Thank you for your purchase of a Boscoe Music MMSA78+ Kit!
The MMSA78+ is an improved reproduction of the late-1970s Music Man Sabre 2-band preamp. It preserves the vintage Sabre tone circuit and original, now-discontinued LM4250CN opamp, while adding modern construction, screw-terminal wiring, prewired controls, and a redesigned Bright/Presence function intended to make the original Sabre bright-switch concept more useful.
The original Sabre bright circuit operates at an extremely high frequency and can be quite subtle. The MMSA78+ retains the same basic switching concept but provides two selectable voicings:
BRIGHT — approximately 3.4kHz corner frequency
PRESENCE — approximately 1.5kHz corner frequency
The selected voicing is engaged by pulling outward on the Treble control.
The MMSA78+ was designed as an upgrade for Music Man Sabre basses but also is an excellent upgrade for StingRay basses as well. It has a similar voicing as the 2-band StingRay preamp but adds a very useful Bright/Presence function.
Each MMSA78+ is individually tested before shipping.
The MMSA78+ Kit includes:
MMSA78+ preamp
B25K linear Volume potentiometer
A100K audio-taper Bass potentiometer with center detent
C1M reverse-audio Treble potentiometer with center detent and push-pull Bright/Presence switch
Stereo output jack wired for battery switching
9V battery clip with WAGO connector
Pre-cut, pre-soldered extra-long hookup wire
Self-adhesive neoprene insulating pad
Mini screwdriver
The kit is available with two potentiometer shaft lengths:
15mm shafts — intended primarily for installations using a metal control plate or pickguard.
18mm shafts — intended primarily for rear-routed or through-body installations where the potentiometer shafts must pass through the wood of the instrument.
The MMSA78+ will work with many different pickups and wiring configurations. For the closest approximation of the original late-1970s Sabre response, however, pickup type and wiring are important.
The original Sabre used Music Man-style humbuckers with their coils wired in parallel.
For a vintage-style installation, a good target is one or two Music Man/Sabre or StingRay-style Alnico humbuckers wired in parallel at approximately 1.8kΩ DC resistance per pickup.
Examples of suitable vintage-style pickups include:
Aguilar AG 4M and AG 5M
Nordstrand MM4.2 and MM5.2
Seymour Duncan SMB-4A and SMB-5A
Higher-resistance pickups and series-wired humbuckers will also work, but their greater resistance and inductance will produce a different response from the original parallel-wired Music Man configuration.
The MMSA78+ can also be used successfully with Jazz Bass, Precision Bass, and other pickup types. They will simply interact differently with the vintage Sabre circuit.
For tested pickup models, coil identification, magnetic polarity, and series/parallel wiring information, see the Pickup Wiring Reference.
The early Sabre uses more switching than a single-pickup StingRay.
In a typical original installation, the pickup selector and phase-switching circuitry operate before the preamp. The output of that switching network then feeds the MMSA78+ through its PICKUP INPUT connection.
The MMSA78+ does not replace or duplicate the pickup selector or phase switch.
If you are replacing the electronics in an original Sabre, preserve the existing pickup-selection and phase-switch wiring unless it also requires repair.
If one pickup or one pickup-switch position fails while the others work normally, inspect the pickup switching before assuming that the MMSA78+ is at fault.
If the instrument retains its original phase-reversal function, remember that an out-of-phase setting can intentionally sound thinner and lower in output when both pickups are selected. This is caused by cancellation between the pickups and is not a preamp fault.
The MMSA78+ kit uses the following control values:
Volume — B25K linear
Treble — C1M reverse-audio, center detent, push-pull switch
Bass — A100K audio taper, center detent
The Bass and Treble center detents provide a convenient reference for the middle of each control's travel.
The potentiometer values and tapers are part of the original Music Man circuit response. Substituting substantially different values may change the usable control range and the way the pickups interact with the preamp.
The MMSA78+ replaces the extremely subtle original Sabre Bright function with two selectable voicings.
