Ibanez EHB Series Revisit #4- Aguilar Pickup Swap Results - They ROCK! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

[@invin7215]

You are a hero for making this. Much appreciated, Mr. Lobster.

[@LowEndLobster]

You're welcome :)

[@wyattlytenin7715]

LowEndLobster Thanks for making this video although I think I may prefer the Nordstrand Big Sixes that you demoed on the high end five string Ibanez ehb that you demoed before

[@ethanearl]

Hi thanks for the video. Will the Aguilars fit in the non-ms 1005?

[@LowEndLobster]

@@ethanearl The Ibanez website says that they're both Bartolini BH2. You can verify by measuring the dimensions of your pickup and check against the Aguilar website or bestbassgear.

[@ethanearl]

@@LowEndLobster thankyou sir! :)

[@victorstewart395]

Hope you get your hands on a 1006MS soon so you can make the ultimate EHB pickup comparison. Those T1 are something else apparently 😎

[@rl-ub9hx]

Hell yea! This has really uncovered the bass's natural tone for me. It really needed that extra brightness to complete the experience.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rob! Glad you liked it. I agree, this opened up the bass tonally quite a bit - right where I wanted it :)

[@CarlosGarayG]

The Aguilars brought forward all the detail; with the tone rolled down, all 3 sounded very similar, and, in my opinion, the Nordstrands are a little excessive on the glass side with tone at 100%. BTW, this EHB series totally got me to subscribe.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Carlos! I agree, the Nordstrands almost seem too clear for my tastes and the barts weren't clear enough. I found the Aggies to be just right :)

[@144bob]

Perfect timing for this. I have an Ibanez BTB with a set of Aguilars, and I love those pickups. Now I'm considering an EHB, and was thinking of getting the cheaper one and putting a set of Aguilars in it. Seeing this video convinced me to do just that. Thanks.

[@TheProgGuy]

Honestly I like the Nordstrand Split's the best. The Aguilar were an improvement, but I wouldn't spend my money to get a slightly different sound.

[@SwainBjornstrandt]

In passive mode both versions sound really nice. Rich sound. I did not expect that at all.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you :)

[@toongurl]

Seeing the joy on your face when you hit that harmonic made me happy

[@LowEndLobster]

:) Thank you!

[@dullrazor442]

Those Aguilars give the 1005 a really nice growl! Sounds amazing!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Louis! I agree, very happy with how this project turned out.

[@AnotherNow]

Nice one! Was hoping to see/hear a pickup swap comparison video and all of a sudden the LowEndLobster delivered again 🎺🎺🎺

[@LowEndLobster]

I do what I can :)

[@bDoom88]

That's what i expected to hear: a great result! Fantastic video and really cool-modded bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Basil!

[@bDoom88]

@@LowEndLobster :-D

[@LunatiqueRob]

I'm surprised that the change to Aguilar pickups didn't result in a more drastic change, and the EHB1505's Nordstrand pickups actually sound more distinctly different from the Bartolinis.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rob! Honestly, I wasn't hoping for something super drastic. The transition from the barts -> nords is very drastic, was hoping for some middle ground that was a bit more open than the barts, but not as crystal clear as the nords. Very satisfied overall!

[@Asgard222]

Been waiting for this!

[@LowEndLobster]

:)

[@jeffcalvert9629]

I'm driving an SR505e with the BH2 pickups. Today, I swapped out the stock light top/med bottom strings for a full regular light set from D'Addario. Mind blown. The BH2s definitely do not show their best side with medium gauge strings. I was thinking about an Aguilar swap, partly on the merit of this example, but before you spring the $, I'd try regular light strings first!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks for sharing, Jeff! What gauges did you use?

