Suggestions for Audere + pickup combo

Lorenzini · #1 11-15-2006, 12:44 AM

I currently have an alder jazz with rosewood fretboard, and Basslines Quarter Pounders.

The sound is very crunchy and slappable, but not really my thing.

I'm considering an Audere drop-in preamp and a new set of pickups. For those that have experience here, what would be a good combination? From what I've read, the Audere is practically transparent set flat, so maybe I should just be researching pickups only.

I want a smooth tone, with strong lows, rich and growly mids and present (but not tic-tac'y) highs.

Sounds a lot like Bartolini 9j's or Nordstrand NJ4's.

I've tried EMGs (sterile), Lindy Fralins (too thin), Barts (which I liked a lot) and DiMarzio Model J's (HOT pups, great if I were a purely funk or rock player).

Keep in mind that I play jazz, afro-cuban, r&b and some funk, and that while I slap occasionally, it's not really my thing.

Thanks!

luknfur · #2 11-15-2006, 02:59 PM

FWIW:

sounds like you answered your own question.

In short order, you can probably pick up a set of Bart 9J's used on ebay to give them a spin. Don't work for you, move them on and you're not out much.

Nords you're going to have to buy new so if they don't work for you - you're not only out considerably more up front but on the back end as well. On the other hand, one thing that's impressed me about Nords is all the folks that jumped on the bandwagon haven't been dumping them a month later. I'm guessing they like them more than they can't take the hit. The computer thing also seemed impressive - assuming you make something to begin with that's worthy of duplication. Carey seems to have it down pretty good.

On the preamp, it's aftermarket which means it's designed to work broad spectrum. They may provide some direction or do's or don't if you contact them - I'd be surprised if they named specific pups. Been surprised before though.

Lorenzini · #3 11-15-2006, 06:44 PM

Thanks. You're the TB pickup guru right?

So right now I'm considering Bartolini 9J#1s and Nordie NJ4s -- I'll ponder that and make my decision. Much thanks!

Then I'll sell my Basslines and have made out pretty nicely.

PilbaraBass · #4 11-15-2006, 07:29 PM

I was going to say, for a "smooth" sound...go with the barts...

you've already made up your mind, you know...you just haven't admitted it yet

Lorenzini · #5 11-15-2006, 09:11 PM

Yeah yeah! You got me. I do want the Barts.

luknfur · #6 11-15-2006, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorenzini

Thanks. You're the TB pickup guru right?

I'm the guy that usually responds to threads that reach the bottom of the page that have gotten no response - for a bump mostly. I'll usually pick up a couple other 0 feedback threads till I hit auto-logoff.

If that's a definition for Guru - I B da man.

-------------

YellowBook.cOmmmmmmmmmm

Lorenzini · #7 11-16-2006, 11:15 AM

Oh

Thanks for being considerate and helping me.

But hey, given the Dr. Dimento threads you've made.. Guru is fine

pointbass · #8 11-16-2006, 11:36 AM

My most recent bass from FBB has the Audere paired with FBB's house branded pick-ups, which are really Dingwall FD3's. This set-up is, for sure, the best match I've ever had, and I'm a Bart fan for a long time. I was really resistant to the Dingwalls, but Matt assured me that I'd be pleased and he was 100% right ...

Based on your style, it may be well worth a shot. I play basically the same type of music as you, with some fusion stuff tossed in, and the combo of the Audere with the FBB pups is great ....

luknfur · #9 11-16-2006, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointbass

My most recent bass from FBB has the Audere paired with FBB's house branded pick-ups, which are really Dingwall FD3's. This set-up is, for sure, the best match I've ever had, and I'm a Bart fan for a long time. I was really resistant to the Dingwalls, but Matt assured me that I'd be pleased and he was 100% right ...

Based on your style, it may be well worth a shot. I play basically the same type of music as you, with some fusion stuff tossed in, and the combo of the Audere with the FBB pups is great ....

Interesting how things cycle together. I have never paid any attention to Dingwalls but today is a Dingwall day.

You know anymore about those FBB housbrand pups your talking about? I checked the FBB site but saw nothing about those pups.

pointbass · #10 11-16-2006, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luknfur

Interesting how things cycle together. I have never paid any attention to Dingwalls but today is a Dingwall day.

