Pickup Configuration for Most Versatility

bobbykokinos · #1 12-23-2007, 04:45 PM

Hey guys.. I'm a totally pickup newb. I've always just bought what sounds good. But, I'm in the process of getting ideas together for a custom bass, so I'm exploring my pickup options. I've read the FAQs but it doesnt really address my question about versatility.

This bass will be a 3 pickup system as of right now. Why 3 pickups?? My Modulus Q6 has a sweetspot PU with the turbo option which is another pickup next to the bridge. It sounds FANTASTIC for finger style but lacks the thump for slap.. Thus, the 3rd pickup up by the neck..

Now, I'm looking for a pickup style for this configuration which would allow me to most options and tonal variety. My first instinct is dual-coils (such as Nordstrand duals or similar). Would this be a good choice?

My other question, on dual coils, can the coils be selected?? Say, I can run all the coils if I want. But, if I want a more true jazz bass sound, can I select one coil on the neck pickup and one coil on the bridge pickup and flip the preamp into passive mode?? Ideally, I'd have a 3 position mini-toggle for each pickup where the selections would be front coil-both coils-rear coil. Is this a possibility or do I have it all wrong??

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

cybersnyder · #2 12-23-2007, 05:36 PM

When you try to stuff too much into one bass you usually end up with something that doesn't do any one thing particularly well. One big problem that you'll run into with 3 pickups is finding a preamp that works with 3 pickups.

bobbykokinos · #3 12-23-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

When you try to stuff too much into one bass you usually end up with something that doesn't do any one thing particularly well. One big problem that you'll run into with 3 pickups is finding a preamp that works with 3 pickups.

I was planning on running an Audere 3 band..

cybersnyder · #4 12-23-2007, 05:39 PM

The Audere has inputs for 2 pickups.

bgavin · #5 12-23-2007, 05:41 PM

The most versatile bass I own is my Stingray 5/HH. The pickup selector offers (5) different pickup configurations, each with a unique sound. The 3-band preamp offers a very wide range of tone combinations.

It still can't sound like a P bass, but I don't expect it to. I'd like to find a 5-string P-bass based on the SR5 neck and body.

bobbykokinos · #6 12-23-2007, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

The Audere has inputs for 2 pickups.

Again, pardon my ignorance, but what I was going to have done was the two bridge pickups would act like 1 pickup but I can pan between them.. So the preamp would actually think its 1 pickup (if that makes any sense)..

I dont know enough about preamp so I don't know if its possible..

This may be over kill but I'm just trying to get an "all in one" bass.. If what I mentioned above isnt possible, do you have any suggestions that might yield similar results??

cybersnyder · #7 12-23-2007, 06:19 PM

Are you going to modify your Modulus or build something from scratch?

I'm not so sure that panning between two pickups to act as one will work with the Audere. It probably will, but I'd verify with Audere first. Not sure if that will interact negatively with the Z Mode.

Modulrob · #8 12-23-2007, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

I'm not so sure that panning between two pickups to act as one will work with the Audere. It probably will, but I'd verify with Audere first. Not sure if that will interact negatively with the Z Mode.

It won't be a problem with an A/B switch, only the selected pickup will be in the circuit and no load from the other one. But I too am not sure about if you have a pan knob,

cybersnyder · #9 12-23-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modulrob

It won't be a problem with an A/B switch, only the selected pickup will be in the circuit and no load from the other one. But I too am not sure about if you have a pan knob,

My thoughts exactly. Most of the time with a passive blend it's the same thing as an A/B switch anyways.

JonathanD · #10 12-23-2007, 08:28 PM

I would think that 2 dual coil pickups, with active passive switch, spaced kind of fa apart, 3 band EQ, 5 way selecter would do the trick...kind of like a MM SR HH of a G&L L2000.
Jonathan

canshaker · #11 12-23-2007, 08:37 PM

DO THIS!!!

bobbykokinos · #12 12-23-2007, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

My thoughts exactly. Most of the time with a passive blend it's the same thing as an A/B switch anyways.

Is this something I would have to consult with Audere to see what they say?

L-1329 · #13 12-23-2007, 10:49 PM

You might want to take a look at the Stu Hamm Urge bass and see how that's rigged up, with two J's and a P in the middle.

A9X · #14 12-23-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgavin

The most versatile bass I own is my Stingray 5/HH. The pickup selector offers (5) different pickup configurations, each with a unique sound. The 3-band preamp offers a very wide range of tone combinations.

From what I've heard on a few clis, that does look like an excellent arrangement. I want to try it on a couple of other basses, but use rotary switches as there's already holes present.

Modulrob · #15 12-24-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbykokinos

Is this something I would have to consult with Audere to see what they say?

Yes. It's not a how-to-wire question, as other posts suggest to look into other bass' wiring schemes. You should ask Audere specifically if having 2 pickups on a blend pot will work as expected when input as a single pickup into their preamp. It's about the resistance load, I suspect that a blend pot will double up the resistance as if both pickups were connected, but am not positive.

bobbykokinos · #16 12-24-2007, 09:02 PM

Well, say the 3 PU option can't be done, I want to make sure I have a good variety of sound options.. I don't know how to really explain it but I want to make sure I can get the sounds that my Lakland 55-01 (hi-fi), a fender jazz (vintage passive w/growl), and the my Modulus (mix between a MM and a rear pickup soloed jazz bass on steriods) can get. Can I get close with 2 dual coils?

This is how I wanted it configured:
Master Vol
Blend
Mid/Bass/Treble
3 Position Toggle for Coil Select for each Pickup (Front Coil, Both Coils, Back Coil)
Active/Passive switch (does Audere do this?)

Can the Audere do anything else that I would need a switch/pot for to maximize its options??

I do like the idea of 3 PU's but am starting to think it'll be overkill..

cybersnyder · #17 12-24-2007, 09:18 PM

Have you seen the Delano Hybrid pickup? MM and Jazz pickup in a single MM shape. Add a P pickup and you could have P, J and MM sounds in one bass. That's the most versatility I can think of in one bass. I think your goals with 3 very different basses may be impossible to obtain. There is more to the sound of an instrument than just the pickups.