PICK UP QUESTION

BTW122 · #1 04-21-2011, 08:00 PM

I PLAY GUITAR & IMA BE TAKING UP BASS IN ABOUT 2 MOS. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF WITH HUMBUCKERS CAN YOU SELECT PICKUPS BECAUSE I USUALLYY ONLY SEE PARALLEL/SERIES SWITCHES & NEVER NECK & BRIDGE SELECTORS . .

**line6man** · #2 04-21-2011, 08:05 PM

It is far more common with basses to see multiple volume controls or blend controls, as opposed to pickup selector switches.

For the typical player, it is important to be able to switch pickups quickly on a guitar to go back and forth between different sounds (Clean and distorted, for example.), but it is more important to be able to mix pickups in the right proportion to get the tone you want on a bass.

You can wire your bass any way you want, however.

Choosing a pickup selector switch over multiple volumes or a blend does offer a few advantages.
Resistive loading from the pots is kept to a minimum, allowing you more output and treble, and since there is only one signal to control, the wiper terminal of the volume pot can be wired to the output, keeping a constant resistive load parallel to the pickup(s), regardless of volume setting. This means that the tone stays the same at all volumes.

walterw · #3 04-21-2011, 08:57 PM

also, turn off your caps lock so it doesn't read like you're shouting at us.

**line6man** · #4 04-21-2011, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

also, turn off your caps lock so it doesn't read like you're shouting at us.

Also, learn proper English. "Ima be taking up bass" is nonsensical colloquialism.

Hopkins · #5 04-22-2011, 06:27 AM

Are you talking about a single humbucker with a coil selector? If so yes it can be done.

Floyd Eye · #6 04-22-2011, 06:29 AM

Also if you're taking up bass in 2 months, I suggest starting right now.

PDGood · #7 04-22-2011, 06:55 AM

My Ibanez has a blend knob with a notch in the middle. That's ideal imho.

Slowgypsy · #8 04-22-2011, 06:58 AM

And feel free to fill out your profile, so we know a bit more about you.... such as where you're located, etc.

walterw · #9 04-22-2011, 01:25 PM

and sit up straight!

darkstorm · #10 04-22-2011, 02:05 PM

At least 99% of two pup basses have either 2 volumes or volume and blend, Those with blend do have center detent notch. It is unusual to find pup selector switches on basses. Rotating blend all the way to either pup, or rolling off volume of the opposite pup does give you allmost the same sound as pup selector switch would for solo pup. Soapbars are my fave type of bass pup. The most like guitar humbuckers to me. The mm style bass humbuckers are ok, though most Ive tried tend to be a bit brighter voiced in the treble area then Id prefer. I like soapbars comparitively little bit darker voice better myself. But as long as the bridge humbucker isnt overly close to the bridge they can work fine imo