Aero Instrument MM5

Aero MM5 PHC pickup.
Passive pickup wired in parallel hum cancelling with a push/pull volume knob for the option to be used also as a single pickup J bass 5 type 1 (only the bridge coil)

Installed in my Warwick FNA 5 string bass only with volume knob (no tone knob).

Replacing the MEC pickups (with seymour duncan bassline preamp).
Main reason for changing: wanted more flexibility in the sound with passive pickups.

This passive pickup has an incredible clean output when its in single pickup mode. You really dont need a preamp; howhever when using it as a parallel pickup there is a decrece in the volume output (not a problem... I just increase the volume knob in my amp)

A good friend of mine who is also a bass player, came with some effects to trye it out. We used Moster cables, klotz speaker cables, Aguilar DB750 amp and SWR goliath III. We first put the bass with pups in parallel: used an external Aguilar preamp and it did help increasing the volume in a clean way; then we used a Xotic bass RC booster and it blew our mind off, incredible match. As for single mode, believe me you dont need any kind of preamp, booster, etc. Nevertheless, when using the Xotic effect in single mode... be aware... its a monster.

The tone of this pickup is incredible, it doesnt colour your sound. You can really hear the sound of your instrument (depending on the woods). Its well balanced, clean and very warm.

Im going to be very honest here. I know that there are other pickups that are also very good out there. But the fact that Larry Pollack (owner of Aero pickups) is the one who takes care of YOUR ORDER its just great (dont forget that this pickups are exquisite)


So far I have ordered 3 times Aero pickups: this MM5 (custom order), one single Jazz 5 string type 4 (custom order) for my 5 string HUAMANI fretless (yes only the bridge pickup) and a set of single Jazz 5 for a friend who also loves this pups. Every time Larry was very friendly, helpfull and honest in the sense of really wanting to help you get what you want.

Im only going to add that I have been playing for quite a while and know the gear that I use. My Aero pickups where custom made (because of string spacing) and are the best I have tried so far. Some may say that the price is a litle to much but believe me its a great investment. If you where planing to sell your bass and buy another I would recomend first to go with Aero.

Humbucking, wired in Series (or however you want), passive,

in warmoth parts Music Man 5 bass
standard music man position

other pickup is Aero's "in-line" P bass pickup [ E5pd ]

not a replacement
artist using this pickup: Me

Very powerful. Loud, fat sound
Great low-mid mids and bass in sound. It may be the fattest biggest transducer I have ever heard.
This pickup is warm, clean, articulate. see below.

I am pro bassist in DC area. I have used other types of MM5 pickups, including the 2 made by S Duncan, and the dualcoil Bartolini. I like this one the best. I want Aero pickups in all my basses.

It is my contention that there is currently (and previously) no better pickup on the market. Aero pickups are are clean, quiet, and honest.
The thing that impresses me most about Aero pickups is the frequency response. With these humbuckers, every frequency is there. No matter what equipment I pair this with, they always have a great sound, because the pickups give me everything to work with. Additionally, they allow me to tweak in any direction and always sound great. If I want more 10khz, I dial it in, and it's there; less 600hz, it's goes away. When I change strings, I can hear what the strings really sound like, and same goes with amps/cabinets. Aeros are the bomb. LarryPollack, you have my gratitude. I am glad you became a pickup maker.