[@jeffcalvert9629]

@@LowEndLobster The standard strings on the SR505e and the EHB "square" scale basses are D'Addario Xl nickel EXL165+130, or 45/65/85/105/130. (Arcane side note... the EXL165 5 string set actually includes a 135 B string but Ibanez specified a 130 for the B on the SR505e). So these stock strings are more mass, more tension, less movement. The regular light gauge set is 45/65/80/100/130, which is what I put on yesterday: less mass, less tension, more movement (amplitude of vibration). The standard strings on the EHB MS are 45/65/80/100/130 - or basically the regular light gauges. The lower strings here would be a little tighter than on a straight 34" scale, so there are more variables at play. My BH2/light gauge string experience leads me to believe that less mass/more movement is better for the pickup design: more articulation, more tonal range and detail inside the note. The EHB MS might be a different bear entirely, as the low strings will be tighter and have less movement than on the SR505e for the same string gauge. I'd wonder what an even lighter gauge would be like with BH2s on an EHB MS. With all that said, I believe that Aguilars will be a better sounding pickup (subjective, obviously), all things being equal. However, there may be ways to close some of the gap that are cheaper than a new set of pickups. :-)

Actually I did sth similar, but using a regular set with a .135 B, and is much better

[@rasmillion]

I like the 1005 with aguilars best of the 3 Has a warmth I really like I want that bass so bad, the Bartos sound amazing too My birthday coming up maybe I can scrape up the cash by then for a black one

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ras! It's a great instrument. I want to snag a black one and throw in these Seymour Duncans that I bought and a darkglass :).

[@MadMagicPaul]

I did the Aguilar upgrade. My EHB is the 1005SMS - the medium scale version and it has made a huge difference. With the Barts I needed an external 10 band EQ to get anything like a useable tone and even then the clarity was just not there. I usually play with about 20 brass and reed players (Big band jazz) and the Barts just got lost in the mix unless I was so loud that it ruined the mix. The Aguilars have fixed that. Even in passive mode! I also had the side dots drilled out and replaced. Ibanez's version of Luminlay's are not good and in normal light they disappear against the roasted maple neck. Now I have normal bright white dots and I can see them as intended. Thanks for the pickup inspiration Mr Lobster!

[@LowEndLobster]

Sweet! That's awesome! Thanks for sharing, Paul!

[@bb_lz9790]

I'm really late to the parade (just learning of the EHB in late 2024), but I appreciate this three-way comparison! I like the Big Splits a bit better and at the time I'm writing this, the Aguilar DCB-D4 pickups are essentially the same price as the Nordstrand Big Splits, so I'd go that way. Thanks for another Great video!!!

[@Flying_turnip187]

Thanks for this review! I am seriously thinking about buying this …..but….I want to make it more vintage sounding. Put daddario nylon tapewounds and maybe aero pickups.

[@matthewlunsford4351]

Pickups were an improvement (for my ears) over originals. (Need to get where I can play one of these as not sure what KZbin might be doing in treating the audio for storage/streaming purposes.) Thanks for experimenting and sharing the results.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you for watching! I agree :)

[@bassplayer137]

Hey mr Lobster! I hope you are doing well and see my comment. Thanks for this review, I was wondering which of these two basses i should get, when a 1505MS popped up for €20 more over the 1005MS. Your review made me go for the 1505MS, and it should arrive tomorrow (as of writing this comment)!

[@Dadagagarod]

NOW it sounds like a REAL bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

:) I agree

[@RobMLyon]

I actually really like the barts and will definitely give it a go before going to the Aguilar. Used to have the DCB 5’s on my Spector. They were incredible

[@jdmarino]

I don't think I would play either bass at tone 100% or tone 0%. And at 50%, the 1005 w/ Aguilars is my fav (even over the 1505, although I love the finish of the 1505). Did you know you would like the Aguilars?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks John! It was a total shot in the dark, but it turned out good :)

[@krazyolie]

The nords have a bit of wow factor and the barts a tad lacking (although better with the new strings) these sound better than both - good focus but still a solid sound underneath.

[@rockereivanivan]

Even with the new pickups I still prefer the 1505 because of the natural clarity and hifi sound of the 1505's pickups

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! I honestly wish they produced the 1005 with the Aguilars, and a 1305 or something with some cool color options, nordstrands, and the roasted maple neck of the 1005. I lobster can dream

[@halcyo]

@@LowEndLobster Yea, it seems pretty unanimous that the LOOKS of the cheaper 1005 are nicer. The matte colors with the roasted maple neck are very nice looking. The 1505's weird burl tops and those multi color finishes are very meh... Ibanez needs to get on this!

