Upgrading to S+HB

[slap_happy]

Hey, I'm new to this forum but have been playing a StingRay 5 for about a year now. Now that EB/MM has introduced the dual pickup design StingRays, it's got me thinking about upgrading form the single humbucker to a single + humbucker setup. Seeing as how EB/MM doesn't sell replacement pickups, and I won't be able to find a used S+HB setup for sale because they're so new, I assume the only choice at this point would be to get an aftermarket system, Basslines, Bartolini, etc. So my question is do any of you guys have experience with any of the aftermarket StingRay pickups, and which is the best? What single coil would you recommend getting, as I doubt an aftermarket S+HB setup for the 'Ray will be sold together any time soon?

And for those of you who will undoubtedly tell me "I can find everything I'm looking for by using the Search Engine." I already have and found no threads about upgrading from HB to S+HB. In the event that I did miss one, a link would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim

 

[Mobay45]

Hi slap happy and welcome to the forum.

You will find that most here believe that the original pups can't be beat but you do bring up a good point. Maybe some folks that have tried the other brands will step in and answer your questions.

 

[slap_happy]

yeah, i dig the orginial pups too, thats why its such a shame the company doesn't sell replacements.

 

[Big Poppa]

Shame? Isnt that a Bowie song?

 

[bovinehost]

Shame, makes a man take things over
Shame, lets him loose, hard to swallow
Shame, puts you there where things are hollow
Shame
Shame, it's not your brain, it's just the flame
That burns your change to keep you insane
Shame
Shame, what you like is in the limo
Shame, what you get is no tomorrow
Shame, what you need you have to borrow
Shame....


I think you're right.

 

[bassmonkeee]

yeah, i dig the orginial pups too, thats why its such a shame the company doesn't sell replacements.

Honestly, you'd probably be better off, and have less hassle in the long run, if you sold your current bass, and ordered one of the new dual pickup models.

Plus, if you like the "Ernie Ball Sound" you get from your current bass, you'll be happier in the long run getting the real deal, as opposed to routing your bass for a neck pickup only to find that it just isn't the same with a replacement setup. Between the routing work, the new preamp, new pickups, etc, you're probably looking at spending at least $250. If you took that same $250, combined it with the money from a sale, you'd be close to getting the bass you want with the configuration you want.

Just my 2 circular pieces of money with that log cabin guy on 'em...

Welcome to the forum!

 

[bongo man]

Jim
get a new one--you will not regret it---
cliff

 

[Mobay45]

Body and pickguard routing - $125

New pickups - $135

New preamp - $125

Buying a new Stingray exactly the way you want it. - PRICELESS!