What Pickups Do You Use In Your 6-string?

KingRazor · #1 05-09-2011, 10:17 PM

I started off with a 5er, now I have a 4 banger. I will probably be getting another 5er eventually, I've been eyeing an Ibanez for a while.

But I've been toying with the idea of a 6 string bass. So, I wanted to know what kinds of pickups 6-string bassists use. What have you got?

wmheilma · #2 05-09-2011, 10:23 PM

I have four six strings. Three of them have Bartolini pickups in various positions. Two are old bart humbuckers form the early 90's that I really like. The Q6 has bart humbuckers from around 2001 which are also great. I have a fretless with EMG's which are good, but I like Barts better for my playing style. The preamps make a difference too. I have an old TBT, a really old TBIBT, and the three way bass-mid-treble in the Modulus Q6 (not sure what that is called). I recently learned that the cut and boost can be different frequencies on these preamps which is interesting. All I know is I like the old barts best of all.

KingRazor · #3 05-09-2011, 10:28 PM

I don't think I'd go with an active EQ on this. I'd just go with a buffer circuit. I want to do the same thing with the 5er I want.

I'm not sure what I want as far as tone though. Because I already have a P bass and I'm going to get an Ibanez with some SGD Neo Humbuckers.

I might go with something more modern sounding.

bassbenj · #4 05-10-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingRazor

I don't think I'd go with an active EQ on this. I'd just go with a buffer circuit. I want to do the same thing with the 5er I want.

I'm not sure what I want as far as tone though. Because I already have a P bass and I'm going to get an Ibanez with some SGD Neo Humbuckers.

I might go with something more modern sounding.

Personally I think you are on the right track. An Ibanez is a great place to start with a 6. I also am a huge fan of barts and my Modulus Q6 has three old Bart soapbars on it. Best tone ever! Of course my Alembic has Alembic soapbars and my Ken Smith has KS soapbars. So modern soapbars tend to be the lay of the land in 6 string playing. BUT my latest foray, is two SX 6 string Fender Jazz clones. These are a whole nother ball game. They have what look like extra wide standard jazz pickups (complete with standard Jazz single coil hum).

I wouldn't do the Jazz thing first (quite expensive like Steve Bailey or Low End or Fender Custom shop) and also the usual music for 6 string doesn't look for old school tone so that is sort of pushing the envelope. An Ibanez on the other hand will plop you right in the center of "mainstream"!

KingRazor · #5 05-10-2011, 07:19 PM

Well, the Ibanez I'm getting will be a 5er, but, I might also go with them for a 6-string.

I feel like I only really need two basses...but GAS has been settling in lately and before I know it I could have 5 or 6 of them...

bassbenj · #6 05-11-2011, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingRazor

Well, the Ibanez I'm getting will be a 5er, but, I might also go with them for a 6-string.

I feel like I only really need two basses...but GAS has been settling in lately and before I know it I could have 5 or 6 of them...

Or 10 or 12!

Before you know it!

ergbass · #7 05-11-2011, 01:45 PM

EMG 45DC. I love them, very veratile for me.

Kukkiwanblack · #8 05-13-2011, 10:03 PM

You know it's weird to everyone their own I guess. I tried to get into the barts I really did. But for my kustom Kornil I'm getting I'm gunna have Passive EMGHz45's and a aguilar OBP-1. Just didn't like the sound of the barts in it.