I am happy to report that the project to install a Graphtech Piezo pickup in Barker B1 #86 is a huge success!
The Graphtech kit includes a Hipshot bridge loaded with Piezo Pickups in each string saddle, a postage stamp sized "Ghost" preamp, and a Volume pot that has a push-pull switch for two EQ voicings.
The preamp blends the Piezo and Mag Pickups, adding zero coloration to the tone of the mag pickups. With the volume knobs, you can dial in all mag, all piezo, or a blend. They stack up Volume, Volume, Tone, and Piezo Volume.
Lee himself did the woodwork on the bass to route out holes for the battery box, the space under the bridge, and the hole for the new knob. I put the electronics into place, and did the soldering and fussing with the wires to get them all to fit.
This B1 is a lined fretless 4, with TI Flats.
The tone of the bass before the new pickup was awesome: big, wide, deep, warm, excellent for piano trio jazz, bigband jazz, latin jazz.
The tone after is even more awesome. Still big and warm and round, but now with amazing clarity. Very detailed high frequency sound, very articulate low end. The two EQ settings change from "lots of high and lots of wood" to "lots of bass, lots of bottom".
Over the next few weeks I'll report on the tone and performance in different playing situations. After a few months, I hope to try out the StellarTone Tonestyler on this bass. But step at a time.
Pictures!!!!
With four knobs, it's nearly identical to the original:
Placement of the Ghost Preamp in the cavity. I added the copper foil a total overkill, as the cavity is already shielded with conductive paint.
Birdsnest of wires, but it all fits:
The new bridge:
Of course, this was all Lee's idea, and I must say he is delightful to work with. We had a lot of details to work out, choices to make, logistics, and timing. It all worked out!
