Montances Vintage Music Man Bass Pickup 4-String | Alnico V | Bridge | Smooth Organic Warmth
Montances Vintage Music Man Bass Pickup
Smooth vintage warmth. Authentic Music Man soul. The Montances Vintage MM-Style 4-String Humbucker captures the buttery smooth lows and vocal-like mids that defined the golden era of 70s groove. Handcrafted with U.S.-grade Alnico V magnets and a period-correct low-resistance wind (~1.9kΩ), this pickup prioritizes open-air dynamics and exceptional clarity over raw output.
It offers a three-dimensional, touch-sensitive response that allows the natural woodiness of your bass to bloom, making it the perfect platform for expressive Soul, Jazz, and Classic Rock.
Designed and handcrafted in the Philippines.
Tone Profile & Character ▾
Overall Profile
Treble
7.5
Mid
6.0
Bass
8.5
Output
3.5
"Vintage Low-Wind: Massive blooming lows, sweet highs, and high headroom."
Technical Specifications ▾
Key Features & Sonic Benefits
- U.S.-Grade Alnico V Magnets: Delivers a rich, warm tone with a punchy low-end and a smooth, rounded top, evocative of classic vintage bass recordings.
- Vintage-Correct Low Output (~1.9kΩ): This intentional low-resistance spec unlocks incredible headroom and open-air dynamics, providing a clarity and touch-sensitivity that hot-wound pickups cannot replicate.
- Handcrafted Flatwork: Built with traditional fiberboard flatwork and cloth push-back wires for authentic vintage aesthetics and structural integrity.
Technical Specifications
| Magnet Type | Alnico V |
| D.C. Resistance | ~1.9kΩ (Vintage Low Wind) |
| Lead Wire | Vintage Cloth Push-back |
| Pole Spacing | Standard 4-String MM Spacing |
| Flatwork | Fiberboard |
| Origin | Handcrafted in the Philippines |
Installation & Setup Guide ▾
Wiring Legend
- Hot / Signal: White
- Ground: Black
Recommended Setup
- Potentiometers: 250kΩ (Warmth) / 500kΩ (Brightness)
- Capacitor: 0.047μF
- Wiring Options: Ideal for pairing with vintage-style 2-Band Active Preamps
What's Inside & Ideal For ▾
What’s Inside?
- 1 x Montances Vintage 4-String MM-Style Pickup
- High-Quality Mounting Screws & Hardware
Ideal For
Session musicians and tone purists chasing the open, dynamic, and warm characteristics of 1970s Music Man-style basses.
Frequently Asked Questions ▾
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Q: Why is the resistance only 1.9kΩ?
A: This is a deliberate vintage specification. Low resistance equals high headroom and a wide, flat frequency response, offering an incredibly open and dynamic tone that serves as a perfect canvas for preamps. -
Q: Will this work without a preamp?
A: Yes, it produces a very clean, clear, and low-output tone passively. However, it truly shines when paired with a preamp to boost the signal while retaining that organic "air." -
Q: How does this differ from the Modern version?
A: The Vintage Alnico model offers a softer attack, smoother highs, and a warmer feel, while the Modern Ceramic version provides aggressive output, sharper attack, and tighter lows.
Montances Pickup Mastery
- Crafted for the Discerning Player: We use only the finest U.S.-grade materials. Montances pickups embody tone, precision, and artistry—crafted without compromise.
- Proprietary Winding Technique: Our signature process minimizes winding capacitance, resulting in extra tonal clarity and improved high-frequency response.
- Trusted by Masters: Leading Filipino guitarists and luthiers rely on Montances for exceptional tone and consistency.
- Where Science Meets Soul: Precision engineering combined with deep musical intuition brings our pickups to life.
- Your Experience, Elevated: We offer exceptional craftsmanship, personalized support, and perfection in every detail.
About Montances (Brand Story):
Montances Custom Pickups represent the pinnacle of Filipino lutherie, where boutique tone meets world-class craftsmanship. Trusted by professional players and master builders, every pickup is handcrafted with passion, precision, and artistry using the finest materials available. We build boutique tone designed to inspire your playing, offering the sonic depth and harmonic richness that separates the good from the great. Montances Custom Pickups: Your Last Upgrade.
Montances Custom Pickups represent the pinnacle of Filipino lutherie, where boutique tone meets world-class craftsmanship. Trusted by professional players and master builders, every pickup is handcrafted with passion, precision, and artistry using the finest materials available. We build boutique tone designed to inspire your playing, offering the sonic depth and harmonic richness that separates the good from the great. Montances Custom Pickups: Your Last Upgrade.