Phenominal difference in those pickups - it's a different bass altogether. I wonder if the DiMarzio will sound dramatically different to the Artec? Certainly for the price of this mod, the Artec is a real winner. Thanks for the vid.
Great video - series v parallel seems to remove some of the signature mud when in parallel. The new pickup definitely has more output and a wider array of tonal options. When this was made by Gibson they used to have some capacitors in the tone circuit which look to have been removed in the Epi model. I believe they were a .033uf between the volume and tone and a .01uf from the tone to "ground". A lot of people cut the .01uf out as it really cut into the mid-highs. You might want to experiment with a push/pull on the tone as well and add the original Gibson tone circuit in just for some added tonal variety. Gotta keep some copper shielding tape on hand - I've got a 1" and 2" wide roll on the bench at all times. Some other tools you may want to consider if you're going to be doing regular mods - there are some plastic non-marking flat pry tools for removing knobs. Save me so much time whether it's a guitar or an amp. Also you can/should completely break off the spacer tab - they can cause a pot to sit on an slight angle if you leave them.
@@tele789 That's what I was thinking too.. Came across this video while looking for an idea for a pickup for an EB-0 that found it's way into my hands that I'm in the middle of fixing up. The Artec won't be on my list.
Great job very informative! I did hear you mention that there's an alnico and ceramic version of this pickup. I wonder how the ceramic would have sounded?
Seems I got that Artec sound by cutting the mid and high on my Ampeg ba115 to 9:00. And while the Epi Mudbucker isn't known for slapping the Artec slap tone is unforgivable. Can't wait to hear the Model One!
Did you consider adding a second pick up artec do a matching mini humbucker for the bridge I am trying to do this and adding a push pull pot rather than replacing one so they’ll 3 pots and a switchcraft 3 way toggle but I am struggling to find a wiring diagram any advice?
I have experimented with a few of these pickups. My Artec has been wired incorrectly, it enhanced the inducted noise. Easy to change, but You have to be aware of it. You can mod all of tem: add a 6x6mm horizontal bar instead of the pole screws (or, even better, 3 isolated 6mmx2mm cross section barsI. That will enhance the treble as well as the deep lows and make especially the epiphone PUs a lot. You can also add 2nd pair ceramic magnets. BTW: the epiphone PU has 1.2k in series, i.e. both coils have 600 Ohms each. As usual in any humbucker, setting the coils to parallel will halve the output impedance and double the resonance frequency. Clearly audiblae even with the "30k-ARTEC, which in parallel will have a DCR of 7.5kOhm. Which makes it an execllent counterpart to the (6.2k) Mini humbucker of the EB3 and SG basses. My setups: - Epi EB-0 with modified original Mudbucker + a Wilkinson Mini humbucker. - Epi Eb-3 1960s shortscale No 1: modified original mudbucker + C-Switch to reduce the resonace frequency, custom 14.5 k Firebird mini humbucker in "MM" Position. both pus need some decoupling resistor in series with the mudbucker of both PUs are on - necessary in all 2 PU setups using the low impedance mudbucker (which i actually do like, with my mod it is better than the current Gibson pseudo mudbucker) - Epi EB-3 1960s shortscale No2: modified ARTEC in parallel mode (i.e., 7.5k) + original bridge PU - Gibson EB-11, with modified Epiphoen Mudbucker + C to reduce resonance frequency, custom 14.5 k firebird mini humbucker.
I enjoy your vids a lot, and appreciate your honest opinions. My first bass was a '69 Gibson EB0 and I still have it. I replaced the mudbucker on it with the DiMarzio model one back in 80-81. Great playing short scale bass, but the Model One didn't make much of a difference, still a pretty terrible sound. Especially when the strings start to go dead. It really needs a punchy bridge pickup. BTW, you're the first person I've ever heard call it an "EB Zero." I've always known it to be pronounced "EB OH."
No because they don't really appear to be available or listed on the site anymore. We do have the DP120 Model One though coming tomorrow plus a comparison between the two pickups the day after :)
Do you know the capacitor value on the Tone pot? I think the Mudbucker works better with the Mini-Humbucker, in an EB3 I'd use the Artec, in the EB0 the stock pup, good demo👍
I have a 20 year-old long scale EB-3 with flats, and this has me really wanting to try this pickup! The stock pickup is surprisingly good/muddy, and with my flats, it really thumps. I use it mostly for blues and soul live, but toss a Big Muff on it and turns into an absolute monster! You got my wheels turning, I might wait this series out to make a decision. Thanks for the vids!