[@Vykk_Draygo]

@@halcyo Weird burl tops? You're certifiable. 😂

[@paulmullen2620]

First, great comparison! I'm very tempted to replace the Barts in mine as well. Second, I'm somewhat disappointed to hear how well your tone control works. On mine it seems to just turn down the volume instead of giving it that warm, rounded tone I'm hearing in the video.

[@andiarbeithb]

I am playing the 1005 too and recently had it equipped with a Bartonili P46M split coil pickup in neck position. I kept the bridge pickup because I am only using it to round the sound when slapping or playing fingerstyle. What i was aiming at was an overall less "Humbuckey" sound and the option of a quasi-P-bass sound when playing rock or blues tunes. At first I wasn´t satisfied with the result, mostly because the pickup seemed a bit unbalanced over the strings, making the A-G strings sound a lot louder than the B and E strings. However, after adjusting the pickup height (lowering the G side, mostly) it sounds just right. I also lowered the bridge pickup to have more of the split coil sound in the mix. Now I really love the sound of this bass, and with its killer looks (I got the matte black one), its lightweight build and the great playability, this could be the bass I´ve always been waiting for.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Andreas! That sounds like an awesome modification you made! Would love to hear some sound clips if you wanna reach out on IG :).

[@andiarbeithb]

@@LowEndLobster yeah I just sent you a link via IG. Hope you enjoy it.

[@estebanalexisarroyoormeno7433]

Thanks you for all of your videos of EHB series. I have the 1505, would you recomend use the Aguilar pickup mixed with Nordstrand ? I think the aguilar neck pickup would bring a more round and big sound to low notes.

[@Misfirem]

Love this bass. Want it in my collection so badly.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! Glad you like it :)

[@laptoples]

I SECOND THE MOTION that you give your opinion on the newer Ibanez T1 pickups. From all the videos I watched, I think I like the sound of them more then anything I've heard yet. Even the Nords... Which are a close second on their (I think) "605 sunburst blueish bass" if I remember right. You got it second hand you said, when you reviewed it... Also, maybe give 2 or EVEN 3 different lobster claw votes too. One on tone/sound/feel... and THEN an overall. You bunch them all in because of other things like the back plate doesn't come off, and locks on the cord plug in, etc etc etc, that most people just have different opinions on. (Which are important on the overall, but the tone and playability suffer in this ONE overall lobster claw vote.) At the least... It'd be nice to get just a lobster claw vote on just tone and how nice the bass feels to play...separately ! Just my opinion. Hehehehehehehe Other then that, you've been a plethora of help !!!!!! 5 claws on that !!! Thanks, and have a great day !!! :-)

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

You need to tune up that 1505 man! Out of all 3, i'd have to say I like the 1506 the best. Wait, what?

[@LowEndLobster]

LOL, this guy's a plant from the 1506 gang! Get'im!

[@sonatabigdeal8683]

If you're still keeping up with comments on older videos - I use my EHB mostly in a rap / RnB setting. Bass nearly maxed out and treble at zero always. Considering my context, do you think swapping to Aguilars would open up the low mids and make it less dead sounding or does that EQ make the change negligible? Thanks

[@michaelkeefer4293]

I've been waiting for this video! The Aguilars sound great! Although the tonal character was still very similar, the Aguilars definitely gave the bass more range and punch, kinda like there was a pillow smothering the tone that the Aguilars removed. With that said, I have to say that I still like the 1505 with the Nordstrand pickups the best, but that's just my personal taste. I like how aggressive the 1505 sounds over the smoother tone of the 1005 with either set of pickups. So is there any more EHB videos on planned or does this put the saga to rest? If you do more I'd be interested in hearing what a Darkglass Tone Capsule would sound like in one of these basses.. Thanks!

[@LowEndLobster]

It just so happens that I have a set of Seymour Duncans that would fit in an EHB along with a spare darkglass preamp ;). This is not the last of the EHB series!

[@michaelkeefer4293]

LowEndLobster You da’ man!

[@KPJohnson]

That sounds fantastic. You seem particularly inspired playing it.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Kev! Yeah I'm very happy with this instrument :)

[@RedForceRising]

Thank you for the video. The Aguillars make this bass sing. Better than the Barts and the Nordstrands in the 1505. Tight, punchy, bassy and clear highs.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks RedForceRising! I agree :)

[@alexmayorquin8266]

dude forgot to slap it, love your videos man, saludos from Mexico

[@LowEndLobster]

Awww sheeeet. That means I'll have to make.... another video :O

[@rasmillion]

Dooooo it

[@jayc9184]

Wow. You said it and did it. Impressive!

