Pickup(s) for fretless

Manitou · #1 03-11-2007, 08:35 PM

Hi,

Noob question for ya. I'm going to be building a fretless bass in the near future (well, I'll be helping <G> - got a real pro helping me out) and I'm looking for ideas on pickups/configurations.

I really like some growl and fatness to the tone. I was thinking a P-J setup for some added versatility. I really want some mwah going on.

So I'm looking for suggestions and ideas. Lately I find myself preferring the tone of passive basses, but I'm not ruling out active pickups.

Thanks!

Dave

doctorjazz · #2 03-12-2007, 01:49 PM

If you want fatness, Bartolini is a good place to look. The fretless Bartolini-equipped basses I've heard have all sounded killer.

Thurisarz · #3 03-12-2007, 01:52 PM

Subscribing to this thread! What P for fretless?

kevin_lindsay · #4 03-12-2007, 03:39 PM

I have had a number of bartolini pickups in custom made basses over the years and have always replaced them as they sound really dull on the top end and high midrange - sounds like someone has thrown a duvet over the speakers! hahahaha

Actually, I am having a new Sei Singlecut fretless made (macassar ebony full facing front & rear. I am looking for something which grabs the ful range so i can maximise the sound made when played acoustically. Was looking at Villex - I have heard some great feedback about these units, so who knows?

m.oreilly · #5 03-21-2007, 06:00 PM

yes, the Villex are an excellent choice (i'm waiting on the arrival of a set of Q-tuners to see what they have to offer). if you decide to go active, a filter based pre (al la ACGuitars, or the Alembic activators) really make a fretless shine. another pup choice would be Delano, a very flat clear sound (i'm getting a Wal-like tone out of my fretted bass using them with an AC pre).

**bassybill** · #6 03-21-2007, 06:13 PM

EMGs for me on a fretless - I just love the clarity.

Oza · #7 03-21-2007, 06:23 PM

I have an EMG p/j setup on my fretless and they sound great. Together they sound very full and using the bridge pickup alone sounds very crisp

Manitou · #8 03-25-2007, 11:07 PM

Thanks, everyone. I'll be checkin' some stuff out soon. Appreciate the input!

Smidge · #9 05-08-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

EMGs for me on a fretless - I just love the clarity.

Which EMG's i would love to know!!