Thanks for the video I was looking for some options for mud bucker for my SG bass. I was considering the stonewall EB3 set but this sounds nice. I think it might sound better with the blend of P90 of SG
Mids opened up a lot and have more blossom. Top still in mud category. I wonder what the total cost is if someone bought the bass, pickup, pots and paid to have them installed (not to mention the bridge). Is it really a mod-worthy platform in your estimation?
Great comment! I don't think this mod will necessarily be 'worth' it in the practical sense, but there are folks out there who love these basses and appreciate seeing some mods that have an impact on some of the QOL issues that this bass has. This $40 pickup (the push pull isn't super necessary, just a fun thing) really gave it a lot more output (it's hard to capture on video). This is definitely the sound that those old school gibson heads think of when they think EB-0 vs the the tone of the stock pickup. I think out of pocket I paid roughly $200 for all the hardware (bridge and tuners) from Hipshot Ebay. The pickup was $40.
The Artec definitely sounds hotter and fuller. But turning the tone all the way down is cutting way too much of the highs, and some of the meat of the tone. Probably sound killer with a different tone cap value. Thanks for the demo!
The original had more definition. The new pickup was way muddier and much less defined. Did you have the tone knob rolled back, or the amp changed? Because from where I sit the upgrade was actually a downgrade.
Why is there a massive drop in volume with the replacement pickup? On some of those examples I could hardly hear the bass and had to keep turning the sound up on my computer to hear
I just ordered artec alnico sidewinder pickup aka mudbucker and have a alpha push pull pot , Was wondering , the guy at guitar madness stated that the wire color code is different than dimarzio ,anybody have problems wiring this pup ?
Just ordered one of these for a project bass. Does anybody know what’s up with the two screw heads protruding from the bottom of the bass plate? Is this normal? The pickup won’t lay flush in the cavity without rocking. Thinking maybe I should get some foam to rest it on
I think, the stock one is much better; Weak, but at least with a minimum of articulation. The Mudbucker perfectly recreates the experience of standing outside of a rehearsal space.
hello friend. I bought a brand new epi eb0 . I think it's great, but the G string is muted. I turned the screw on the pickup pole but it didn't change. It's all tuned up, unplugged it sounds great. any suggestion?
Well, assuming all Varitones on Gibson basses are the same, it should work like this: (Got this from Mark Agnesi) Position 1: Neck mudbucker, by itself, full power. Position 2: Bridge mini humbucker, by itself. Position 3: Both pickups, with a slight bass choke on the neck mudbucker. Position 4: Neck mudbucker, by itself, with a slight bass choke. Hope this helps!
The stock pickup was brighter and not a wall of mud. Even in parallel the artec is muddy. I’d rather have parallel as default and use the push pull as a boost.
It's extremely odd, but the mudbucker in my 2020 Epiphone EB-3 doesn't sound like a mudbucker at all. More like a set of EMG GZR precision p-ups. ❓ I've even played several EB-3s of the same era and they sound completely different than mine (60 cycle & far less output & tone capabilities). It's possible that Epiphone Indonesia accidentally put the wrong electronics in mine. "Ooops!" I'm not complaining.
I don’t get why these basses aren’t played through a nice amp like maybe a B12 or B15, just for the listeners’ reference. Maybe the series tone has more to offer then? IDK. Not trying to troll you. Just like to evaluate tone best I can. Hard to tell where the series tone fell flat - the amp? The pickup? The pot?
This is a great question. The goal of my channel has always been to provide the perspective of a hobbyist and consumer. There are loads of other channels with high dollar amp setups, mic setups for the amps, effects, modelers, etc. I keep things simple and the playing field level by using an inexpensive (but quality) Orange Crush 50 BXT amp in my videos with the goal of not necessarily making each bass sound the 'best', but give an authentic representation of what fellow hobbyists and non 'professional' players would experience if buying a bass. The pickup here has way too much output for the little amp to handle with the same settings that I use for my other reviews. TBH this pickup and bass combo would sound absolutely killer with a fat vintage tube stack and would absolutely blow the doors off of a building.