[@osodelcity]

Thanks for posting this. I’m replacing the P2’s on my Elrick, Evo-5 ash/burl maple for basically the same reasons you swapped yours on the Ibanez. I was thinking of Aguilar super or split singles or Nordstrand big singles or big splits. I had an Ibanez with big singles which were a good match with the mahogany/maple body. Now hearing this video has me thinking about the DCB’s. I don’t really play heavy music, but I need clarity for chords and good slap tone. Decisions, decisions. 🤔

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ozzie! Glad this could help. I absolutely love these DCBs, tons of added clarity without being too much or without changing the character of the tone.

[@joelvandam]

But the moment you switched pickups, you also used fresh strings. Sounds like a fresh string difference. If that's really the pickup, then they sound insane.

[@Serpabass]

Hey Lobs! Thanks for making these videos. You're definitely the best! I'm between the DCB and the Nordstrand. Could you tell me your personal opinion between? I'll really appreciate it! Thanks in advance. All the best!

[@LowEndLobster]

Heyo! I like the DCBs better in this application. I found the Nordy's too bright. I actually had someone reach out to me because they installed similar big splits in another bass and didn't like how bright it was. They sound good, but with 500k pots (what the person was using) they can definitely be a bit bright. I liked how the DCBs are in this application

[@Serpabass]

@@LowEndLobster I'll go for the DCB then. Thank you so much for your answer. I really appreciate it. All the best!

[@frankkilic2770]

Hey Lobster great content much appreciated. Quick question I want to replace my EHB 1500 with Aguilar pups. Will the Dcb D4 work? Or another model. Thanks in advance

[@LowEndLobster]

You'll need the DCB D2s for the non multiscale. I would measure to be sure

[@andiarbeithb]

I finally got my EHB1005 the other day and at first I was shocked how bad the Bartolinis sounded. But it was nothing I couldn´t save by adjusting my amp settings - it just needs a totally different setting than my other basses, less mids and more treble, and the sound isn´t bad anymore. My only remaining issue is that it´s a pair of non-splittable humbuckers, and I really prefer a classic split coil (or single coil) at neck position. The Aguilars wouldn´t solve that issue - unless my ears fail me, they seem to be humbuckers too. So my plan to get a pair of custom made pickups (split coil in P position, humbucker in neck position) still stands. I´ll let you know the results!

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! I know there's other options out there, another viewer mentioned some Delanos. I have some Duncans in my drawer that I may try out at some point. Let us know how things go!

[@andiarbeithb]

@@LowEndLobster if the pickups are too expensive or something else comes up, I am also considering to just make the neck pickup splittable. That should, in theory, resolve my issues with the sound to a degree.

[@andiarbeithb]

Update: I ordered a Bartolini P46M neck pickup now. The plan is to replace the neck pickup with this one and rewire the stock bridge pickup to a parallel/split configuration. Will keep you posted!

[@LowEndLobster]

@@andiarbeithb What a GREAT IDEA! Definitely keep me posted!

[@Bassist_Ivan]

Super Video, lobster! Thx for sharing!! Greetings from Germany

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Ivan :)

[@pleoh4101]

Thanks. It seems a nice upgrade, but unfortunately theAguilar set is very expensive here in France (nearly 400 E) :(

[@samlelowitch]

I prefer the Aguilars! As important as the pickups are, though, we cannot discount the impact of the player’s fingers on the overall sound. BTW, nice little rendition of Ludwig van Beethoven’s *Für Elise* there!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! :)

[@ontheMark72]

SO I'm sure you already stated which pickups you used however I forgot if you said that I would need 6 string pickups for the switch. Thanks...

[@LowEndLobster]

Yes! Sorry, I'll put the pickups I used in the description. Aguilar DCB-D4

[@ontheMark72]

@@LowEndLobster are they dual coil p4's? Aguilar DCB D4 6 String P4 Size Dual Coil, these are the only ones I can find for a 6.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@ontheMark72 I put a link in the video description. Hope that helps!