The system has two separate controls:
The small DIP switch on the MMSA78+ selects which voicing will be used.
The push-pull switch built into the Treble control turns the selected voicing on or off.
The DIP switch is therefore a voicing selector, not the Bright/Presence on/off switch.
With the Treble knob pushed in, the Bright/Presence circuit is off.
With the Treble knob pulled out, the selected Bright or Presence voicing is engaged.
===== INSERT BRIGHT / PRESENCE OPERATION DIAGRAM HERE =====
Use the included mini screwdriver to set the small DIP switch on the MMSA78+ preamp.
The two available settings are:
Approximate corner frequency: 3.4kHz
This setting adds high-frequency brightness and definition and is the closer of the two MMSA78+ modes to a traditional "bright" function.
It can be especially useful for:
slap and pop playing,
adding attack and string detail,
helping the bass cut through a dense mix,
or restoring upper-frequency definition through a darker amplifier or cabinet.
Approximate corner frequency: 1.5kHz
This setting affects a broader portion of the upper-midrange and produces a more obvious presence effect.
It can be useful for:
increasing articulation,
bringing fingerstyle definition forward,
emphasizing pick attack,
or adding clarity without relying entirely on extreme Treble boost.
The effect of either mode depends on the pickup, strings, amplifier, cabinet, and other equipment being used.
Disconnect the battery before changing the DIP switch setting.
The original late-1970s Sabre used a 1.8nF capacitor in its Bright circuit, corresponding to a corner frequency of approximately 19kHz.
That places much of the effect at or above the upper range reproduced by many traditional bass cabinets. As a result, the original Bright switch can be extremely subtle and is often easiest to hear with fresh strings, slap or pop playing, headphones, recording equipment, or a full-range speaker system.
The MMSA78+ retains the vintage Sabre 2-band tone circuit but provides two larger capacitor values that move the effect into more audible frequency ranges.
The result is a Bright/Presence function that is easier to hear and more useful in normal playing while retaining the character and switching concept of the original design.
The MMSA78+ is designed for normal operation at 9V and is safe to operate at up to 18V.
Higher voltage may provide additional headroom, but does not necessarily improve the sound.
The supplied battery clip is intended for normal 9V operation.
An appropriate two-battery series harness would be required for 18V operation.
The supplied TRS output jack automatically switches battery power when a standard mono instrument cable is inserted.
Unplug the instrument cable when the bass is not being used. Leaving a cable inserted keeps the preamp powered and will discharge the battery.
Before disconnecting any existing electronics, take several clear photographs of the original wiring.
Photograph:
both sides of the original preamp,
pickup connections,
pickup selector,
phase switch,
bridge ground,
potentiometer wiring,
output jack,
battery wiring,
cavity shielding,
and any existing ground connections between controls.
Older instruments may have been repaired or modified during their lifetime. Do not assume that wire colors or existing connections match another instrument.
Whenever possible, identify wires according to their function and destination, not only their color.
Disconnect the battery before beginning installation.
Complete all wiring before reconnecting the battery.
Before mounting anything permanently, test-fit the preamp, controls, output jack, and wiring inside the control cavity.
The MMSA78+ preamp measures approximately 50mm × 21mm × 11mm.
Four-string crescent-shaped Music Man-style control cavities can be relatively tight, so leave enough wire length to reposition components during installation.
Arrange the installation so that:
wires are not pulled tight,
screw terminals remain accessible,
the preamp is not pressed against a potentiometer, switch, or output jack,
the Treble push-pull switch has adequate clearance,
and the underside of the preamp cannot contact conductive shielding or metal.
The Volume, Bass, and Treble controls are supplied prewired.
No soldering directly to the potentiometer lugs should normally be required.
Do not fully tighten the potentiometers until the controls, preamp, and wiring have been positioned successfully.
Make sure that the Treble push-pull control has enough clearance underneath it to operate without contacting the bottom of the control cavity or other components.
Because the push-pull Treble potentiometer is taller than a conventional potentiometer, pay particular attention to cavity depth.