The stock pickup sounded so thin. The new one definitely has much better low end and it’ll probably sit much better in a mix. It’s a much more versatile sound.
Yup, far better definition on the stock pickup. I'd set the amp differently (a little more lows would be nice) but the stock pickup sounds like a much better starting point than the supposed "upgrade".
I commend you for trying to make the turd sound like something other than a turd, but I suspect that short of re-routing for competently designed pickups (i.e., non-Gibson), it's not going to sound very good. Better, perhaps...but not Good.
I bought an Epiphone EB-3 (out of curiosity & boredom) during lockdowns. I've played several other EB-3s since and I have to say, I somehow got very lucky with mine compared to the others. Massive output and very little to no mud when the neck & bridge pickups are both engaged. It's either my signal chain of they "accidentally" put better p-ups in mine. "Ooops" ~Epiphone Indonesia
I don't like either one of them lol. The new one definitely sounds better with the tone up, but with the tone rolled off it's just too much low-end... Lobster. I could barely hear different notes.
New pu lacks highs but sounds fatter. I don't think tone all the way down finger style is useful with either pu. I look forward to the next pu to go in there. New pu has no definition with tone all the way down. Original is not any better.
Man the tone cut was a big surprise. I think I never heard a bass so deep...
I'm impressed with that Artec pickup, huge upgrade for little money!
This Epiphone EB-0 Mod Series is one of the best mod series, not just from your channel, but from any YT Bass Channel. Bravo to you Lobbie!👍
Loving this series! Can't wait for more.
Agreed! It's like Santa's Bass Workshop! 😀 Cheers!- Brent,VT
What a tonal difference ! Very deep warm tone on the Artec !
In series with the tone rolled off is sublime.
This pickup is thunderous! It probably sounds more old school than the stock pickup.
Nicely done my friend 🎉. The EBO (oh) upgrade is Fab. 😊
Phenominal difference in those pickups - it's a different bass altogether. I wonder if the DiMarzio will sound dramatically different to the Artec? Certainly for the price of this mod, the Artec is a real winner. Thanks for the vid.
Great video - series v parallel seems to remove some of the signature mud when in parallel. The new pickup definitely has more output and a wider array of tonal options. When this was made by Gibson they used to have some capacitors in the tone circuit which look to have been removed in the Epi model. I believe they were a .033uf between the volume and tone and a .01uf from the tone to "ground". A lot of people cut the .01uf out as it really cut into the mid-highs. You might want to experiment with a push/pull on the tone as well and add the original Gibson tone circuit in just for some added tonal variety.
Gotta keep some copper shielding tape on hand - I've got a 1" and 2" wide roll on the bench at all times. Some other tools you may want to consider if you're going to be doing regular mods - there are some plastic non-marking flat pry tools for removing knobs. Save me so much time whether it's a guitar or an amp. Also you can/should completely break off the spacer tab - they can cause a pot to sit on an slight angle if you leave them.
I’m probably in the minority, but I preferred the tone of the original! It wasn’t as fat sounding, but it seemed to have more clarity and midrange.
I think you might like the flavor of the DiMarzio tomorrow :)
Same I liked it much better before
The new one sounds muddier
@@tele789 That's what I was thinking too.. Came across this video while looking for an idea for a pickup for an EB-0 that found it's way into my hands that I'm in the middle of fixing up. The Artec won't be on my list.
@@tele789that's why the og pickup was called the Mudbucker
Hey man, that's funky.
Great job very informative! I did hear you mention that there's an alnico and ceramic version of this pickup. I wonder how the ceramic would have sounded?
There is a ceramic! No idea haha
i have a ceramic artec mudbucker currently on its way for me to try. let me know if you would be interested in hearing it!
@@adz87 and how did it sound?
I just bought this pickup and I'm curious about putting a 250k pot instead of the 500k 🤔 how would it affect the tone?
Seems I got that Artec sound by cutting the mid and high on my Ampeg ba115 to 9:00. And while the Epi Mudbucker isn't known for slapping the Artec slap tone is unforgivable. Can't wait to hear the Model One!
Did you consider adding a second pick up artec do a matching mini humbucker for the bridge I am trying to do this and adding a push pull pot rather than replacing one so they’ll 3 pots and a switchcraft 3 way toggle but I am struggling to find a wiring diagram any advice?