[@ontheMark72]

@@LowEndLobster I'm sorry I didn't see it.

[@TheStiefmeister7]

Every time you post one of these EHB videos i have to stop myself from driving 5 hours to try one, and then i remember i just bought a new 4-string and i shouldnt...gah!

[@LowEndLobster]

Road trip! ;P

[@Yesnikh]

Gassing SUPER hard for one of those 1505MS's.... Have either a 4003/s5 or a thumb B.O. 6 custom I'd probably trade for one! Been hunting a headless for ages now.

[@Yesnikh]

I no more put this comment up, then about 2hrs later IT IS HAPPENING, HOLY SH*T. THE MAGIC OF THE LOBSTER KNOWS NO LIMITS 🦞

[@LowEndLobster]

Congrats my friend!

[@Yesnikh]

@@LowEndLobster thanks man. Hope those basses you had up went to loving homes! Keep on killin' it, I know I'll keep watching.

[@NacekO]

I am seriously considering getting one of these basses but I too do not like the sound of the bartolini pickups. Current pricing in Europe is 1199€ for the 1005MS and 1555€ for the 1505MS. That being said. Agullars cost 299€. So if I buy the 1005MS and swap the pickups I'm looking at 1498€ cost in total. So it almost doesnt make sense to buy the 1005MS and do a pickup swap because the 1505MS costs just shy of 60 bucks more and already has great sounding pickups. So basically after that the only difference between the two basses is the paint job :D I do think that the Nordstrand pickups still sound better than the Agullars for my tastes.

[@russellzauner]

Foamy is now much better sounding than Burly in both passive and active mode, but the passive tone is so much more pleasurable than any of the active tones on these basses that personally I think that I love the form factor and Ibby hit all the marks spot on with the ergo and style points but I would blindly grab literally any bass on the back wall and something would come out of it on the first hit that has more meat than either Foamy or Burly. I bet an FGN build would be night/day to these - in fact, FGN seems to be batting 1000 on electronics so far, hell, put FGN guts into the Ibby basses that have simp ass pickups and they'd likely light right up and start barkin.

[@LowEndLobster]

I agree, I found that I enjoyed the passive tone much more than the active one... perhaps a preamp swap may be in order for this one.

[@headwarp9683]

Any chance you could do, or have done, a same day side by side of the 1005MS+Aguilars with the 1505MS stock? If it's not too much hassle anyway. I don't care for the sound of the Barts at all based on your videos. But now you have me debating 1005MS vs 1505MS.. it's like the Aguilars add more clarity without added brightness. The nordies sound good but the aguilars do it without the clank. I want to hear it Lobster.. pick, fingers, slap and appropriate EQ. :P AGHHH I kind of want both.. but that's unlikely.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Headwarp! I actually sold my 1505MS to a local bass player, but I could probably borrow it at some point to do a little revisit. :)

[@grahamsmith6307]

Good comparison. Many thanks. Thinking of buying an EHB. Which model Aguilar pickup did you retro fit

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Graham! I used the DCB D4

[@grahamsmith6307]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks. Appreciate your rapid answer. I've subscribed to your channel. Though I have way too many basses already 😎

[@CillBlintonOfficial]

Are those real bricks, or wallpaper? That music room looks awesome! Man cave of all man caves

[@LowEndLobster]

Hahah sadly no. The bricks and wood are just amazon vinyl decals over drywall (and the 'bricks' are over concrete). Definitely adds a nice visual texture vs the bare drywall. I did a 'test' video when I moved to the current space without any wall vinyl and it looked like I was a serial killer lol

[@CillBlintonOfficial]

​@@LowEndLobster Hahaha yeah just plain concrete and drywall definitely would make you look like you have a bass bdsm room lol

[@Bass.Player]

It sounds like the clarity has improved...

[@LowEndLobster]

It definitely has!

[@jacobayeni7834]

I've got the BTB 745 and I can't just get a decent sound with the BH2s. I had to hard wire them I'm single coil mode to get a decent sound out of it

[@LowEndLobster]

Nice! I like those BTBs. I'm surprised they didn't put the aggies in from the factory, as they're in some other BTB models.