The 15mm-shaft kit is intended primarily for installations using a metal control plate or pickguard.
Install the potentiometers through the control plate and position them so that the prewired leads reach the MMSA78+ without being stretched.
A conductive metal control plate can electrically connect the potentiometer bodies together.
However, do not assume that mechanical contact alone provides a reliable ground.
After installation, use a multimeter to verify continuity between:
Volume potentiometer body,
Treble potentiometer body,
Bass potentiometer body,
metal control plate,
and circuit GROUND.
This is particularly important for the Treble potentiometer because its body provides the ground path used by the prewired Bright/Presence switch.
The 18mm-shaft kit is intended for rear-routed installations where the potentiometers pass directly through the wooden body.
Because wood is nonconductive, the potentiometer bodies will not automatically be connected together.
Use suitable ground wire to electrically connect the potentiometer bodies to circuit ground.
A convenient arrangement is:
Volume body → Treble body → Bass body → MMSA78+ GROUND
The exact order is not important as long as all three potentiometer bodies are electrically connected to circuit ground.
The Treble potentiometer body must be grounded for the prewired Bright/Presence switch to operate correctly.
After wiring, use a multimeter to confirm continuity between each potentiometer body and MMSA78+ GROUND.
The same consideration applies to installations using a plastic or otherwise nonconductive pickguard or control plate.
The solder joints and electrical contacts on the underside of the MMSA78+ must not contact conductive material.
Possible sources of accidental shorts include:
conductive shielding paint,
copper foil,
metal control plates,
potentiometer bodies,
switch bodies,
output jack hardware,
and other exposed metal.
After wiring and test-fitting the installation, use the supplied self-adhesive neoprene insulating pad to protect the underside of the preamp.
Position the pad so that the PCB cannot contact conductive surfaces.
Do not force the preamp into a cavity where components are being pressed against other hardware.
The MMSA78+ uses clearly labeled screw terminals for the pickup, controls, output, power, ground, and Bright/Presence switch.
The main connections are:
PICKUP INPUT
Audio signal from the pickup or pickup-selection circuitry.
9V+
Positive battery supply.
GROUND
Circuit ground.
OUTPUT JACK
Audio output to the Tip terminal of the output jack.
BRIGHT SWITCH
Connection to the push-pull Bright/Presence switch.
The remaining screw terminals connect the supplied Volume, Treble, and Bass potentiometers.
Before inserting a wire, loosen the screw enough to open the internal box clamp.
Insert the conductor fully into the terminal and tighten the screw until the wire is securely retained.
Make sure no loose strands are exposed where they could contact an adjacent terminal.
After tightening every terminal, gently pull on the wire to make sure it is actually secured.
It is possible to accidentally insert a wire underneath the internal box clamp instead of inside it. In this situation the screw may feel tight even though the wire itself is not being clamped.
If a wire pulls free, loosen the terminal, reposition the conductor inside the clamp, and tighten it again.
Do not overtighten the terminal screws.
When handling the PCB, hold it by its edges rather than using the capacitors or socketed LM4250CN opamp as handles.
When referring to potentiometer terminals:
CCW (lug 1) — counterclockwise lug; on the left when viewed from the bottom
Wiper (lug 2) — center lug
CW (lug 3) — clockwise lug; on the right when viewed from the bottom
The Volume control is supplied prewired.
Connect:
CW (lug 3) → VOL CW
Wiper (lug 2) → VOL WIPER
CCW (lug 1) → GROUND
The Treble control is supplied prewired and includes both the Treble potentiometer and the Bright/Presence push-pull switch.
Connect the potentiometer section:
CW (lug 3) → TREBLE CW
Wiper (lug 2) → TREBLE WIPER
CCW (lug 1) → TREBLE CCW
Connect the Bright/Presence switch lead to:
BRIGHT SWITCH
The push-pull switch uses the grounded Treble potentiometer assembly as part of its ground path.
