Musicman Stingray Pickups

[New Born]

I'm looking to replace my current Stingray pickup (becuase it's rusted and has genarally just "packed in") with a Seymour Duncan - they seem reasonably priced and are the only model I can find fairly easily here in the UK. But I've hit a snag - the SMB4A is described as an "Alnico", while the SMB4D is described as "Ceramic". Does anyone know what this means, and would either pickup be compatible in my Stingray?

Any help MUCH appreciated guys :thumb:

[kilian]

What's wrong with the old pickup?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123068


One is magnet material; alnico (a mixture of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt) is used for its soft, musical tones, while ceramic (a mixture of clay and metal) gives a more cutting, aggressive sound.

[New Born]

^Thanks a lot man. I know, it really does suck replacing original MM pups, but physically the one I have is completely rusted and I'm getting a lot of hiss/feedback from it, which is especially annoying when I'm recording. I can't pinpoint the problem in the electronics, and neither can my local music store. The only thing I can do really is grab myself a new pickup.

[kilian]

What are you going to do with your old one? :) I mean: if you're throwing it away, send it to me instead (I'll pay you for it too). Maybe I can fix it a bit or not ofcourse.

Potting: dipping a pickup in wax to seal the windings to minimize vibration so the pickup feedbacks less (and is not "microphonic").

You can also try that!

http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/dip.htm

It's cheap and worth a try :thumb:

[New Born]

Haha, I think I'm gonna keep hold of the pup, especially now that potting is a very viable option.

But seriously man, thanks - you've been a great help. ;)

[Radiobass81]

New Born, could you do me a favor?

Could you record a clip of your Stingray now, and then record the same song (if possible) after you change the pup?

I've got a 'Ray as well, and, if it sounds better, I'd mod it. Probably later, though; when the guarantee expires.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, the Stingray's pickups have ceramic magnets, while the Sterling has Alnico.

[New Born]

Unfortunately Radio I don't have have the capacity to record anything at home...BUT I do have some tracks by my band on which I use the 'Ray, one in particular has the bass mix fairly high. If that's any use to you I could maybe email that if it's any help? Then when I have the new pup installed I'll see if I can record the same bassline for you, somehow...

[kilian]

Haha, I think I'm gonna keep hold of the pup, especially now that potting is a very viable option.

But seriously man, thanks - you've been a great help. ;)
You're welcome!

I could give it a try :naughty:

[Radiobass81]

Unfortunately Radio I don't have have the capacity to record anything at home...BUT I do have some tracks by my band on which I use the 'Ray, one in particular has the bass mix fairly high. If that's any use to you I could maybe email that if it's any help? Then when I have the new pup installed I'll see if I can record the same bassline for you, somehow...
That'd be great :).

[Klander Brigade]

Alnico is an alloy used in magnets. Short for: Aluminum, Nickel, Cobalt

[Alma]

Alnico is an alloy used in magnets. Short for: Aluminum, Nickel, Cobalt

Yep, clever name.

[New Born]

I'm glad the Ceramics are used in Stingrays...they're about £100 cheaper!

Radio: just tried to attach the file in an email but it won't let me for some reason. I'll try again tomorrow - sorry!