[@mindwrack9045]

they both sound bad to me. I would be curious to ear with emg or seymor duncan pick up

[@Iofflight78]

haha this popped up in my feed and I thought those barts don't sound so bad and then I realized it was the Aguilar swap video and laughed. Yeah the Aguilar sounds good.

[@MikeyTiger37]

I missed the stream where you might have said why, but why did you have order the 6 string Aguilars instead of the 5 string ones? Is it because of the multiscale?

[@LowEndLobster]

Bingo! They're a P4/D4 sized pickup on the multiscales. It works fine with the aguilars because of the rail design as opposed to the poles which could be misaligned on an instrument like this.

[@jonro100]

I was wondering why you didn't replace the Bartolinis with the Nordstrand Big Splits that ship with the EHB1505MS?

[@LowEndLobster]

They're different sized slightly, too wide by 1mm in width I think?

[@SebastianContreras-dr3id]

crazy that I’m seeing this just now, I’ve been trying to attain that crisp with external solutions but Aguilar seems the only way to go. Redundant question maybe, the dimensions are with the 6string or 5string?

[@LowEndLobster]

The 5 string uses 6 string sized pickups. The DCB D4 set was used on my ehb1005ms

[@SebastianContreras-dr3id]

@@LowEndLobster and the 6 strings use 7 strings?? •__• loljk

[@LowEndLobster]

@@SebastianContreras-dr3id LOL! I think the 6'er uses custom Nordies, not sure if they're standard sized or not

[@vitobass23]

Top :) I love this bass, and the pickups aguilar are much better, the sound is more medium and open. what is the reference of these pickups? I'll have to buy a bass :)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Vitor! These are the DCB-D4's- www.aguilaramp.com/pickup-series/soapbar-pickups/ www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AGDCB-D4PU--aguilar-dcb-d4-dual-ceramic-bar-bass-pickups-6-string-d4-size

[@vitobass23]

Thanks Lobster 💪

[@nathansantos.n8]

The link above leads you to a 6 string pup? Was it a regular 6 fitted into a multiscale 5? Are the hidden poles an issue with string per string levels?

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question Nathan! It's a 6 string pickup used in the multiscale 5'ers. They use rails as opposed to poles, so string placement isn't an issue.

[@nathansantos.n8]

@@LowEndLobster oh that's great! Didnt realize they were rails. Nice. loved the reviews on this bass. Thanks man

[@MadMagicPaul]

Hey Mr Lobster - did you find the Aguilars had a higher output than the stock Barts? Thank you.

[@rockingxmasman]

I have one question in my head - can you hang them to the wall in one of those wall holders? I saw a picture of the non-multiscale version but not of the multi scale version with its angled 'headstock'

[@LowEndLobster]

Depends on the hanger. I tried with mine and it started to slowly slip. Not taking that risk haha

[@glenndjubilee]

Why didn't you put the Nordstrands in? It is an improvement.

[@user-LewisB]

Nice playing as always! Sounds great. Is that a roasted maple board and neck?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! Indeed it is :)

[@pond-foiler]

Do you think this would make also sense for my EHB1005 SMS (medium-/short-scale)? I play it with E to C Strings.

[@fretlessman71]

Did I miss it? I was looking for the specific model of Aguilar pickups Lobster installed. I know they're sized for a 6 string because of the angle...

[@LowEndLobster]

DCB D4 Soapbars

[@fretlessman71]

Nevermind - found it elsewhere! Aguilar DCB D4. A little under $300 new. Great video!

[@Sgroh87]

@@LowEndLobster were these drop-in replacements or did you have to do any woodwork?

[@LowEndLobster]

Full drop in

[@russhatcher8399]

That EHB1005MS with Aguilar DCB's is the best tone I've heard from this model. The Bart BH2's are too bland and the EHB1505MS with Nordstrands has too much clank for my taste. This one hits the sweet spot.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Russ! I agree, I think the aguilars were just what the 1005 needed.

[@dextacchino7140]

AGUILARS!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

:) They're nice! I have a set of the DCBs in my upcoming custom Valenti!

[@rmccain99]

Nice pups. Bartolini made me go to EMG.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks! I never used to like EMG, but the EMG TB pickups in the Schecter Corsair and the Geezer pickups put them back on my good side. I have a set of Geezers going into a fun project soon!