Make sure the Treble potentiometer body has continuity to MMSA78+ GROUND.
With the Treble knob pushed in:
Bright/Presence OFF
With the Treble knob pulled out:
Selected Bright or Presence mode ON
The Bass control is supplied prewired.
Connect:
CW (lug 3) → Not connected
Wiper (lug 2) → BASS WIPER
CCW (lug 1) → BASS CCW
Connect the selected pickup signal to PICKUP INPUT.
Connect pickup shields and appropriate pickup ground connections to GROUND.
For a single-pickup instrument, the pickup output can connect directly to PICKUP INPUT.
For an original dual-pickup Sabre-style installation, the pickup selector and phase-switch circuitry normally remain ahead of the MMSA78+.
The output of that switching network connects to PICKUP INPUT.
As an example, for the Sterling by Music Man H-1 pickup configuration as tested by Boscoe Music, parallel wiring is:
Red + White → PICKUP INPUT
Black + Green + Bare → GROUND
Do not rely on pickup wire colors alone. Different manufacturers and production runs can use different color conventions.
If you are unsure, identify the individual coils with a multimeter before connecting them.
For additional pickup models and tested wiring arrangements, see the Pickup Wiring Reference.
The supplied output jack is a TRS stereo jack used both for audio output and automatic battery switching.
The three contacts are:
Tip — audio output
Ring — battery negative
Sleeve — circuit ground
Connect:
Output jack Tip → OUTPUT JACK
Output jack Ring → Battery negative through the supplied WAGO connector
Output jack Sleeve → GROUND
Connect:
Battery positive → 9V+
Battery negative → Output jack Ring through the supplied WAGO connector
The supplied WAGO connector provides a solderless connection between the battery-negative lead and the output-jack Ring wiring.
Raise the lever, insert the prepared wire fully, and close the lever.
Afterward, gently pull on the wire to verify that it is securely retained.
Make sure no exposed conductor extends far enough from the connector to contact other hardware.
Connecting battery negative to the output jack Ring is intentional.
A normal instrument cable uses a TS mono plug.
When the plug is inserted into the TRS output jack, the plug's Sleeve contacts both the jack's Sleeve and Ring connections.
This connects battery negative to circuit ground and powers the MMSA78+.
Removing the cable breaks the battery circuit and switches the preamp off.
For this reason:
Always unplug the instrument cable when the bass is not being used.
Good grounding is particularly important with the MMSA78+ because the Treble push-pull switch requires a reliable ground path for the Bright/Presence function.
The instrument's common ground should include:
MMSA78+ GROUND
pickup ground and shielding
bridge/string ground
output jack Sleeve
Volume CCW
potentiometer bodies
Treble push-pull switch ground
conductive cavity shielding, when present
These connections do not all have to terminate directly at the MMSA78+ terminal. They may be joined elsewhere as part of the instrument's common ground network.
If the Bright/Presence function does not operate, one of the first things to check is the Treble potentiometer body ground.
On a conductive metal control plate, the potentiometer may be grounded through the plate.
On a plastic pickguard, nonconductive control plate, or through-body installation, it will require a separate ground connection.
With the battery disconnected, use a multimeter in continuity mode.
You should have continuity between:
Treble potentiometer body ↔ MMSA78+ GROUND
If this connection is missing, the normal Treble control may still operate while the Bright/Presence push-pull function does not.
The bridge should be electrically connected to the instrument's common ground.
A missing bridge ground is a common cause of hum that changes when you touch the strings or bridge.
Verify continuity between the bridge and MMSA78+ GROUND.
Conductive shielding paint or copper foil can reduce noise in some installations.
If shielding is used:
make sure it is connected to circuit ground,
verify continuity between separate shielding sections,
and make sure it cannot contact the underside of the MMSA78+.
The included neoprene pad should be used to prevent the PCB from shorting against conductive shielding.
Some vintage-style pickups may also require additional attention to shielding and grounding.
The MMSA78+ includes a 1kΩ output protection resistor similar to the protection Music Man incorporated into later versions of its active electronics.
