Pickup and preamp for an ABG

Searcy · #1 09-29-2006, 07:54 AM

originally posted this up in the Bass Guitar section and was told it would do better down here.

I have been helping a friend develop an Acoustic Bass Guitar based on Selmer Gypsy guitar construction style. The fretless prototype sounds amazing with a huge loud tone that has a lot of upright qualities when played with flat wounds. Now the time has come to start looking at pickups. I’m thinking that maybe a Fishman B II Acoustic Bass Preamp or a Firshman Pro-EQ Platinum Bass might do the trick. I'm not sure. acustic pickups are a new world for me. I like the idea of the preamp being out board so there’s not a lot of junk on the bass. It also makes it easier to try out other preamps in the future. But some folks like the preamp to be mounted on the bass. I guess it’s a bit more portable and faster to adjust that way. What do you think? Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

bassist1962 · #2 09-30-2006, 05:41 AM

Looks almost like the Epiphone El Capitan, very nice. I was considering ABG's for awhile. A built in pre amp is good for convienience. The portability and all that. There are however outboard preamps, such as the Sansamp that work very well. Check them out: http://www.tech21nyc.com. I personally recomend the Para Driver. I can be used for both acoustic and electric instruments.

Searcy · #3 09-30-2006, 07:57 AM

Thanks for all the help. After looking things over I think the K&K pickup system is going to be the one for us. This bass does indeed have a Macaferriure style bridge so the “under the saddle” units wont work on it. I like that floating bridge pickup from K&K a lot. I think we’ll start with that.

I have a Sans Amp DI that use on a electric basses. I love it and I love the versatility of being able to swap preamps without gutting the bass. Just swap boxes. I have tried this bass through with a "realist" pickup. It sounds good through it . I just don't like the pickup much.

As I mentioned before these two are prototypes. They were made with junk wood that was sitting around the shop. The new ones are going to have slotted head stocks and much better woods and finishes. Maybe I’ll post a picture when there done.

Thanks again!