pickup advice needed - 1st build

ack · #1 10-14-2008, 01:02 PM

My son and I are building our first bass. Since it's our first, we're trying to keep the cost down a bit, then progress on subsequent projects.

We're still in the planning phase, but I think we both really like the look that we'd get from humbucker(s) with a chrome plate(s) on our project.

I first wanted to do a single Darkstar, but they are very hard to find. He really likes the Epi/Gibson EB-3 Hum/Mini-Hum combination, but they're also a bit dear.

I've looked at Artec Humbuckers, which have the look we like, but I've read some reviews on TB, and they don't seem to get the job done.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a decent set of HB's or where I can get a Darkstar at a decent price?

The project is going to be a short-scale Telecaster bass using an Alder or Walnut slab to make a '72 Tele (guitar) body and a shortie (30" scale) Bronco neck with the headstock re-profiled to look like a Telecaster. Probably go string-thru bridge and the humbuckers with Tele control plate and 3-way switch.

Any suggestions or pickup advice would be greatly appreciated.

UncleBalsamic · #2 10-14-2008, 01:09 PM

I've got no advice sorry, but I do believe that Darkstars are single coils rather than humbuckers.

BigOldHarry · #3 10-14-2008, 03:28 PM

It seems to me that the problem you have is that you are thinking in terms of aesthetics rather than function; By insisting on a chrome-cover p'up, you paint yourself into a bit of a corner (there are tons of fender style p'ups out there you can get cheaply). That said, if you are committed to the gibson style chrome p'up thing, it seems that looking for folks who are replacing their pickups in their Epiphones might be the winner - I'm sure there are folks who would sell you their stock pickups...