You know anymore about those FBB housbrand pups your talking about? I checked the FBB site but saw nothing about those pups.

Matt just started to outsource them, my bass was the first one he installed them in. FBB is a very small builder, so I'd be surprised if he ever began to sell them independent of the basses. But who knows what the future will bring?

I was hesitant, to be sure, but ended up thrilled with the tone. I play a lot in passive and knew the Bart sound, so I didn't want to change things. But Matt made me an offer I couldn't refuse, with a promise to change them out if I didn't like them. Actually, I like 'em so much that I'll probably have my fretless switched to them, as well .....

ElBajista · #11 11-16-2006, 05:48 PM

Sounds like you're looking for a Bartolini type of pickup.

Another thought would be the Seymour Duncan Antiquity II's. They're supposed to be pretty huge sounding.

LifeIsBass · #12 11-16-2006, 07:10 PM

I put a pair of Bart 9J's and an Audere in my MIM Fender Jazz. Barts sound exactly like what your looking for. The great thing is with all the eq and the z-switches on the Audere you can dial in just about any tone you want. I think the Barts respond very well to the Audere. I can go from smooth or growly fingerstyle to a nearly Marcus Miller slap tone by just turning a couple of knobs on my bass. Everyone says Barts are dark, and they can be, but with a good preamp like the Audere they can be much more, and fortunately they're never harsh.

12bass · #13 11-17-2006, 03:20 AM

Is there any info that shows that the FBB pickups are in fact made by Dingwall? I don't see anything on their website.

Showdown · #14 11-17-2006, 03:43 AM

My Lakland JO4 with Fralins sounds great with the Audere.

pointbass · #15 11-17-2006, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12bass

Is there any info that shows that the FBB pickups are in fact made by Dingwall? I don't see anything on their website.

As I said above, FBB has only recently started to provide their house brand pick-ups as an option for the basses. FBB contracted with Dingwall to make the pick-ups in my 7, and I believe that Matt has 4 or 5 basses in progress that will also be equipped with the FBB branded pups.

It's my understanding that FBB will not be selling these pick-ups as a stand alone unit, but I could be wrong about that. If you have some questions about the units I'd place a call or e-mail to FBB for clarification.

Don't forget that Matt Schmill is a small one-man builder of very customized basses with a small annual output of instruments. Each pick-up set is ordered for the basses as they're built, I don't believe that he has stockpiled sets sitting on a shelf.

Matt is a super nice cat, give him a shout and he'll be very straight with you ......

And BTW, his basses are outstanding

Zooberwerx · #16 11-19-2006, 08:55 AM

If you're going to drop the bucks on an Audere preamp (good choice!), I'd strongly suggest you spend the extra dough on a set of Nordstrands. I've seen nothing but rave reviews. I'm selecting a configuration for my David King 5. Be prepared to shell out $400 - $500, though.

Riis

Lorenzini · #17 11-19-2006, 10:50 AM

$400-$500 bucks on a set of Nordstrand jazz pickups?

I thought pricing was different
http://www.nordstrandpickups.com/bass_trad.html

Zooberwerx · #18 11-19-2006, 03:50 PM

Not quite.

Audere preamp + Nordstrand pups + prof. installation

You're looking at that price range. Thanks for the link, though.

Riis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorenzini

$400-$500 bucks on a set of Nordstrand jazz pickups?

Um.

http://www.nordstrandpickups.com/bass_trad.html

Lorenzini · #19 11-20-2006, 10:43 AM

I could pick up an Audere for $150+shipping and a set of Nordstrand NJ4s for $140+shipping, and I'd do the install, so it's more like $310 bucks.

However those NJ4SEs are much pricier! You're right about that for those pickups.

Zooberwerx · #20 11-20-2006, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorenzini

I could pick up an Audere for $150+shipping and a set of Nordstrand NJ4s for $140+shipping, and I'd do the install, so it's more like $310 bucks.

However those NJ4SEs are much pricier! You're right about that for those pickups.

Yeah, I was picking on the high end components in both the Audere and Nordstrand lines. Think the J bass stuff came in at ~$180 each for preamp and pups. I'm looking at the fully configurable Audere ($210) and the Signature series Hotstacks ($250?) for my headless 5. Not sure if I want the stacked hi mid / low mid or 3 position mid selector switch.

Riis