Pickups for a specific sound

Jamesemt · #1 08-20-2009, 12:42 AM

Hi guys, I am getting a custom bass made and want a definite sound from it. I realise woods play a part...but I'm a bit stuck how to get close.

Whenever I play a Precision I love the low end thump but miss a bit of top end sparkle - if I switch to a Jazz I love the top end but miss having the low down thump...so what's the answer? Last night's rehearsal really highlighted this as I was swapping between the two.

I thought going active was the way forward - and does allow me to get nearer, but still not quite there. I have a pair of active Hohner Jack basses with different pickups (one humbuckers, the other single coils). I seem to prefer the humbuckers to the single coils as the single coils seem too 'metalllicy' and harsh.

I mentioned this to my guitar builder, who suggested that he can get some pickups custom wound to be mid scooped...but is this the answer?

I like a lot of warmth which I think is part of the problem.

Am I simply looking for the holy grail which doesn't exist??

southernrocker · #2 08-20-2009, 12:44 AM

You are thinking of a PJ setup, my friend!

Jazz Ad · #3 08-20-2009, 01:01 AM

PJ indeed. A popular solution for over 25 years, with good reasons.

Jamesemt · #4 08-20-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southernrocker

You are thinking of a PJ setup, my friend!

Yeah I had thought about that but I mostly use the neck pickup on the Jazz...

Derk_Falsco · #5 08-20-2009, 01:13 AM

A JPJ like the Stu Hamm sig models have? That might do the trick.

ctmullins · #6 08-20-2009, 09:26 AM

Another consideration would be a four-conductor MM, with a series/parallel/single coil switch. I have this on my 8-string, and the series mode gives a lot of low-end thump, with the single-coil providing good "zing". Parallel mode sounds a lot like single-coil, but a bit more refined, and minus the hum.

ctmullins · #7 08-20-2009, 09:30 AM

Or a Dark Star.

Jamesemt · #8 08-20-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctmullins

Or a Dark Star.

Can you elaborate as I've heard of them but nothing more

honestjohnny · #9 08-20-2009, 09:48 AM

Dimarzio Split P. Each half of the pickup is a dual rail humbucker. Put 500K pots in and you'll have all the thump and zing you want. It'll drop right in with no routing needed. I think it's a 8 conductor wiring so you can do lots of different series/parallel stuff. I just use mine in series/series. Very high output, almost active-like.

ctmullins · #10 08-20-2009, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamesemt

Can you elaborate as I've heard of them but nothing more

I can't elaborate too much, as I don't have one (yet - if I can overcome the price I'll be putting one into my upcoming 8-string build), but do a search - they get nothing but rave reviews around here, and are known for their wide frequency response.