I came across this SC bass on Reverb. It has smaller pickup that I have never seen before. What are those? and do they sound different? Nice top wood.
https://reverb.com/en-nl/item/95853119-alembic-stanley-clarke-signature-standard-1992-dark-stain
MXY4 as seen on Epic, Orion, etc.
https://club.alembicguitars.com/information-related-to-all-instruments/pickup-sizes/
It is a bit unusual to see them on a Stanley Siggy, but I reckon somebody ordered it that way. I kinda' like it.
The pickup inside the MXY & AXY is the same size. Maybe the original purchaser wanted a tiny bit more thumb space between end of fretboard and neck pickup for slapping.
The first time I looked at it, I didn't see the headstock and thought it might be a special order Spoiler or Essence - I didn't realize that Standard Signatures from the '90s that didn't have stringers or veneers between the laminations were a thing.
Love that "dark stain" finish. ;D :-X
Quote from: jazzyvee on May 29, 2026, 04:52:59 AMThe pickup inside the MXY & AXY is the same size. Maybe the original purchaser wanted a tiny bit more thumb space between end of fretboard and neck pickup for slapping.
Yes I guess that was the reason, more slapping room.
How do the MXY and AXY differ in sound?
I think it looks quite good on the SC sig.
Quote from: Barend on May 29, 2026, 03:14:05 PMQuote from: jazzyvee on May 29, 2026, 04:52:59 AMThe pickup inside the MXY & AXY is the same size. Maybe the original purchaser wanted a tiny bit more thumb space between end of fretboard and neck pickup for slapping.
Yes I guess that was the reason, more slapping room.
How do the MXY and AXY differ in sound?
I think it looks quite good on the SC sig.
They sound the same, because the coils and the magnet inside the AXY and the MXY are exactly the same. Only difference is the size of the case.
Quote from: adriaan on May 29, 2026, 03:24:51 PMThey sound the same, because the coils and the magnet inside the AXY and the MXY are exactly the same. Only difference is the size of the case.
So what is the reason one is used over the other? Just optical reasons?
Quote from: Barend on May 30, 2026, 05:25:16 PMQuote from: adriaan on May 29, 2026, 03:24:51 PMThey sound the same, because the coils and the magnet inside the AXY and the MXY are exactly the same. Only difference is the size of the case.
So what is the reason one is used over the other? Just optical reasons?
I expect on the SC, JJ and MK signature basses that would be the case so they have a loser look to their series counterparts, but i guess having two shapes gives more aesthetic choices for a buyer on any non series bass.