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evilgus
Junior
Username: evilgus

Post Number: 26
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 2:54 pm:   Edit Post

Hi folks,

Could someone please tell me the measurements of MXY56 pickups? I'm planning on upgrading a 5-string bass currently fitted with Barts and want to know how much routing will be required, if any.

Also, I presume the MXY56es are suited to both 5 and 6 strings, right? What is the ideal string spacing to get the best sound? ie. What is the actual spacing between magnets, etc.

Cheers,

EG
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 2971
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 3:51 pm:   Edit Post

The MXY56 pickups are 5.00 long and 1.22 inches wide. They will work with any number of strings, the "56" refers to the size we usually use for our 5- and 6-string basses. Since the magnets are bar magnets, they are not more or less sensitive along the length.

The maximum recommended string spread above the bridge pickup is 3.5 inches. This leaves a little room on either side to allow for string vibration. Exceeding the recommended string spread can result in volume changes as the outside string(s) vibrate in and out of the magnetic field.
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 3019
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 3:54 pm:   Edit Post

Thanks Mica!
evilgus
Junior
Username: evilgus

Post Number: 27
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 5:28 pm:   Edit Post

I'll second that, thanks Mica! Based on those sizes, I'll definitely need some routing done, as the Barts are roughly 4.1 x 1.18 inches. The string spread at the bridge is around 2.7 inches, so that should be fine.

Will I possibly have some problems with individual string volumes as the existing Barts have curved pickups to match the neck shape/string heights?

Cheers,

EG
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 3020
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 6:04 pm:   Edit Post

I'm not sure I understand the question; I'm assuming the fretboard on your bass isn't any more curved than the fretboards on most Alembic basses.

By the way, what kind of electronics does your bass have, and, assuming they're not Alembic, are you planning on upgrading them as well?
evilgus
Junior
Username: evilgus

Post Number: 28
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 7:06 pm:   Edit Post

Yes, am planning on getting a full Rogue or Signature circuit with the pickups, it already has 6 spots for knobs or switches, plus a huge control cavity for all the bits. (Is a Tobias bass with 18V Bart circuit with 3-way EQ and freq switch.)

Yes, it's quite a normal fretboard curve, was just wondering if there would be any difference in string volume between the curved Barts and flat Alembic pickups. I guess the internal design is probably completely different, so it's not a problem.

Cheers,

EG
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 2975
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2006 - 10:32 am:   Edit Post

What is the radius of the fingerboard?
evilgus
Junior
Username: evilgus

Post Number: 29
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 2:44 pm:   Edit Post

Sorry Mica, I can't find the radius listed anywhere for my bass. As far as I can tell, it's quite normal, didn't feel too different from a 5-string Essence I tried once.

Cheers,

EG
mica
Moderator
Username: mica

Post Number: 3010
Registered: 6-2000
Posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 - 3:56 pm:   Edit Post

We use a 12 inch radius, which is quite flat. If yours is similar to that, I can't imagine there being a problem - it's what we use on our own basses.

Do you know if the curve on the current pickups is decorative or is there a separate magnet and coil for each string?
evilgus
Junior
Username: evilgus

Post Number: 30
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 6:13 pm:   Edit Post

Not sure of the internal design of the Bart pickups, but the website info mentions using dual-coil humbuckers and CNC machined blades. Does that imply they are a similar design to the Alembic pups?
evilgus
Junior
Username: evilgus

Post Number: 31
Registered: 7-2005
Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 9:01 pm:   Edit Post

While you're here, can you please tell me the size of 5-string AXY/Fatboy pickups too? :-)

Cheers,

EG
jlpicard
Advanced Member
Username: jlpicard

Post Number: 358
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Sunday, February 05, 2006 - 1:38 am:   Edit Post

Even if the pickups are not radiused to the fingerboard any change you'd notice would be negligable as the 12" fingerboard radius is very flat.

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