I want to have a custom bass built, probably next year sometime, and I am working on nailing down the specifics.

Here is what I am thinking so far:

-4 string (fretted)
-Neck through construction
-Ash wings
-3 or 5 piece neck, probably maple/wenge
-figured maple (probably birdseye) fingerboard
-exotic top, horse chestnut if possible

Now I am not sure which brand and kind of pickups to go for, as I haven't had the opportunity to compare a lot of them.

The sound I am looking for is very punchy and percussive, yet still somewhat natural and "wooden" in tone. Kind of like a Warwick Jazzman, I guess. (someone once suggested a Seymour Duncan Jazz Stack to me...?)

I know the maple fingerboard will already make the sound fairly bright. Should I counteract this with "warmer" sounding pickups like bartolini?

The body style will fall somewhat in between a Fodera Monarch and a Warwick Streamer, I think. Not sure if that matters.

Any input is appreciated!
-Thorsten

umm, okay, 46 views, and no reply. is my question too vague? is my question stupid? what did i do wrong?

Hey Thorsten,

I will vote for Aero pickups. Larry can wind to spec any kind of pickup you need. His service is great, and these sound great. For what you want sound-wise, I'd suggest bar magnets for a bit more warmth. He also makes a Type II which has a lot more low mids, and less output.

Best of luck,
Laurence

Here's his link:
Aero Pickups (http://www.aeroinstrument.com/)

Thanks, Laurence, I'll check it out.

-Thorsten