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Converting a 3-band to 2-band

silverburst

silverburst

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So...

Has anyone tried to convert their 3-band SR4 to 2-band?

If so, how hard was it to get the new parts you would need to do this? I realize I would have an extra jack, as well...

Is this the dumbest idea you have ever heard?
 
58super

58super

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silverburst said:
So...

Has anyone tried to convert their 3-band SR4 to 2-band?

If so, how hard was it to get the new parts you would need to do this? I realize I would have an extra jack, as well...

Is this the dumbest idea you have ever heard?
Click to expand...

The hard part is getting the parts. The pots are uncommon values and tapers.
A 2 band preamp will show up on ebay on rare occasions.
 
Rod Trussbroken

Rod Trussbroken

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Bris Vegas. AUSTRALIA.
silverburst said:
So...

Has anyone tried to convert their 3-band SR4 to 2-band?

If so, how hard was it to get the new parts you would need to do this? I realize I would have an extra jack, as well...

Is this the dumbest idea you have ever heard?
Click to expand...

It's an easy mod. A control plate fitted with a 2 bander circuit board and correct pots will drop straight in. The "obsolete" body jack can also be used as a pre-amp bypass (for an alternate passive mode) which sounds great also. Parts should be kept so it can be restored to it's original condition.
 
rhythmCity944

rhythmCity944

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Atlanta, GA
speaking of this, my 87 2eq stingray has none stock pots on the volume and bass controls...would the correct pots make a hugh difference? If so, time to be on the look out
 
xbradwalkerx

xbradwalkerx

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Since my earlier post on this subject was deleted, presumably due to mentioning installing a different company's pre into my HH'Ray, I'll just ask this and hope I can get some help with this issue....
For future reference, for any future 3-banders i may purchase(in any pickup config, Stingray or Sterling), does anybody know if EB's customer service would let me exchange(plus cash of course) the 3-band electronics for a 2-band pre, or does the "exchange for the exact item" stand for that as well? Hell, I'd fine with being able to ship the bass itself and pay EB to perform the transplant themselves if that's what it took.
Sorry, I love Musicman basses, the build quality and playability is pretty much second to none in most all cases, but like quite a few others, the 3-band pre's do nothing for me. Maybe it's because i was spoiled with an amazing '77 as my first 'Ray, but i just wish they offered the 2-band SR Pre as an option with ANY custom ordered EBMM bass.
Again, like many of you out there, I've been looking out for used 2-band pre's on ebay for years, not to throw into some Frankenbass, but for use in a Sterling or 'Ray if i found one used, or in this recent case, my newly acquired HH four string.
I just wish that wasn't our only "official" choice.
If EB were to start offering a choice in pre's for all their models(not just the single H 'Rays), I know i'd be more likely to order custom built 'Rays and Sterlings for the forseable future.
I'm sorry if I've crossed any lines or offended anyone with this post, but I know EB's customer service is really second to none(I was able to call and order a 3-ply black pickguard for my HH'Ray with no problems at all) and just wish "the sound" of the classic 2-band pre was available for all EBMM basses if that's what the player wants. And not be stuck searching ebay in hopes of finding one in working condition for a reasonable price.
I loved my '77, and loved the playability of my Sterling, and currently my HH, but didn't love the sound of the 3-band pre.
 
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Big Poppa

Big Poppa

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Feb 9, 2005
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Coachella & SLO, California
Brad
I deleted your thread for good reason. You can post to your hearts delight on any other forum (as you have on the pit) JUst not quite right for me to pay for John Easts bandwidth.

If there was a real market for what you wnated we would already offer it. as it is the two band is down to about 3 % on the SR.

WE can only replace part for part......

Sorry to not give you better news but as a reminder we are over 90,000 combinations already
 
xbradwalkerx

xbradwalkerx

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Apr 17, 2007
Messages
3
Big Poppa said:
Brad
I deleted your thread for good reason. You can post to your hearts delight on any other forum (as you have on the pit) JUst not quite right for me to pay for John Easts bandwidth.

If there was a real market for what you wnated we would already offer it. as it is the two band is down to about 3 % on the SR.

WE can only replace part for part......

Sorry to not give you better news but as a reminder we are over 90,000 combinations already
Click to expand...

Hey Big Poppa,

I totally understand, and I didn't realize my first post would be a no-go after reading other posts here about replacing pickups with other brands or necks with Status Graphites amongst other mods. Sorry about that.
Not to derail this thread any longer, but yeah, I would have loved to keep my HH'Ray all EB, but since I haven't been able to track down a 2-band on the secondary market, and there aren't any official channels in which to secure one, I went with the next best route I could find. As mentioned before, I guess I was spoiled with my first 'Ray being a stock '77 and always wanting a Sabre, that's why I jumped at the chance to own a HH even with the 3-band.
And other than that, it's still an amazing beast of a bass and for me, runs a very close 2nd to my old '77. Again, I will never stop singing the praises of EB's consistent build quality, playability, and customer service, and I will own another HH at some point in the future, possibly trying a HH Sterling next time.
And I guess that's all I'll say on that subject and move on...
 
Musicman Nut

Musicman Nut

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Location
California
2 Band Pre-amp

Big Poppa said:
Brad
I deleted your thread for good reason. You can post to your hearts delight on any other forum (as you have on the pit) JUst not quite right for me to pay for John Easts bandwidth.

If there was a real market for what you wnated we would already offer it. as it is the two band is down to about 3 % on the SR.

WE can only replace part for part......

Sorry to not give you better news but as a reminder we are over 90,000 combinations already
Click to expand...

I used to be a Hard Core 2 Band Guy for Many Years, but one thing I have really noticed is this. When your flying from town to town never knowing what you'll have for a Bass Amp when you get to the gig, this is when I have learned to Love the 3 Band takes 2 seconds to dial in a tone. So for that the Bass Sound Check is under 30 seconds. So I only Have twenty 2 Band Ernie Balls Left all the rest are 3 Bands and I Love em for that reason alone. DJ
 
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