6 string players and above only!!

[datsaxguy]

Looking for some suggestions for a preamp for my Clover XP15.6. I'm open to changing the pickups if need be. String suggestions are welcome (switching to Dunlop nickel lights).

Looking for something quiet (hiss free), clear, and warm. I'm playing chords on this bass and need the C string to sound as good as possible and want the bottom rock solid. It currently has the stock Delano Pickups and pre (3 band / 5 knob and switch).

I've had 2 audere's in other basses, classic and Z switch. Great sounding pre's but not that quiet. Bartolini and Nordstrand are possible contenders but I'd really like to hear from somebody with some experience with a 6 string.

All informed advice is welcome

[FunkMetalBass]

Delano preamp and pickups are amazing and versatile, so I'd be hesitant to change either of them at this point. It sounds like you just need to experiment around with EQ and new strings. You should give the Circle K Balanced 136 set a try. Fantastic strings that are very even tonally.

[elros]

Both basses of mine with Bartolini pickups provide great sound: quiet, clear and warm, as you wish. (the basses are Conklin 9-string and Surine 6-string)
However, the clearest sound I've had from magnetic pickups came from a set of EMG J pickups. Those were perfect: no noise, clear as a bell tone. And very responsive dynamics. Recommended. I'd like a set of EMGs in my next six string bass.

[datsaxguy]

Thanks for the string recommendation. As far as the EQ, I've had this bass for a year now and I've spent a lot of time with the eq settings.The Delano preamp and pups are made special for the Clovers. Very passive sounding, I love the feel but I would play this bass more often if it sounded more like some other good basses I've played. For example Lakland 5501 (Audere classic), Nordy VJ4 (Audere Z), Marcus V (John East retro).

Thanks again

[datsaxguy]

EMG's......... I just saw a video of victor wooten trying those things out. Thanks for the tip.

[FunkMetalBass]

The Delano preamp has a 500Hz mid knob, which, along with some neck pickup presence, should definitely help dial in the warmth, so I'd be weary of changing that at all.

I'd try out some Nordstrands. The SE's and SV's get great reviews (I love my SV's), and Carey does make them in a 6-string version, even though they aren't up on the website.

[datsaxguy]

New years eve bump for help