Quote:
Originally Posted by BigBeatNut  I've been looking for the answer to this ... just found a June 2002 interview (Bass Player Mag).
Pirastro Olive strings (gut core/chrome wrap)
Gage Realist pickup favoured for studio.
Underwood pickup favoured for live. |
It should be noted that his pick-up choices more than likely have a lot to do with the level he is working at.
Underwood's do not have a great sound, but they do work well if you need to play really loud, They are very efficient but electric sounding pick-ups.
Since MMW play big festivals, rock clubs and other situations with unpredictable sound it seems like it would make sense for him to use one.
As far as the realist in the studio, myself and many others do not find it advisable to even have a pick-up on the bass in the studio.
Most engineers will want a pick-up line just out of laziness, because it is easier for them to work with, even if the sound is not right, and the results are not really worth the risk, even though it is possible for a nice blend of mic on the bass and pick-up to come out good. If you even bring a pick-up they will often argue endlessly about it.
However, at his level the engineers and gear at the studios he would be recording at should be a hugely different story than what most of us generally have access to, and should be able to get a great sound.
It is good to take these things into account.
