True Custom Shop Mustang Bass pickups (Ep.1) Review and comparison with flatwounds

In this unsponsored video series, I will be demonstrating the sounds from four different Mustang Bass replacement pickups. In increasing price, the pickups are (1) True Custom Shop (2) Nordstrand NM4 (3) Lollar and (4) Curtis Novak Fat.
In episode 1, we will hear and discuss the True Custom Shop vs. the Duncan Design stock pickup found in many MIJ reissue Mustang basses.
This video will also highlight the difference between the two different sizes of Mustang Bass pickups.
The bass was recorded direct through a Line6 Pod Go with my usual GK800RB model settings.
Level matched, but no EQ or compression was added in post.
Thomastik Infeld Jazz flatwound strings, 100-43.
Links for more info on the Schecter Japan Pro Gauge Series Mustang style bass:
• Schecter Mustang style...
• Fender CIJ Mustang Bas...
00:00 Intro
00:17 Background and pickups
01:40 Different sizes of Mustang pickups
03:02 Test Bass Schecter Japan
04:08 Track with drums
06:18 Track without drums
08:24 Assessment
jonathanwong.b...

[@jonmatthews4254]

Great line, works well as a demo of all strings too.

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for watching!

[@MadJackF1]

I agree, both were very similar.
I did notice a slight bit more treble with the True Custom. The thing I noticed the most was the mid range growl. The True Custom had a bit more bite and slightly more aggressive. This is likely due to the slightly higher output.

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for watching and commenting!
I wasn't expecting the True to have a higher output. The True's DCR read 8.57 vs the Duncan which read 8.77. Essentially the same. Goes to show that only comparing DCRs in pickups can be misleading if you're looking to predict output level. So many other factors!

[@MrSparks54]

I put True Custom Shop pickup in my 2008 MIJ Mustang bass. I agree with your assessment, a bit more presense. Not sure it was worth the swap. I did swap out the dime pots for CTS pots which I'm very happy with. I'm anxious to hear the Nordstrand, Lollar and Curtis Novak p'ups. Thanks Jonathan

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for watching! Your continued viewership means a lot. I like these True Custom Shops, they're just not that different than the Duncans (which are also fine!). Hope you stay tuned for the series!

[@Asmuk]

Thank you for the comparison. I'm waiting for the next one, as I have a Nordstrand mustang on my own heavily modified bass and like to see how it compares to other options.
Regarding this one, I found the True custom and the Duncan design very similar indeed. And I liked the sound; actually, I preferred it to my Nordstrand+LaBella combination. Let's see next week how the TI behaves with the Nordstrand.

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for watching! I’ve found the TIs to sound quite different than the Labellas. There’s much more going on in the midrange. But the Labellas are deeper. Really comes down to what one wants to hear, and whether the string compliments what the particular bass is naturally giving.

[@MC-qe5qb]

Excited about this series. I have a Squier CV Mustang, and I wondered how those cheaper pickups compare to what you tried in this video? They are probably in the same price range, I think, and close in sound perhaps as well. I might be mistaken.
Looking forward to your next vids, it'll help me decide if it is worth upgrading my pickups or not. I would love some insight on the types of music certain mustang pickups are good for as well (funk, rock, motown, etc). Thanks Jonathan!

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for tuning in! I found the stock squire cv p/u to be on the narrow and small sounding side. If I’m not mistaken, they also have the smaller p/u shell size, (40mm) so you may be limited to those options that come in the smaller size. Hope you find a sound you like!

[@MC-qe5qb]

@@jonathanwong458music Thanks a lot. CNovak has some 40mm, so I'm looking forward to how they sound. I'll stay tuned!

[@jonathanwong458music]

I’m excited to try those too! I hypothesize the ‘fat’ model (Novak) I have will not sound like a traditional mustang pickup, but more like fuller bodied P style. Which would be cool if that’s what you’re looking for. Might be more versatile? We will see!

[@klaymeister]

Commenting before your assessment. I didn't hear a difference until your tone knob was at 100%. And I had to go to the section without drums to really pick up on it.

[@jonathanwong458music]

Thanks for watching! I didn't think there was a significant tonal difference between these. A little bit more air and presence from the True, but likely inaudible in a mix (which was why I included the track with the drums muted). It's a solid sounding pickup, just not that different compared to the stock Duncan Design.

[@MordecaiSoup7]

Nearly indistinguishable!
Maybe 5% difference in the low end for the True

[@jonathanwong458music]

Yeah! Very very similar! Thanks for watching!