Possible Pickup Problem

VigierExcess · #1 08-11-2006, 08:02 AM

I just purchased a used Conklin 7-string bass with Barolini active pickups. The issue I'm having is that when I play in the studio/garage all the strings sound around the same volume. When I play live, the higher strings don't cut through. None of my other basses (11) have this problem and I went through 4 Conklin's before I settled on this one. None of the first 3 exhibited this problem. The string heights are all pretty even (16" radius fret board) and the pickups are 3/8" and 1/4" distance away from the string. I've never had any issues with pickups failing before, so I have no idea what to look for.

Thoughts?
Michael

vindy500 · #2 08-11-2006, 08:03 AM

sure its not your eq?

luknfur · #3 08-13-2006, 01:41 AM

FWIW:

Second EQ. You may just have play around with it a while to find the mix that works. You may even be able to get by with just boosting higher frequencies but my guess is it's the mix rather than volume.

You might give a supplier (like bestbassgear) a call and see if they have any input. Bart themselves is pretty inaccessible.

**David Wilson** · #4 08-13-2006, 08:07 AM

If the string to string volumes are well balanced, then it certainly sounds like the EQ to me also - most likely more mids needed.

VigierExcess · #5 08-14-2006, 09:49 AM

Thank you all for your replies. The string to string volume seems to be the issue. Oddly enough, it seems to happen across both pickups. I have tried plugging the bass straight into my QSC power amp and the higher strings (C & F) produce less output than the lower ones. That's with all the tone knobs at their mid point settings. I can roll the bottem end back and gain some equality, but then there's no rumble. I have tried 3 other Conklin's thorugh my rig and they all cut through just fine.

????

**David Wilson** · #6 08-14-2006, 10:45 AM

have you experimented with the pickup heights? If it's your thinner strings that are quieter than your thicker strings, get a screwdriver and loosen the bottom pickup screw(s) so that the pickup is closer to those strings.

luknfur · #7 08-14-2006, 08:13 PM

FWIW:

agree with Dave. Been a while since I've paid any attention to pup spacing but if you're talking about 1/4" from the bottom of the string fretted on the last fret - that's a bit of a haul. Generally actives you can put as close as you want to the strings as long they don't interfere with playing.

You're satisfied with the bottom end so I'd make sure I had an accurate measurement there so I could keep it that way.

Also, if those are they J actives, they've got that funky tone pot set-up on the treble side. The Bart site has the diagram.