pup suggestions for my L1000 fretless

[eknivsnikta]

i was thinking about replacing the stock MFD pickup in my '81 L1000 fretless. i play very hard (but also very soft), and i play a wide range of styles: jazz, funk, slapping, rock, etc. i also use roundwounds (med-lite DR lorider nickels...i used to use meds, but i didn't like the tone of the larger E string.) i also pretty much only use the humbucking setting. i find that with the setup that gives me the desired tone, there is just too much and too many extraneous noises (and i am not interested in drastically altering my style at this point, or limiting myself.) i've seen a lot of L1000s with Bartolini pickups. has anyone ever played that particular configuration? i know there are a few Bartolini's to choose from. or if anyone has any other pup suggestions? oh yes, i don't want to have to modify the bass body (it seems that the bartolini's are about the same size...i know i could be wrong about this!) - just in case i change my mind or want to sell it. i'm probably asking for too much to expect one bass to be able to do everything!

[Ken Baker]

Being a dyed-in-the-wool G&L geek, I really hate the thought of modding out an MFD. Kind kinda make 'em suck up in discomfort.

<sigh>

I don't know of any pickup that will be a drop-in replacement for the MFD. Larger is common, but that would require routing. There might be smaller, but that would need a pickguard or ring. Either way, you're looking at a permanent change in the bass that will affect its value.

If you've played with all the EQ settings and volume settings and still don't like the sensitive nature of the MFD, my recommendation would be to case it up and slide it under your bed for safe keeping. Or sell it - should go quickly. Then go buy something that isn't so sensitive that it picks up noises you dislike.

Good luck,

Ken...

[unclejane]

Originally Posted by eknivsnikta

i was thinking about replacing the stock MFD pickup in my '81 L1000 fretless. i play very hard (but also very soft), and i play a wide range of styles: jazz, funk, slapping, rock, etc. i also use roundwounds (med-lite DR lorider nickels...i used to use meds, but i didn't like the tone of the larger E string.) i also pretty much only use the humbucking setting. i find that with the setup that gives me the desired tone, there is just too much and too many extraneous noises (and i am not interested in drastically altering my style at this point, or limiting myself.) i've seen a lot of L1000s with Bartolini pickups. has anyone ever played that particular configuration? i know there are a few Bartolini's to choose from. or if anyone has any other pup suggestions? oh yes, i don't want to have to modify the bass body (it seems that the bartolini's are about the same size...i know i could be wrong about this!) - just in case i change my mind or want to sell it. i'm probably asking for too much to expect one bass to be able to do everything!

My 6 string has older Bartolini electronics and pickups in it and they sound very clean and smooth. And very low noise.

Have a look at

http://www.bartolini.net/

Apparently, they make a PU that'll go in the L2500, but I don't know about the L1000.

Most basses I've played with Bartolinis have this wonderful smooth, high-tech sounding tone, but it's hard work to get them to really speak up. My 6 string for example is very smooth but forget it for a Jaco or Jeff Berlin "poppy" tone.....

In fact, I prefer the MFD's in my GandL's because they have so much punch. Mine are also fretless models and the punch of the pickups (especially on my L2000) allows me to get a very clear, agressive note.

Perhaps you may consider getting an L2000? With 2 pickups in different places, you get a wider tonal "palate". One of the combos might end up being the type of sound you want?

Otherwise, if you want smooth and clean, Bartolini is excellent stuff....

LS

[mike_v_s]

Bartolini used to make a drop in replacement for the L1/2K. They are discontinued, as far as I know, but check ebay.

Mike

[flash99]

Bartolini used to make an L1000/2000 replacement pickup but it's long gone - G&L players tend to not change the pickups and it didn't sell. There is nothing else on the market that will fit properly.

[eknivsnikta]

thanks everyone!

[sunbeast]

Have you tried adjusting the pickup height? I find that I get alot less finger noise with the pickups lowered significantly on my L2000. I prefer them higher generally, but I go back and forth with that...

Karl

[T'CharleS]

I agree, somehow I think taking the time to adjust the pup height and/or poles height would cheaply and efficiently give you what you want unless you really hate the MFD.

This being said, completely adjusting a MFD with 8 poles will take you a good hour if it's the first time you are doing this.

Just a proposition though. (I too find uncomfortable the idea to change the MFD for anything else but that's personal)