This resistor helps protect the increasingly scarce LM4250CN opamp if the instrument output is accidentally shorted.
It is part of the normal MMSA78+ circuit and requires no additional wiring or modification.
The MMSA78+ can be used in early Music Man Sabre basses using the original-style electronics.
Before removing the original preamp:
Photograph all wiring.
Identify each connection by function.
Label wires where useful.
Preserve the pickup selector and phase-switch circuitry.
Preserve the bridge and shielding grounds.
Leave as much original wire length as practical.
The MMSA78+ Kit replaces the preamp and main control components but does not replace the original pickup-selection or phase-switch network.
If possible, identify and transfer connections one at a time.
Do not assume that a decades-old instrument still has completely original wiring.
Before connecting the battery, inspect the entire installation.
Verify:
Pickup or pickup-selector output → PICKUP INPUT
Pickup ground/shield → GROUND
Bridge ground → GROUND
Volume CW → VOL CW
Volume Wiper → VOL WIPER
Volume CCW → GROUND
Treble CW → TREBLE CW
Treble Wiper → TREBLE WIPER
Treble CCW → TREBLE CCW
Treble push-pull lead → BRIGHT SWITCH
Treble potentiometer body → GROUND
Bass Wiper → BASS WIPER
Bass CCW → BASS CCW
Bass CW → Not connected
Output jack Tip → OUTPUT JACK
Output jack Ring → Battery negative
Output jack Sleeve → GROUND
Battery positive → 9V+
All potentiometer bodies are grounded.
Every conductor is actually captured inside its screw-terminal box clamp.
No loose strands can contact adjacent terminals.
The underside of the preamp is insulated from conductive material.
The Treble push-pull control has enough physical clearance to operate freely.
Existing pickup-selection and phase-switch wiring has been preserved where applicable.
Only after completing these checks should the battery be connected.
The diagram below should show a complete MMSA78+ installation including:
pickup input,
Volume,
Treble,
Bass,
Treble push-pull Bright/Presence switch,
MMSA78+ DIP voicing selector,
TRS output jack,
battery,
bridge ground,
and potentiometer grounding.
For an original dual-pickup Sabre, the existing pickup selector and phase-switch circuitry normally remain ahead of the MMSA78+ PICKUP INPUT.
Before closing the control cavity:
Connect the battery.
Plug in a known-good instrument cable.
Connect the bass to a clean amplifier or audio interface at moderate volume.
Verify Volume operation.
Verify Bass operation throughout its range.
Verify Treble operation throughout its range.
Verify all pickup-selector positions.
Verify the phase switch if present.
Push the Treble knob in and establish the normal tone.
Pull the Treble knob outward and verify that the selected Bright or Presence effect engages.
Test both DIP-switch voicings if desired.
Listen for excessive hum, distortion, crackling, or intermittent output.
Gently move the wiring and verify that all connections remain stable.
Unplug the instrument cable before completing final assembly.
Testing while the electronics remain accessible makes troubleshooting considerably easier.
Check the basic power and signal connections.
Verify:
Battery positive → 9V+
Battery negative → output jack Ring
Output jack Sleeve → GROUND
Output jack Tip → OUTPUT JACK
Pickup or selector output → PICKUP INPUT
Check every screw-terminal connection with a gentle pull.
A conductor inserted underneath the internal box clamp may appear correctly installed while making little or no electrical contact.
If other pickup selections work normally, the MMSA78+ is probably passing signal correctly.
Inspect:
the affected pickup,
pickup-selector wiring,
phase-switch wiring,
and connections between the switching network and PICKUP INPUT.
The pickup-selection circuitry operates before the preamp.
If the instrument has a phase switch, verify its position.
Running the two pickups out of phase can intentionally produce a thinner sound with reduced low-frequency output.
This is normal operation of the phase function rather than a preamp fault.
First verify that the Treble knob is being pulled outward far enough to operate the push-pull switch.
