Toaster vs. Hi-Gain

skweetis_hooch · Post by **skweetis_hooch** » Wed May 28, 2003 8:42 am

I'm conflicted. What are the pros and cons of each? I'm trying to decide which to get to replace the neck pickup on my 4001.

ojobob2 · Post by **ojobob2** » Wed May 28, 2003 9:00 am

is yours broken? as far as i know, the toaster has a lower output

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed May 28, 2003 9:19 am

The high gain on a '70's bass should be about 8 ohms .... a toaster is supposed to be 7.4 but I have found they vary from 6 to 8 ... the toaster is a littler less harsh ... a little smoother ... the toaster in the neck adn the high gain in the bridge is a nice combo ... but it may not be the sound you are looking for ...

rickcrazy · Post by **rickcrazy** » Wed May 28, 2003 11:13 am

Er... GB, need a pickup?
What seems to be the problem with the bass pickup on your 4001? By the way, what year is your 4001?

dano · Post by **dano** » Wed May 28, 2003 11:58 am

Jeff wrote "the toaster in the neck and the high gain in the bridge is a nice combo..." I couldn't agree more. I did this to my '79 4001 and the sound is incredible. If you decide on a toaster, read the various threads on toasters here in this forum for tips on installation.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed May 28, 2003 12:01 pm

Hooch: I say go for the toaster in the neck position.

skweetis_hooch · Post by **skweetis_hooch** » Wed May 28, 2003 2:17 pm

It's a '76 4001. The neck pickup on there right now is a Bill Lawrence something or other. It doesn't sound that great. The guy who i bought my ric from originally modded the hell out of it, and i don't necesarily think that changing the neck pickup was a modification for the better. I've been having to play with just the bridge pickup to get a decent sound otherwise it sounds muddy and weak. Thanks for all your suggestions.

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Wed May 28, 2003 4:06 pm

I wish that you guys with toasters could post some short mp3s. I'd love to hear them. I've got a 4003 with the high gains, and I think it sounds great. After hearing so many good things about toasters, I'm starting to think about getting one.

gpatt5762 · Post by **gpatt5762** » Wed May 28, 2003 5:18 pm

You know those super-annoying "snapping" sounds you get when your strings hit the knobs on top of your neck Hi-Gain? SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE FOREVER with a Toaster on the neck- you can pick your bass as hard as you please without having to worry, as well as having a more classic sound. The signal strength issue, in my experience, I found to be minor- true, technically- but your audience'll never know.

Garry

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Wed May 28, 2003 5:54 pm

I definitely prefer the Hi-Gains. I just flat-out like the tone better. In addition the output is noticeably higher and the signal to noise ratio noticeably better. I never get any "snapping" sounds but then again I'm not heavy handed. ;^)

YMMV, of course.

skweetis_hooch · Post by **skweetis_hooch** » Wed May 28, 2003 11:23 pm

I guess my real question should be, are the toaster pickups really worth the extra 30 or so bucks when buying them new? i could get a hi-gain for bout 70 and a new toaster for about 90.

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu May 29, 2003 1:36 am

Garry and Dave have identified the differences that I have found in my installation of a toaster. The tone is softer so has less edge and more in keeping with the McCartney sound to me. The toaster is quieter and the snapping sounds are indeed gone that I also noted with the high gain pickup in the neck position. The difference in price is well worth it should you be interested in a less edgy sound in the neck position. The good news is that you can always put the high gain pickup back should you not like the toaster. You will have no difficulty selling your toaster should it not suit you.