I have experimented with a few of these pickups. My Artec has been wired incorrectly, it enhanced the inducted noise. Easy to change, but You have to be aware of it. You can mod all of tem: add a 6x6mm horizontal bar instead of the pole screws (or, even better, 3 isolated 6mmx2mm cross section barsI. That will enhance the treble as well as the deep lows and make especially the epiphone PUs a lot. You can also add 2nd pair ceramic magnets. BTW: the epiphone PU has 1.2k in series, i.e. both coils have 600 Ohms each. As usual in any humbucker, setting the coils to parallel will halve the output impedance and double the resonance frequency. Clearly audiblae even with the "30k-ARTEC, which in parallel will have a DCR of 7.5kOhm. Which makes it an execllent counterpart to the (6.2k) Mini humbucker of the EB3 and SG basses.
My setups:
- Epi EB-0 with modified original Mudbucker + a Wilkinson Mini humbucker.
- Epi Eb-3 1960s shortscale No 1: modified original mudbucker + C-Switch to reduce the resonace frequency, custom 14.5 k Firebird mini humbucker in "MM" Position. both pus need some decoupling resistor in series with the mudbucker of both PUs are on - necessary in all 2 PU setups using the low impedance mudbucker (which i actually do like, with my mod it is better than the current Gibson pseudo mudbucker)
- Epi EB-3 1960s shortscale No2: modified ARTEC in parallel mode (i.e., 7.5k) + original bridge PU
- Gibson EB-11, with modified Epiphoen Mudbucker + C to reduce resonance frequency, custom 14.5 k firebird mini humbucker.
Sounds fantastic!! Would LOVE to see a video!
@@mr.k905 No Video available. And the forum i postet the mod is dead.
I enjoy your vids a lot, and appreciate your honest opinions. My first bass was a '69 Gibson EB0 and I still have it. I replaced the mudbucker on it with the DiMarzio model one back in 80-81. Great playing short scale bass, but the Model One didn't make much of a difference, still a pretty terrible sound. Especially when the strings start to go dead. It really needs a punchy bridge pickup. BTW, you're the first person I've ever heard call it an "EB Zero." I've always known it to be pronounced "EB OH."
Is there any chances of you also doing a video with the Dimarzio Willpower?
Great video!
No because they don't really appear to be available or listed on the site anymore. We do have the DP120 Model One though coming tomorrow plus a comparison between the two pickups the day after :)
Do you know the capacitor value on the Tone pot? I think the Mudbucker works better with the Mini-Humbucker, in an EB3 I'd use the Artec, in the EB0 the stock pup, good demo👍
Back around `80 I put a DiMarzio black replacement in my EB-1 Gibson. It had a switch to mount in body. Sounded good.
Thanks for this video... this is a main upgrade i wanted to check before i buy.
I have a 20 year-old long scale EB-3 with flats, and this has me really wanting to try this pickup! The stock pickup is surprisingly good/muddy, and with my flats, it really thumps. I use it mostly for blues and soul live, but toss a Big Muff on it and turns into an absolute monster!
You got my wheels turning, I might wait this series out to make a decision. Thanks for the vids!
Thanks for the video I was looking for some options for mud bucker for my SG bass. I was considering the stonewall EB3 set but this sounds nice. I think it might sound better with the blend of P90 of SG
waiting for the next pickup... all that mud is not my style... lol... nice vid as always!
Damn…..that is a nice mod. Gonna do this to my epiphone now.
Mids opened up a lot and have more blossom. Top still in mud category. I wonder what the total cost is if someone bought the bass, pickup, pots and paid to have them installed (not to mention the bridge). Is it really a mod-worthy platform in your estimation?
Great comment! I don't think this mod will necessarily be 'worth' it in the practical sense, but there are folks out there who love these basses and appreciate seeing some mods that have an impact on some of the QOL issues that this bass has. This $40 pickup (the push pull isn't super necessary, just a fun thing) really gave it a lot more output (it's hard to capture on video). This is definitely the sound that those old school gibson heads think of when they think EB-0 vs the the tone of the stock pickup.
I think out of pocket I paid roughly $200 for all the hardware (bridge and tuners) from Hipshot Ebay. The pickup was $40.
