HB1 vs Hi-Gains (A shootout)

rikk · Post by **rikk** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 4:42 am

I’ve installed HB1’s in my 1978 4001. I’ve recorded a few comparisons. The 1978 was recorded with the same set of strings with both pickups. No EQ or volume was set for any of the basses. Both pickups were full up as was the tone pots on the bass itself. I recorded my 1975 with (gasp) EMG active pickups as a comparison.
1978 4001 with original high gains (cap removed) http://www.donutkings.com/bass/78_hi_gain.mp3
1978 4001 with HB1’s (cap removed) http://www.donutkings.com/bass/78_HB1.mp3
1975 4001 with EMG (active) http://www.donutkings.com/bass/75_EMG.mp3

heinpete · Post by **heinpete** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 6:01 am

Hi Rick!
That is an excellent comparison!!! Thank you very much!
In my ears the '75 EMG sounds as the '78HB1 with just the treble gain up. However the 78 Highgain sound is the most authentic and nice sounding one in my ears.

rikk · Post by **rikk** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:18 am

The HB1 has more low overtones than the high gain or the EMG. The hi-gains are distinctly RIC sounding, although both the HB1 and the EMG's still sound like a rick. Keep in mind all of these have no EQ whatsoever. The EMG's have the most unique RIC sound of them all, they really cut through the mix. I installed the HB1's to try get a similar sound to the EMG's. I think I did that.

It seems no matter what pickup, a RIC is still a RIC and that's what I like about these bases.

gearhed289 · Post by **gearhed289** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:36 am

Just curious - exactly what kind of EMGs do you have on there? I had a single 35DC in the treble position through a EMG BTS preamp on my 4003S for years. Very versatile (I was in a cover band during much of the EMG period) and people said it still sounded like a Ric.
That bass has has no less than 6 combinations of pups. Currently running a "hot" V63 toaster at the neck, and a new, adjustable pole piece high gain in the treble position (thanks Jeff R!). The new treble pup sounds virtually identical to a V63 horseshoe re-issue.

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 7:56 am

In my ears the '75 EMG sounds as the '78HB1 with just the treble gain up. However the 78 Highgain sound is the most authentic and nice sounding one in my ears.

Cool comparison Rikk.
I like the sound of the higains best in these recordings, though I like the HB1 sound very much.
To me, the EMG's seem to have the least amount of lows, at least in that recording anyway. Of the three recordings.

rikk · Post by **rikk** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 11:24 am

Tom, they are EMG Jazz pickups. Other than that I don't know of a model number.