wanted: growly pickups

[paradigm_shift]

I've recently purchased an esp f-254fm that I'm converting to a fretless, that I love the shape of, but cant stand the tone. It just sounds so tin-ney! So what Im looking for is passive pickups (I'm going to rip out the active circuit) to replace the current emg-hz's. I've got a few considerations in mind but thought I might ask for a few suggestions on how I might achieve a tone . Something in the vein of a cross between the bass tone on "would" by "alice in chains". Steve Digiorgios bass on any of the album "Individual thought paterns" by Death and A rickenbaker 4001. Quite a dirty grity sounding tone, but very concise at the same time. Not muddy.more a vintage tone than a modern sound.I know its something of a voodoo science with the reasults but I look forwards to hearing your replys.

[paradigm_shift]

Anyone?...please..

[ibz]

Originally Posted by paradigm_shift

Anyone?...please..

I don't get how converting your ESP to a freless helped you achieve this sort of sound. Think about it, I'm about 98% sure every players tone you mention as you're favorite were playing a fretted bass. Removing those frets seems counter productive.

Also, if you don't have a halfway decent amp you're probably gonna have a "tin-ney" bottomless sound. Since you're profile is pretty much blank, I can't really know what rig you're playing through... for all I know it's a 10W excel w/ a 6 in. speaker.

I'd also, try new roundwounds, preferably SS. Favoring the bridge pickup with you're pan-pot on your bass will help you get some more growl. Also, really start assessing how you approach your playing to get a growlier sound.

[Beavinator]

just a note...those EMG-HZs are passive pickups, so you may want to rethink what you're looking for!!

[DavidRavenMoon]

I think those pickups are the issue. They might not sound as bright without the preamp (assuming the bass has one). They are passive.

[paradigm_shift]

[quote=ibz;4418551]I don't get how converting your ESP to a freless helped you achieve this sort of sound. Think about it, I'm about 98% sure every players tone you mention as you're favorite were playing a fretted bass. Removing those frets seems counter productive.

Also, if you don't have a halfway decent amp you're probably gonna have a "tin-ney" bottomless sound. Since you're profile is pretty much blank, I can't really know what rig you're playing through... for all I know it's a 10W excel w/ a 6 in. speaker.
QUOTE]

I'm convertring it to fretless because I like playing fretless. I'm simply trying to achieve a tone I enjoy.Much as any player. Steve digiorgio plays a fretless P clone with barts on that particular death album,so your wrong on this assumption. I'm not looking for this particular pickup configuration but a similar sound. I beleve on
"would" by alice in chains its a spector, as for the rick its not the clank I'm after but a similar tone. Not the same but culmination of the 3.

I have an ampeg 810e as far as rig go's. I'm in the process of finding a new head at the moment.Try asking nicely rather than belittling me.

I realize the hz's are passive pickups in themselves, but this bass is wired with an active EQ. Im wanting to change this AND I want to change the pickups.I want it completely passive.

[ehque]

[quote=paradigm_shift;4419563]

Originally Posted by ibz

I have an ampeg 810e as far as rig go's. I'm in the process of finding a new head at the moment.Try asking nicely rather than belittling me.

will you please fill out your profile, oh great one?

he wasn't belittling you. Maybe read properly before you jump to conclusions, we're all trying to help you here.

Nope, maybe im not.

[ibz]

Originally Posted by paradigm_shift

I'm convertring it to fretless because I like playing fretless. I'm simply trying to achieve a tone I enjoy.Much as any player. Steve digiorgio plays a fretless P clone with barts on that particular death album,so your wrong on this assumption. I'm not looking for this particular pickup configuration but a similar sound. I beleve on
"would" by alice in chains its a spector, as for the rick its not the clank I'm after but a similar tone. Not the same but culmination of the 3.

I have an ampeg 810e as far as rig go's. I'm in the process of finding a new head at the moment.Try asking nicely rather than belittling me.

I realize the hz's are passive pickups in themselves, but this bass is wired with an active EQ. Im wanting to change this AND I want to change the pickups.I want it completely passive.

I'm not sure why I'm still trying to help, but belittling you isn't worth anyone's time and definitely not my goal.

I'm saying that many TB'ers (you're certainly not alone) post all kinds of questions on TB asking different questions about specific problems their having and don't give people answering all the information.
How can someone give a good reply if all parts of your chain isn't considered... since each link is related to the next? Hence, why I mentioned that filling out you're profile is worth the few minutes it takes.

Going fretless certainly opens a few new doors with you're playing, and if that's what you want go for it!

Pickup wise you might be able to find some barts that would be a direct replacement. Or a set of darkstars might be cool w/ a little routing. Passive wiring isn't all too difficult and there is a plethora of info in the FAQ part of this sub-forum.

[paradigm_shift]

So I'm going to have to apologize to you guys. It was just one of those days.I guess I read things in the wrong frame of mind and interpretted them as such, I do appreciate you all trying to help-I just interpretted it in the wrong fashion.Sorry.