Love the sound in parallel, It got character 🤩
The Artec definitely sounds hotter and fuller. But turning the tone all the way down is cutting way too much of the highs, and some of the meat of the tone. Probably sound killer with a different tone cap value. Thanks for the demo!
Hola, me gustaría saber donde se puede conseguir la pastilla Artec de alnico ya que solo la veo de cerámica. Saludos
Excellent job.Lots of results for a relatively small investment.👍
SG1? Stargate Fan or years of keeping track of Ibanez model sku has taken its toll? 😏
Both are really nice in different ways.
Where the pole pieces on the mudbucker left flat or raised in spots ? Your recommendation would be great Thank you
And holy output when slapping!
The original had more definition. The new pickup was way muddier and much less defined. Did you have the tone knob rolled back, or the amp changed? Because from where I sit the upgrade was actually a downgrade.
Definite improvement. Have you thought about modding an EB-3? Thanks Lobster
No matter what you play all sounds cool. I bet you play a washtub bass and also sounds cool
man kann aus dem Bass etwas machen ... keine Frage die Basis ist gut vg Harald 🤩🤩🤩
Why is there a massive drop in volume with the replacement pickup? On some of those examples I could hardly hear the bass and had to keep turning the sound up on my computer to hear
my stock mudbucker has a chorusing effect i saw on Fanblade its due the magnets pull on the strings.
I liked the upgrade - some very rich low end there (.. its a bass after all - midrange need not apply ! )
thanks for this. I have been planning to do this on my eb0 the thing held me back is whether there would be noticeable difference.
Shame i can barely find the pickup. Wish more alternatives got made
I just ordered artec alnico sidewinder pickup aka mudbucker and have a alpha push pull pot , Was wondering , the guy at guitar madness stated that the wire color code is different than dimarzio ,anybody have problems wiring this pup ?
Maybe next time you could demonstrate the wiring for the pickup. That’s valuable as many individuals can learn and benefit from your knowledge .
A question: do you have to use a push pull control pot with this pickup? thanks
You don't have to, but having one allows you to switch between series/parallel
NICE :)
great job!!
Going to put one close to the neck in a P5 can’t wait
Wow; I'd like to see you mod out the Epiphone EB 3 !
Just ordered one of these for a project bass. Does anybody know what’s up with the two screw heads protruding from the bottom of the bass plate? Is this normal? The pickup won’t lay flush in the cavity without rocking. Thinking maybe I should get some foam to rest it on
Why does the Artec sound quieter in the demos?
I think, the stock one is much better; Weak, but at least with a minimum of articulation. The Mudbucker perfectly recreates the experience of standing outside of a rehearsal space.
Sir what's the string spacing of your Hipshot SuperTone Bass Bridge?
17mm or 19 mm?
Thank you sir.
hello friend. I bought a brand new epi eb0 . I think it's great, but the G string is muted. I turned the screw on the pickup pole but it didn't change. It's all tuned up, unplugged it sounds great. any suggestion?
What is the brand of this bridge?
Interesting. Look forward to the DiMarzio swap.
Dear Lobster (or anyone), is there a reason for putting push pull as volume and not as tone? Sorry if thats a dumb question.
Heyo! It's not a dumb question. I just didn't want to have to resolder the tone cap to be honest. The vol control is usually easier.
Can you explain the use of the varitone as the Gibson SG does not have that feature.
Well, assuming all Varitones on Gibson basses are the same, it should work like this:
(Got this from Mark Agnesi)
Position 1: Neck mudbucker, by itself, full power.
Position 2: Bridge mini humbucker, by itself.
Position 3: Both pickups, with a slight bass choke on the neck mudbucker.
Position 4: Neck mudbucker, by itself, with a slight bass choke.
Hope this helps!
Thank you for the clear explanation.
sounds great!!!!
The stock pickup was brighter and not a wall of mud. Even in parallel the artec is muddy. I’d rather have parallel as default and use the push pull as a boost.
That mudbucker sounded glorious both in series and parallel, the stock one sucks as MusicMan pickups also suck!
I hear more clarity in the stock pickup
I really liked the original tbh, doesn't really have the true mud bucker sound which the replacement did but I rly liked the original
It's extremely odd, but the mudbucker in my 2020 Epiphone EB-3 doesn't sound like a mudbucker at all.
