pickup/preamp questions

[hensonbass]

I want to get into a 5-string bass that nails the 60's style Fender vibe. I also plan to do some heavy touring with it.

I have a '74 Fender Jazz w/ Fralin p/u's that I'm using now and I find that in many venues I have to leave both p/u volumes wide open to avoid the single coil buzz issue. I'd like to have more tonal options without the hum because I use in ear monitors and it can get a little annoying.

I notice the Alleva Coppolo basses have a preamp. Do the Laklands (JO or DJ) come with one? Does the preamp take care of the hum?

Any thoughts on this issue? I know guys tour with passive pickups. Do they just grin and bear it?

[Jaydin Nathan]

The preamp won't take care of the hum. If you want to keep the same tone you have with as little hum as possible, then you need to get the bass professionally grounded.

If you don't mind changing the tone a bit (this won't 'nail' the vintage vibe, although will come close), you can get hum canceling pickups.