Then disconnect the battery and verify continuity between the Treble potentiometer body and MMSA78+ GROUND.
The push-pull switch requires this ground path.
This is especially important with:
wooden through-body installations,
plastic pickguards,
plastic control plates,
or any installation where the potentiometer bodies are not electrically joined by metal.
Also verify that the push-pull switch lead is securely connected to BRIGHT SWITCH.
This strongly suggests a missing potentiometer-body ground.
A metal control plate may have been grounding the Treble potentiometer automatically.
When the potentiometer is mounted through wood, that connection no longer exists.
Add a ground wire between the Treble potentiometer body and circuit ground.
It is generally best to ground all three potentiometer bodies.
The DIP switch selects which Bright/Presence voicing will be active when the Treble knob is pulled out.
With the Treble knob pushed in, both voicings are bypassed.
Pull the Treble knob out before comparing the 10nF and 22nF DIP settings.
This is intentional.
The original 1.8nF Sabre Bright circuit operates at an extremely high frequency and can be difficult to hear through traditional bass amplification.
The MMSA78+ moves the effect lower:
10nF BRIGHT → approximately 3.4kHz
22nF PRESENCE → approximately 1.5kHz
The purpose of the MMSA78+ is to retain the original Sabre tone circuit while providing more practically useful Bright/Presence choices.
For an exact reproduction of the original vintage Bright circuit, the Boscoe Music MMSA78 is the appropriate model.
Because the controls are supplied prewired, check the screw-terminal connections before changing anything at the potentiometers.
Verify:
Treble → C1M
Bass → A100K
Check the CW, Wiper, and CCW connections.
Remember:
Bass CW → Not connected
Verify:
CW → VOL CW
Wiper → VOL WIPER
CCW → GROUND
The supplied Volume potentiometer is B25K linear.
Check whether a four-conductor humbucker is wired in series rather than parallel.
Series wiring produces higher resistance, inductance, and output and generally results in a thicker, darker response.
The MMSA78+ will work with a series-wired pickup, but the original late-1970s Music Man configuration used parallel coils.
Refer to the Pickup Wiring Reference for tested wiring arrangements.
Verify:
pickup ground and shielding,
bridge/string ground,
output jack Sleeve,
potentiometer-body grounding,
Treble push-pull ground,
and cavity shielding.
On a through-body installation, make especially sure that all potentiometer bodies have been deliberately connected to circuit ground.
Also verify that the underside of the MMSA78+ is not touching conductive shielding or metal.
Check the screw terminals first.
Gently pull each conductor to verify that it is actually captured inside the internal box clamp.
Also inspect for:
loose strands,
wires under tension,
damaged original switching wires,
output-jack contacts touching nearby hardware,
or the PCB touching conductive material.
Unplug the instrument cable whenever the bass is not being used.
Verify that battery negative connects to output jack Ring and has not been permanently connected to Sleeve or GROUND.
Inspect the output jack for bent contacts or accidental shorts.
This usually indicates a mechanical short or pinched wire.
Inspect the underside of the MMSA78+ for contact with:
conductive shielding paint,
copper foil,
a metal control plate,
potentiometers,
switch bodies,
or output-jack hardware.
Also inspect for wires trapped beneath a control plate or cavity cover.
Reposition and insulate the preamp before testing again.
After the circuit has been tested successfully:
Confirm every screw-terminal wire is secure.
Verify that the potentiometer bodies are grounded.
Make sure the Treble push-pull control operates freely.
Position the MMSA78+ so that it cannot contact conductive surfaces.
Install the supplied neoprene insulating pad.
Arrange wiring so that it is not pinched or under tension.
Make sure the cavity cover or control plate does not press directly against the PCB or components.
Reinstall the cavity cover or control plate carefully.
Test the complete instrument once more after final assembly.
For pickup-specific wiring, coil identification, magnetic polarity, and series/parallel information, see the Pickup Wiring Reference.
If you have any questions about installation, compatibility, or troubleshooting, please contact us!