[@LeeJoRo]

I can't stop looking up these basses (I mentioned the new 1265MS in another video) I never see anyone use or mention the finger ramp that comes with these basses - what are your thoughts on finger ramps?

[@DTaylorGuitars]

You can absolutely NOT go wrong with anything Aguilar. IMHO. Love them

[@LowEndLobster]

Same :)

[@hudsond3181]

I tried smashing the like button 100 times for this video but it ended up only giving you one like😂

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks :)

[@ramshaar2597]

Sounds good for ibanez real good

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ram!

[@CillBlintonOfficial]

Between this and the FGN Mighty Jazz, which is better?

[@basshoh]

What's the cost difference between this one and the 1505????...before and after the aggie swap?????

[@LowEndLobster]

It's about 500 between em before the pickup swap. Pickups were about 280. I personally like the roasted maple and matte finish of the 1005 better as well.

[@joshuapaaske3043]

Do you feel like the basswood body + the satin finish would be especially susceptible to dents?

[@LowEndLobster]

Funny you say that, I dropped this bass on another bass during some live stream (forget which one), not a dent or a scratch anywhere. Finish is surprisingly durable.

[@cskeise]

I'm going with you on this one Lobster...💙👊😎

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Carl-Samuel :)

[@cbassgob]

The original pups are not bad at all, Aguilar sound a litlle bit brighter and clear. Two different tone depending of what you re looking for. Norstrand have something I don't like, something too " much" , too bright, too modern i can not explain.... definitively not my taste.

[@klaymeister]

DCBs are the perfect middle ground

[@LowEndLobster]

I agree, as I was hoping they'd be. Wanted something a little more alive than the barts, but not as bright as the nords (they're great but not totally my taste in the 1505)

[@johnjareo1047]

I was impressed with the clarity you got out of the Delano pickup in MintoRay. Did you consider Delano here?

[@LowEndLobster]

@@johnjareo1047 Yes, however availability on the pickup that I'd need was limited for Delano. Would love to try a set!

[@BrettReid-b9w]

Wow well done 👍

[@jorgevillar1766]

Thanks for this video!! I found the barts on mine 'lifeless', thankfully the preamp is reaaaaally good and you can fix that with it (I had a lot of ibanez basses and none has a preamp of this quality). In some months I'm planning to switch the pickups with the Delanos of a 6 string I have at home. Let's see what happens :)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Jorge! Interested in what model Delano you'd be using, I'm a big fan of them. Let me know! :)

[@Jitobass]

@@LowEndLobster I think the ones I have are a Delano SBC dual coil probable. They have ten years I think so maybe they are not exactly as the ones that are selling now.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@Jitobass Thank you!

[@Jitobass]

@@LowEndLobster np :) when I make the pu change we can make a transoceanic comparison! :D

[@ivanguiscafre]

may i ask u why u choose aguilar insted norstand???? thanks for the review

[@LowEndLobster]

Because the 1505 already has nordstrands. Wanted something different :)

[@BigFellaGoose]

Hey, lobster, I've been thinking about doing this for this bass (which I haven't bought yet) but only with Dingwall pickups instead and then pairing it with a dark glass tone capsule onboard preamp (I'm essentially trying to make some hybrid headless Dingwall without paying big $$$$), Do you have any tips or knowledge that you could share with me on how to make sure that the pickups will fit for this bass? I was looking at the Dingwall Nordstrand FD3 pickups, but since they are designed for parallel fret basses the customer service employee told me that it would be unlikely that the 5 string version of those would fit, (I have also checked out the Dingwall FD3N's on bestbassgeardirect and have yet to do research on those.)I've noticed that you have used 6 string pickups for this project. I understand it's hard to give a definitive answer and I apologize for the complete lack of knowledge on my behalf but any info/recommendations/tips would be greatly appreciated.

[@LowEndLobster]

Hey Goose! Your best bet would be to have Carey build you a custom set in these D4/P4 housings but 5 string magnets spaced for multiscale. That sounds like a great idea. I have a comparison coming soon looking at my Dingwall and EHB :)

[@BigFellaGoose]

@@LowEndLobster woah thanks so much for the speedy reply dude, Ill shoot nordstrand an email to see what they say. Forgot to say before but huge fan of your content (especially the detailed coverage on the ehb), hope to see your channel grow and thrive. Many many thanks -Goose

[@LowEndLobster]

@@BigFellaGoose Thank you Goose :)

[@paulevans4334]

Been thinking of getting one of these. What's it like playing on fanned frets?

