Pickups and electronics for a custom bass

[Leftybass12]

I am in the process of building a custom 5 string fretless bass. Since I am new to this what electronics and pickups is a good choice? I've only checked out bartolini pickups right now. Also, if it helps at all I am using mahagoney wood for the body, bubinga for the neck, and possibly indian or brazillian rosewood.

[dmusic148]

Ask yourself what kind of bass tone you like. If you like the sound of a Jazz bass, get Jazz bass pickups, for example. That would be the most common choice for a fretless bass. Or maybe a Precision is your thing, or a Music Man Stingray, or double-humbucker, etc. It really is endless. Think about tones from music you like, then research the type of bass used.

[fullrangebass]

What kind of tone are you after?

Jaco?
Gary Willis?
Mick Karn?

[SGD Lutherie]

Mick Karn!

Forget the Jaco tone unless you also get an Acoustic 360 rig.

[d_buzz]

Aero Jazz bass or music man would be perfect for your custom bass if you like its sound acoustically.

Best of luck!