Procedure for Pickup Swap on StingRay 5

[Ben Esparza]

Hello all,

Haven't been here for a while. I have a StingRay 5 circa 2000 with the ceramic pickup (single pickup, 3 position switch, 4-knob configuration). I understand EB now offers an Alnico pickup for this bass. What is the process and who do I call to swap out the stock ceramic for the alnico replacement? How much does EB charge for the swap/purchase? Thanks in advance.

 

[strummer]

I'd think customer service, though I'm far from certain they'll do a swap.
All real SR5:s have ceramic you know;-)

 

[Ben Esparza]

I do like the sound of my SR4 with the Alnico magnets. There is a difference to my ears and, if available, I'll do the swap. I had to swap out the preamp on my SR4 with EB. I took out the old one, sent it to them with the replacement fee, and received a new one with great turn around time.

 

[Ben Esparza]

Is there an Alnico direct replacement for the rectangular SR5 ceramic pickup or is my only replacement option through EB the ceramic magnet model?

 

[mynan]

Obviously, this is not an official answer, but I don't believe that EB will do the swap. Also, the ceramic pickup SR5s may have a different preamp than the alnico pickup SR5s.

If you really want to swap out the pickup, you will probably have to find an aftermarket pickup to replace it with. And if you do that, my advice is to keep all of the original parts in case you ever want to sell the bass.

 

[Golem]

...........
All real SR5:s have ceramic you know;-)

And .... still available, with a name change, to "Sterling 5"

Acoarst, you do lose the magnificent classic huge SR5 PG
*crocodile tears*