Pickup options for G4M 972 (5 string)

[preciBen]

Hey,

 

I’m hoping some of you have modded G4M 972 basses and can share what worked well.

 

Why I want to change the pickups:

I like the feel of the bass, but the output is low and the sound could be improved.

My plan:

Remove the preamp and install new, preferably passive, pickups. I'd rather shape the sound with a preamp pedal or VSTs.

Current candidate:

https://www.warmanguitars.co.uk/product/blade-humbucker-soapy-stealth-5-7/ — I can’t find dimensions or any indication it would fit my bass.

Tone goal:

I’m aiming for a “Dingwall Metal” sound. I already have a Darkglass preamp, a SansAmp, and various VSTs (Ampeg stuff by IK Multimedia and Plugin Alliance, NAM Profiles etc...). Main goal is recording, not live playing for now.

I did some research but couldn't find much. Some installed a Darkglass Tone Capsule but since I have a Darkglass already I don't think this would help much.

 

Any recommendations on pickups would be appreciated.

[neepheid]

3 hours ago, preciBen said:

Hey,

 

I’m hoping some of you have modded G4M 972 basses and can share what worked well.

 

Why I want to change the pickups:

I like the feel of the bass, but the output is low and the sound could be improved.

My plan:

Remove the preamp and install new, preferably passive, pickups. I'd rather shape the sound with a preamp pedal or VSTs.

Current candidate:

https://www.warmanguitars.co.uk/product/blade-humbucker-soapy-stealth-5-7/ — I can’t find dimensions or any indication it would fit my bass.

Tone goal:

I’m aiming for a “Dingwall Metal” sound. I already have a Darkglass preamp, a SansAmp, and various VSTs (Ampeg stuff by IK Multimedia and Plugin Alliance, NAM Profiles etc...). Main goal is recording, not live playing for now.

I did some research but couldn't find much. Some installed a Darkglass Tone Capsule but since I have a Darkglass already I don't think this would help much.

 

Any recommendations on pickups would be appreciated.

 

There are pictures of the pickup being measured with digital callipers...

[preciBen]

Good shout. Was looking for some text 😅

[preciBen]

It’s going back since I can’t adjust the truss rod and about eight of the height adjustment screws on the bridge are stuck.

Pros: It could be a great bass — sounds good, holds tuning well, and feels nice to play in the lower register. The pickups have a fairly low output, but noise wasn’t really an issue for me.

Cons: The strings are way too low and rattle across the neck (especially on higher notes), and with the neck and bridge intonation basically impossible to set up, it’s just not workable.

Lots of potential, but the non-adjustable truss rod is a dealbreaker.