[@LowEndLobster]

The fan isn't that drastic on these, pretty comfortable/natural. You only need to put some extra thought into your playing above the 12th fret, but below that it feels fine.

[@shamsalimbiswas5764]

Planning to swap my ehb 1000 with Aguilar. Should I do for the D1 or D2?

[@LowEndLobster]

bartolini.net/application/p24/ I believe P2 = D2 I'm pretty sure. Just confirm the measurements here and on the Aguilar page

[@sandz9b]

Does these particular pickup have coil splitting functionalities (single/series/parallel)?

[@LowEndLobster]

These do not, unfortunately. I need to see if the Duncans I have in my drawer that would fit have the that functionality.

[@ravelitschimo]

Sounds great

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@peter2712771]

Sounds good.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@basshoh]

See ...HAHAHAHAHA..great minds and all that...you busted some CLASSICAL on out for ya boi!!!!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

I can read your thoughts before you comment ahaha

[@basshoh]

I sure did freak out when I heard those notes ring out.....hehe

[@Garrett-on-Guitar]

do you find it confusing going from fan fret to stardard fret or going back?

[@LowEndLobster]

I don't really find it confusing switching back and forth, but what does require a little extra attention is your finger positioning above the 12th fret.

[@Garrett-on-Guitar]

@@LowEndLobster so it’s probably more my lack of experience? Since I’ve only been playing a year now. I guess the best way to explain it is it kinda confuses the muscle memory for me. They are nice though.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@Garrett-on-Guitar Ah yeah, as a new player I'd think there would be more of an adjustment. That makes sense and is perfectly normal.

[@Garrett-on-Guitar]

@@LowEndLobster thank you sir for your time and responses I think I’m going to just stick with traditional

[@varkonyiguitar]

Am I the only one who prefers the stock Bartolinis?

[@basshoh]

Seems like you should turn loose on some CLASSICAL whilst playing these basses????....don't know exactly why...the headless neck and the multi scale board I reckon!!!!!!....hehe

[@LowEndLobster]

;P

[@gibbs75]

do you change only pick ups or also the elettronics?

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! Only the pickups here, though I think I may swap out the EHB preamp at some point :)

[@gibbs75]

@@LowEndLobster last question, the pick-up link you post is for 6 strings bass... is correct?? your bass is 5 strings

[@LowEndLobster]

@@gibbs75 Yes, the multiscale uses 6 string sized pickups.

[@blakeoaks25]

Recently tried a 1500 and couldn’t stand the way it sits when you play standing up. Really cool bass otherwise.

[@LowEndLobster]

What about it didn't sit well with you? Everyone's different, just curious.

[@blakeoaks25]

LowEndLobster I think the strap button placement was a big miss. The slanted body also felt “wobbly” to me when you’re playing while standing.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@blakeoaks25 Ah, guess they're not for everyone. I know strap placement and playing position is a very subjective and personal thing. Thanks for the comments my friend :)!

[@benbenders6707]

First I skipped the preamp, the sound improved. Now I swapped to Aguilars. The sound is again much better. But more: I experienced a DEAD SPOT on the 16th fret from the C string (stringed EADGC) that became much more alive thanks to the DCB-D4.

[@LowEndLobster]

Glad to hear it :)

[@dani_low]

6-strings pickup for a 5-string bass?

[@dani_low]

Forget that, I understood it's correct.

[@BassDesperation]

Are those Aguilar pickups for multi-scale?

[@LowEndLobster]

They're just regular pickups, I don't believe there's specific "multi-scale" pickups, but I could be wrong.

[@BassDesperation]

The pickups on the EHB MS model look a bit longer than the regular model ...🤔

[@LowEndLobster]

@@BassDesperation They are, they're just not specific multiscale pickups. I believe they're using the P4/D4 form factor which is a 6 string pickup. It works here because the pickups are utilizing rails vs poles.

[@fityanoph]

I like your videos You’re good

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!