what pup for my fretless?

yngwiewho1 · #1 11-30-2009, 03:52 PM

Well guys, I've had my Ibanez GWB35 for about a month now, and I've come to the conclusion that the factory pickup isn't going to cut it. its not nearly punchy enough. so, I was thinking about going with a nordstrand big single, but I havent heard one before so I am open to ideas. anyone else have any ideas?

fullrangebass · #2 12-01-2009, 02:23 AM

Which tone exactly is the tone you are trying to achieve? Closer to Jaco, Mick Karn, Steve Bailey or Gary Willis?

yngwiewho1 · #3 12-01-2009, 03:38 AM

sean malone. here is a link to one of their songs without vocals
http://www.imeem.com/artists/cynic/m...mix-album-ver/

fullrangebass · #4 12-01-2009, 04:34 AM

Villex pickups will get you to that tone (and then some)

www.villex.com

yngwiewho1 · #5 12-02-2009, 07:41 AM

thanks. I've never heard of these guys. this is a one pickups bass, which one of their pups would you recommend for that kind of sound? hear is a pic if you havent seen one so you know where it is located

tubby.twins · #6 12-02-2009, 11:22 AM

I second the recommendation for Villex pickups. They have a very open, transparent and natural sound. It may not be the "punchy" sound you are looking for, but it's a very good sound and you'll hear a lot of the nice woody tones, especially on a fretless.

Villex can make custom pickups at most of the standard sizes. If I remember correctly, the GWB35 bass has a pickup that is the same size as a Bartolini BC soapbar (100mm x 32mm). You'll need to measure your pickup to be sure. If so, Villex can make these. Feel free to e-mail him to confirm this, and be sure to mention that it's for a 5-string bass.

fullrangebass · #7 12-02-2009, 11:25 AM

If it is BC size, I can only say that it's a readily available size for Mr Villex (he has made more than 5 sets of BC size Villex pickups)

tubby.twins · #8 12-02-2009, 11:28 AM

And to answer your question of "which pickup" to buy - currently there are only two types of Villex pickups.

The Villex "classic" pickup technology is used inside all the pickup shapes that you see on the Villex website, with some minor variations for pickup shape, but it's basically the same guts inside. These pickups have a bulit-in midrange control circuit, which can be wired up to a standard potentiometer (50k or 100k ohms, I believe) to provide a passive midrange cut. These pickups also work nicely with the newer Villex passive rotary tone booster, which provides selected levels of passive midrange boost. No batteries required, but there's nothing preventing you from connecting these to your existing pre-amp. I've used my Villex classic pickups in a fretless bass, and they just sing.

Villex is also developing a new "NVT" system which is not yet mentioned on his website (but you can learn more about in other posts to this forum) which includes a fully passive "preamp" harness with 3 EQ bands, cut and boost. This system is supposed to deliver a more punchy "modern" sound that has been well received so far. By contrast, the Villex "classic" pickups have a warm, clean and balanced sound. NVT pickups and harnesses are currently being made to order as part of a small production run.

E-mail is probably the best way to contact Villex. He'll be more than willing to explain everything, and his customer service is excellent.