glassmoon

Just took receipt of a Seymour Duncan STC-3M3 preamp to kit out my Sterling Ray5. Not only was Mark aka @ebenezer a breeze to work with, but he was happy to wait for me to get my ducks in a row...aaaaaaand, after reading my posted question on recommended upgrade paths for the Ray5, he reached out to me. Splendid chap

Looks very much like a BTB405QM in transparent black

Yeah, the more I think about it, I'm just going to have to get a custom pick guard made to accommodate the larger (non-lugged) pickup.

Well, the only other option would be a new plate - which isn't the end of the world

Great video. Problem is the shape of the SD 5. That it is a rectangul and doesn't have the 2 bass lugs and 1 treble lug is just beyond my understanding. Were its a 5 string version of the 4, it wouldn't even be a competition I suspect... Someone must've thought it a good idea though

Oddly enough, that is kinda how I feel too - I've had a Lankland before and the poles would not have worked, but for a MM/EB bass, I think the poles add a certain authenticity - but it's all about the sound I guess.. Y'know - that may well be the case - the preamp is a good start - roughly the same price (within a tenner) so nothing ventured I suppose!!!! I bow to you sir, and say "thank you"

I think I will bite the bullet on the Retroglide - a nice Father's Day contribution means I can afford it (I need gigs!!!!!) What pickup have you been looking at? I would love a Nordstrand - my Ibanez sounds monstrous - but I just can spend that much - hence me looking at the Kent Armstrong. Any thoughts would be great

I think I am sold just from the Chowny bass video!!!! Rich tone that i was not actually expecting. BTW @Steve Browning, did you keep your stock pickup?

Interesting - I am unfamiliar - but let me Goo Gill the heck out it - many thanks Steve!

I remember reading a Bass Player article from 1996, that said that sometimes using an EQ pedal is a way cheaper option than swapping out the electronics.... and I buy into that. I really do. I just want to get the most out of the instrument that I can. I am definitely not going to buy for buying's sake, but if, for example, the Kent Armstrong route is a good one, for under £60, and it bumps the sound into a new level of richness, then I am all for that. But I will play and A/B against my Nord kitted Ibanez first

I will definitely look into those two, and any others that I can find. Many thanks. The UK market is still very new to me (only been here 2 years), so this is all invaluable information. And yeah, I haven't even received it hahahaha

It's the traditional MM style with two lugs on the bass side and one on the treble. Attached is the bass I'm waiting on.

Hi all, I'm about to take delivery of a EBMM SUB Ray5 - I got it as a working Joe's instrument, with a view to upgrading as and when I could. I have heard great things about the bass, watched many videos, read many reviews, and all seem to indicate that the electronics are the weakest link. Having said that, money is tight and I'm looking for options that are good yet inexpensive. As much as one day I hope to be able to slot in a Nordstrand MM, for the next little while, I'm looking for advice and opinions. I see Kent Armstrong and at around the 60 quid Mark, I'm all ears. Are they good? Better than say the Bartolini M1 range or about the same? Your views are hugely welcome. Kind regards Julian

Hey John... I have sent a PM with apologies etc.

I would say yes, please and thank you for under a grand - it it's in good nick. I can't, unfortunately, speak to which years to avoid or jump on, nor to the possible mods, but overall the 5005 is a stunning bass. My 10p