ID this p/u?

[Orest]

This is my May 1992 SR5. Can anyone tell me if it's ceramic or alnico? I don't know what either of them look like. According to an old post, the ceramic magnets were not put into use till late 1992. Pretty sure it is not a tri coil. And if I sound ignorant, I am. Thanks!

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

.
The SR5 was originally Alnico before changing to ceramic c.1992-93. For a short period the new ceramic had no phantom coil but was added soon after.

Ceramics will be shiny. Alnico magnets are dull-looking.

Perhaps speak to Customer Service:

[email protected]

 

[tbonesullivan]

See that big black bar on the bottom of the pickup? That's a Ceramic Magnet, which is touching all of the pole pieces, which are probably made of iron.

There is no phantom coil on that pickup.

With the Alnico pickups, the pole pieces themselves are the magnets, so there is no big bar magnet at the bottom.

 

[Orest]

Thanks for the info! I have been considering a Nordstrand for this bass, but looks like they don't have anything that will drop in without replacing the preamp and switch as well.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Thanks for the info! I have been considering a Nordstrand for this bass, but looks like they don't have anything that will drop in without replacing the preamp and switch as well.

Just wondering why? That bass will put out one of the most iconic sounds in electric bass history. I wouldn't consider the Nordstrand an improvement.

 

[Orest]

A good point indeed. I am exploring my tone options, and if not blown away by Nordstrand, I will put the stock p/u back. I am also about to do a DIY fret dressing. BTW, is there any cure for a mildly twisted neck? Mine may be, but I won't know for sure till I take it off and check properly it with a straight edge.

 

[danny-79]

A good point indeed. I am exploring my tone options, and if not blown away by Nordstrand, I will put the stock p/u back. I am also about to do a DIY fret dressing. BTW, is there any cure for a mildly twisted neck? Mine may be, but I won't know for sure till I take it off and check properly it with a straight edge.

Necks are relatively easily straightened out if you know what you are doing. Not really something you can teach on line though.

It will be interesting to see how you get on with pickups. Hope it all works out to your liking

 

[mistahbenn]

Hi there, I have some questions about this very subject, can I go ahead here to save space on the forum, as all the people I need are in this thread, probably

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Hi there, I have some questions about this very subject, can I go ahead here to save space on the forum, as all the people I need are in this thread, probably

Of course...post away!

 

[mistahbenn]

I actually pm'd you....

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

I actually pm'd you....

Still post here if you like. The other guys will be a help as well.

 

[mistahbenn]

Ok.. Well im tryin to work out why my current SR5 1998 doesnt have the same punch/zing that my old 1995 had when I had it back between 96-09 when I was in the UK... It was a teal one, it had that musicman punch that was to die for. I gigged that one ALOT, the pickup finally started sounding weaker, and it lost that punch. I got in touch with Dan McPherson who sent me a replacement pickup.. But the bass was ever the same again.

Now I live in the US and Ive been yearning for that sound, ive been through alot of SR, had an 89, 93x2, 98, even an 18, but they all sound nothing like that 95.

I wonder if the 95 was slightly modded before I got it. The polepeices on my 98 are different to the ones on the 95 from what I remember. Maybe someone put in an alinico?

is an example of that sound.

Im using the same amp and cab as I did back then, Hartke 3500 thru SWR G11.

Anyone? Am i just being crazy? LOL

 

[mistahbenn]

Ive found pics of the bass, with its original pickup.. Around this time is when I got a replacement from musicman.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

I note that your 95 (pics above) has two pick guards. One is Black and the other is clear.

Was that done by you or some one else?

 

[mistahbenn]

That was me..

 

[Golem]

It’s just possible that your beloved loud SR5 was modded. I have more than a few 4s and 5s and not one is greatly louder than the rest.

While all my MMs are certainly loud, they’re not louder than most other brands. IOW they’re about normal as electric basses go. I have occasionally owned a distinctly louder than normal bass and those were not MMs ... a “Hohnerberger” modded with EMGs comes to mind.

 

[mistahbenn]

Thanks for the reply.. i have since (yesterday) got hold of a 92, which, definately sounds alot closer to my 'beloved' than any other sr5 ive had since.. So I guess I am happy!

 

[Tollywood]

That’s great news!

Man, that teal one has a nice body. The clear pickguard was a fantastic idea.

 

[mistahbenn]

You like this one too?

 

[Tollywood]

I certainly do!