SR4 vs SR5 tone issue

[SLUGGO]

OK...first off, let me apologize for the "noob"-ness of this question, but this has been driving me nuts!

I get such a different tone out of my SR5 H than I do my SR 4's. I have a SUB4, HH, and a 30th. I realize that the 4's and 5's have differnt p/u's (Alnico vs. Ceramic, right?) But, I am getting hardly any punch or brightness from the 5, comparatively. Tried new strings, batteries, etc. I was really hoping for an SR4 sound with an extra string!

Is this just characteritic of the 5's or is this a Cust Svc issue??

Does anybody have any wisdom to share??....on this issue I mean!

(Uh oh...I see the Bongloids swarming!)

Thanks in advance!

 

[shastaband]

I have also noticed that the sound of the SR4 and the SR5 are quite different. Not to say that the SR5 tone is bad, just different and a bit mellower. I have 3 SR4's now (all single pickup), and every one has that punchy agressive Stingray sound we've all grown to know and love. My SR5 H (single pickup) is not as punchy or aggressive sounding as the SR4's. The sound of my SR5 HH (two pickup) is also different than the single pickup SR5. I have a 20th Anniversary SR5 on order (single pickup), and I'm hoping the Alnico pickup and the "specially-designed" pre-amp will get me closer to the SR4 sound.

 

[dlloyd]

If you can find a SUB5, they have an alnico pickup and (IIRC) a preamp that's broadly similar to that of the two band SR4.

 

[PocketGroove82]

I'm sure the difference has something to do with the pup magnet material, but it's also easy to forget that the simple act of changing the dimensions of the neck and body will inevitably have a big effect on the tone. 5 strings will always sound like 5 strings.

OR

Maybe the difference in the feel of the bass, or the string spacing is causing you to play/attack the notes differently with your right hand. When I play a maple necked SR4 H, I feel like I can dig in so hard and just abuse the hell outta the strings, while on my SR5 a lighter touch seems more natural.

Just some thoughs.

 

[Slim]

I have always thought ceramic is brighter and puncher than alnico.
I have 92 SR5 with alnico and 06 SR5 HH and I do get a little brighter sound from 92 but I always thought it gets bright tone because of maple board compare to my 06 rosewood board. I have beeen playing out my HH more now because it gets more variety of tones from five way switch and I really like HH sound. I used to have 76 Stingray and I remember it was awsome tone. I think when pickups configuration is in paralell it sound melow and sweet compared to sereal configuration.

 

[SLUGGO]

Thanks all for the perspective! Sounds like everyone has the same opinion of the "mellower" tone. The 5 is nice and smooth sounding. Do the Bongo 5's have a more agressive tone?? It is hard to tell from simply trying them in the store without being able to use your home set-up etc. This is why I am bouncing it off you fine folks.

Hey, since Ritchie has almost every EBMM bass known to man....can you help??

 

[slucas]

Do the Bongo 5's have a more agressive tone??

That's what Bongos do