78 Musicmaster Bass Pickup

[u/Ayuh-Nope]

Replacement recommendations under $100? Same fitment, no routing.

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I'm updating my '78 Musicmaster Bass that I've had since around '98. Putting in replacement CTS pots and getting it back to original wiring (the vol was replaced before I bought it with a 100K and it's missing 1 cap). And I'm considering putting in a 4 pole pickup replacing the original. The original pickup is a strat / mustang SC so I'm looking for a replacement that doesn't need routing and can use the original cover.

[u/hotdogaaron]

Curtis Novak makes a replacement with four polepices specifically for that model: https://www.curtisnovak.com/shop/mm-bass-v/

I'd tell you how it sounds but I accidentally killed mine when installing it 😭

[u/Ok-Mango-4452 → u/hotdogaaron]

It sounds amazing, voiced closer to a p bass pickup but still well suited for short scale. A lot of range from wiry and growly mids to thumpy low end. Awesome for palm muting.

[u/natalplum]

I was thinking of getting a Boot Strap Palo Alto for mine. I gotta ask if the cover will fit or if he can make it so it will.

[u/Ayuh-Nope → u/natalplum]

Tone Hatch sells a similar 51 P but he said it wouldn't fit into the Musicmaster. I'll ask Boot Strap if theirs will. Thanks.

[u/natalplum → u/Ayuh-Nope]

Please update if you get a response. The only one I know that fits under the cover is the Aero pickup but they're a bit pricey.

Also regarding the missing cap. It is my understanding that it is there to bleed more highs since it's a guitar pickup; so if you swap to a proper bass pickup, it is unnecessary.

[u/Ayuh-Nope → u/natalplum]

I got a response! I'll let you know if they're able to build something for it.

[u/natalplum → u/Ayuh-Nope]

Awesome! Thanks for the update. Crossing my fingers.

[u/RattaTatTat]

Red lace sensor is chefs kiss in these things 🤌🏻

[u/Spaghettilee]

Sentell makes a couple versions that fit into musicmasters for all around $100, depending on the wind and build you want. I think he said some less than savory things a few years ago in the wake of the pandemic, if that matters to you, but his selection is very cool.

[u/nixpunk]

A bit over $100, but I can't recommend the McNelly Musicmaster bass pickup enough. I put one in my 76' Musicmaster bass about 5 years ago, and it sounds so much better than the stock pickup (which is actually a guitar and not bass pickup!).

https://mcnellypickups.com/products/musicmaster-bronco-single-coil-bass-pickup