More like a set of EMG GZR precision p-ups. ❓
I've even played several EB-3s of the same era and they sound completely different than mine (60 cycle & far less output & tone capabilities).
It's possible that Epiphone Indonesia accidentally put the wrong electronics in mine. "Ooops!"
I'm not complaining.
you should check out Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MK II
This series should be titled “Putting lipstick on a pig” 😂
Right! Buy 2 and throw them both out!
I don’t get why these basses aren’t played through a nice amp like maybe a B12 or B15, just for the listeners’ reference. Maybe the series tone has more to offer then? IDK. Not trying to troll you. Just like to evaluate tone best I can. Hard to tell where the series tone fell flat - the amp? The pickup? The pot?
This is a great question. The goal of my channel has always been to provide the perspective of a hobbyist and consumer. There are loads of other channels with high dollar amp setups, mic setups for the amps, effects, modelers, etc. I keep things simple and the playing field level by using an inexpensive (but quality) Orange Crush 50 BXT amp in my videos with the goal of not necessarily making each bass sound the 'best', but give an authentic representation of what fellow hobbyists and non 'professional' players would experience if buying a bass. The pickup here has way too much output for the little amp to handle with the same settings that I use for my other reviews. TBH this pickup and bass combo would sound absolutely killer with a fat vintage tube stack and would absolutely blow the doors off of a building.
Thunder..nanananananana... Thunder ⚡⚡⚡⚡🤘🏼..for only 40💲...wooow..open your windows before their are broken 🤣🤣🤣..Great Vid..🤗😉
What a great video
The stock pickup sounded so thin. The new one definitely has much better low end and it’ll probably sit much better in a mix. It’s a much more versatile sound.
What a difference. Tone all the way off was a bit too much. Would be awesome with a tonestyler. Almost makes me want an EB-0... almost.
Most likely Artec is the OEM manufacturer of the infamous Bartolini MK1 preamp and pickups.
I thought that was Cort
@@LowEndLobster i believe Cort makes the guitars, but not the components.
Lots of room for a preamp?😏
Interesting to see the Artec vs the Dimarzio!
Have you considered trying a Stonewall pickup? Granted, they're quite expensive at
Tone Down sound like your neighbor going to town on his bass.
I’ve never seen one of these that wasn’t beat down to hell with 20 year old strings
"More mud, less bucker" LOL.
Stock pu sound better to me!
Agreed
Yup, far better definition on the stock pickup. I'd set the amp differently (a little more lows would be nice) but the stock pickup sounds like a much better starting point than the supposed "upgrade".
Honestly I didn’t hear a big improvement and the original Humbucker sounded more closed to what a gibson mudbucker is supposed to sound.
Very nice, crustation.
*crustacean
@@AndreaAustoni it is crustation before my morning coffee... and crustacean after, but thanks for the spelling check.
Damn, I really don't like how this bass sounds altogether regardless of the Artec upgrade... I guess I'm just not a mudbucker kind of guy.
I commend you for trying to make the turd sound like something other than a turd, but I suspect that short of re-routing for competently designed pickups (i.e., non-Gibson), it's not going to sound very good. Better, perhaps...but not Good.
I bought an Epiphone EB-3 (out of curiosity & boredom) during lockdowns.
I've played several other EB-3s since and I have to say, I somehow got very lucky with mine compared to the others.
Massive output and very little to no mud when the neck & bridge pickups are both engaged.
It's either my signal chain of they "accidentally" put better p-ups in mine.
"Ooops" ~Epiphone Indonesia
Why do people hate the sound of the original gibson eb3 when it sounds just as "good" as a pbass with flats
I don't like either one of them lol. The new one definitely sounds better with the tone up, but with the tone rolled off it's just too much low-end... Lobster. I could barely hear different notes.
New pu lacks highs but sounds
fatter. I don't think tone all the way down finger style is useful with either pu. I look forward to the next pu to go in there. New pu has no definition with tone all the way down. Original is not any better.
stock pup was better
when you turn the tone down on either mudbucker it sounds like a Russian tank during Ukrainian Spring. That's a lot of mud.
No shielding bummer
they don't sound better or worse - just different. and arguably the replacement sounds more generic
It sounds worse to me -way too muddy.
I'm not a fan of the Artec.
666th thumbs up!
Huhu P/P
I love that super sub slap tone