I am just about to start building my 3rd bass and need help choosing pickups.
My first build was a five string fretted bass, I used Carvin pickups, I can't recall the exact models - HB5W and something else, I'd look that up, but I really don't like the way they sound, too mid-rangey and not clear enough. When I play out I have to use a SansAmp DI box for it to sound good (though it does sound pretty good when I use the DI box!). The bass is on the right (obviously!), I built the guitar too, but that's a topic for talkguitar, not talkbass!
I used 2 EMG 40DCs with a BTC preamp in my second bass - a 5 string fretless. Honestly I got the EMGs a bit by accident as a friend had an extra set for sale and sold them to me for a good price. I really like the EMGs and can't imagine anything sounding better, but now that I'm in buying mode, I'm wondering if there's something I should be looking at outside of the EMGs. Prior to completing this bass I couldn't imagine a fretless sounding like this - really sharp, lotsa bottom, cuts through so well its amazing.
I read through the reviews here, but curious if anyone has input into a pickup that would be better than an EMG. This bass will be fretted. I want it to have a big sound, but clarity across the range is very important to me. I pluck with my fingers 90% of the time, some slap and some hammer on/two handed stuff, I never use a pick. Musically I play heavy rock and jazz stuff. I like to solo so cutting through is important.
John
(BTW - I am terrible at describing sound, I hope this makes sense)
