I started a thread sometime ago about where the sweetspot was located. Many contributed with many different opinions. Bottom line is what sound best on a particular bass for you.
I have been experimenting with adding a magnetic pickup to my Carvin AC50 piezo bass. I started off by putting the pickup right next to the neck as I definitely like more of a neck sound than a bridge sound. But it sucked in that position
So out came the saw and more destruction. More of a center position was better but still had the precision burp that I do not really want. So finally I made a testing system to actually test half inch by half inch to find where it sounded best.
Two 5/8" dowells taped next to the strings. Perfect for holding the pickup the same distance away from the string as it will be when it is mounted. Then I would tape the pickup in a specific place and try it and the move and try etc. The tape is a bit of a hassle but neccesary if you want to hold the bass in normal playing position. But I also tried laying it flat without tape so that I could move it easier and hear the difference quicker.
Man, what a difference 1/2 inch makes.
I mean really. Stunning. How do you tell your luthier where to put the pickup for a custom bass? It makes such a difference.
I finally found a spot where the precision sound mellowed but it did not get to thin or nasally with the bridge sound.
Anyway, here is the pic: No tape as I had removed it all.
The piece of hardwood will be a pickguard to cover the carnage.
The position of the pickup in this pic is not where it will end up. It will be slightly north of there.
Sound clip:
http://www.supload.com/listen?s=sVEp9G
Bass is lying flat. I moved the pickup from the extreme neck position all the way down to the bridge. I shifted the pickup 1.25" each time. This bass has black nylon flats. I think the tonal difference would be greater with rounds or other non-wrapped strings.
