay.

Music Man StingRay 5 5 String Electric Bass Guitar on eBay, also Right-Handed, Bass, Guitar, Musical Instruments (end time 23-Jul-08 00:55:51 BST)

Its my first Proper MM bass, I had an SUB which i loved but exchanged out a while ago.

Anyway

Even with barts in, will it still give out the familiar MM style sound? Anyone have any experience with the bartolini pup in a MM? My fave MM sound would have to be the bass player from Wilhelm scream, Fantastic MM sound.

Also, What pickguard would you guys put on it? I want it classy as possible, However a mirror guard wouldnt go amiss!

Would a transparant pickguard work on this? Do the electronics look bad through it? Is the cavity quite big? Because its Trans red i think clear would look good on the body, But not neccasarily the electronics.

 

[r goldsmith]

Nice bass, but why anyone would replace a genuine EBMM pickup in a Stingray 5 for a Bartolini is beyond me. Personally, and this is not a slight against Barts in general, but the LAST pickup I'd put in a Stingray 5 is a Bart!! My guess is that it will put that bass into bland territory, degrowling and neutering the thing. Nevertheless you can determine that for yourself by tracking down a stock PU. Although I am conscious that this is not the forum to debate aftermarket pickups (hint TeeBee etc) I'd suggest something like a Duncan or Nordstrand over the Bart. The rest of your questions/points are up to your personal taste. FWIW I like trans red.

 

[mynan]

I would go with a white pearloid guard. The electronics would show if you used a clear guard.

Too bad it has a Bart...from everything I've heard, they tend to "dumb-down" the classic MM sound. Good pickups, just not enough personality.

 

[BassMan Kev]

i think to say it will 'degrowl' the bass is a bit too much, i think it could sound pretty sweet, maybe not the exact musicman tone we all love, but still pretty close

black pickguard!

 

[Asomodai]

Its here its here!

It took only 5 freakin days to get here! Someone must be smiling on me. AND i didnt pay ANY import taxes! I have no idea why but its just the way it is. It looks like the thing never went through customs even!

Anyway.

I have zero gripes on the bass, Everything was accurately described and yes the bartolini is not as good as an original MM pickup.

HOWEVER. The bass plays freakin sweet out of the box. This is damn good! The strings are like iron bars but still love playing it. New lower gauge strings on the way. I can tell it has the classic musicman tone in it somewhere, i just need to get that pickup out! (I have already found the bartolini a home in my jazz bass project )

Considering the rarity of original SR5 pups, I have decided to go with the next best thing and get a Nordstrand MM5.2 It will be with me tommorow. I would prefer an original SR5 pup but the previous owner decided to be an idiot.

 

[mynan]

Congrats!!! Looks nice. What do you think of the pickguard? White Pearloid still has my vote, but that new Vintage White Pearloid might be nice too.

 

[Asomodai]

Congrats!!! Looks nice. What do you think of the pickguard? White Pearloid still has my vote, but that new Vintage White Pearloid might be nice too.

Not sure at the moment, I actually dont mind the look, I would probably either go for Flat black, Mirror or white pearloid.

 

[thunder]

nice bass, don't worry about the bart pickup. i have one in a stingray, it gives the bass a slightly different sound but it's still pretty cool. if your un happy with the sound keep an eye out for one on ebay.

 

[maddog]

I would go with a Hello Kitty pickguard.

 

[Rano Bass]

Congrats on the bass, i vote for white pearl.

If you can't find an original EB pickup, try a ceramic seymour duncan, it sounds closer to the original than the bart.

 

[Asomodai]

Congrats on the bass, i vote for white pearl.

If you can't find an original EB pickup, try a ceramic seymour duncan, it sounds closer to the original than the bart.

I got a NordStrand 5.2 Which is supposed to be a better clone then the Seymour duncan pup.

It'll be fitted on Saturday

 

[Dr Stankface]

 

[Jazzbassman23]

I'm the wrong one to ask because I always vote flat black.

 

[Asomodai]

Ok, I have run into a snag.

Why did no one tell me that i cant use a dual coil pickup in an SR5?

I feel a bit depressed right now. I have been trying to install this pickup for ages, And i have probably ruined it Because its not a triple coil and no one told me you cant install a Dual coil pup into an SR5 correctly.

is there anyway to rectify this?

 

[Dr Stankface]

Why did no one tell me that i cant use a dual coil pickup in an SR5?

You didn't ask.

In all seriousness, I have no clue. Never researched aftermarket pickups and wiring. Maybe Rod Trussbroken could help you out. Or this could be a better topic over at TalkBass.

Good luck!

 

[bovinehost]

Why did no one tell me that i cant use a dual coil pickup in an SR5?

I feel a bit depressed right now. I have been trying to install this pickup for ages, And i have probably ruined it Because its not a triple coil and no one told me you cant install a Dual coil pup into an SR5 correctly.

is there anyway to rectify this?

I see that you bought the bass with an aftermarket pickup....pretty bass, by the way, but I guess there aren't a lot of people on the forum who replace the original pickups.

We definitely don't qualify as experts on that, I'd say.

Talkbass might be a good place to run this up the flagpole, though.

Jack