Making Modifications

[Bass4God]

Wanting to do some modifications to my bass can't decide on pickups. My choice of the moment is Bartolini or Nordtrand any opinions.

[Quebass86]

I am a bart's man...Have them on my Ibanez BTB and can't wait to get these EMG's off my Schecter and put some barts on it!!

So, in my opinion I think you know how I vote but then again it depends on the sound you want as well. I haven't played with a whole lot of different ones so my view is a little narrow at the moment....

 

[mjl422]

Wanting to do some modifications to my bass can't decide on pickups. My choice of the moment is Bartolini or Nordtrand any opinions.

You should probably give some specifics about your bass.  What model bass, what type of woods, what sound are you looking for .....etc.

[Bass4God]

It's a Peavey Millenium Series 5 string.

[Jam_Bass]

Have you looked at ken smith pickups?

[6stringapprentice]

I searched talkbass and I only found one instance of someone changing a 5 string Millenium's pickups and they changed the configuration from the orignal Jazz and MM to a custom nordstrand housing. It seem the common consensus is that there is no direct drop-in for the millenium or cirrus 5 strings. So I would see if there are any pickups that have your current measurements and see if your spacing matches the bass they are meant to replace or email the pickup company and see if it will work. You could also go the custom route which would probably be costly. Or you could change the pickup configuration which would be involve cavity routing which isn't for the timid. But if your not dead set on changing the pickups you could experiment with different strings and preamps

[ddwilkins]

Another option to consider as well is cost of pickups, routing, and changing the configuration. If the cost of all this is somewhat high, you may have the better option of picking up a bass that has what you are looking for in the price range of the modifications. I'm currently on this used equipment GAS right now. I've come to the conclusion that you can find some sweet deals right now with this current economic situation. When you see six string Ken Smith's going for $700 on ebay, you know something is up. Just my 2 cents.

[Bass4God]

Thanks for the info I have considered all the above. Yes the bass cost all of about $400.00 but when I factor in the things that I look for in a bass which are playability, comfort, sound, and looks my bass has three of the four. Playability is sweet, comfort is excellent with unbelievable balance, and I like the looks that's why I chose it. So the only issue is the tone and I've had it checked and the pickups are going bad. Peavey does make an uncoomon size pickup I've checked so I am changing the configuration from jazz style pickups to soapbar style pickups. So Bartolini or Nordstrand or any others to consider.

[ddwilkins]

I like my barts. I don't have any experience with nordstrands.