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Active Pilot V pickups !?!?

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by Gintaras, Nov 10, 2005.

  1. Nov 10, 2005 #1
    Gintaras

    Gintaras

    Dec 11, 2004
    Kent Island, Md.
    I have a chance to pickup a Dearmond Pilot 5. Looking at it as a project and 2nd bass. I believe the term that I have heard is a 'beater bass'. I have a set of Bartolini Jazz pu's which are passive. They are the exact same size as the jazz type pickups in the Pilot. Will these work with the Dearmond active preamp???
     
  2. Nov 11, 2005 #2
    gimmeagig

    gimmeagig Supporting Member

    Feb 25, 2004
    Coeur D'Alene,Idaho
    I used to have a Guild pilot 5 as my main bass for 13 years. It is much more than a beater bass.It is as good or better than some of the Boutique basses.My recommendation:spend the money and put in a sadowski or aguilar preamp and install a new bridge, get the thing shielded as good as possible and you got yourself a killer bass.
     
  3. Nov 11, 2005 #3
    Gintaras

    Gintaras

    Dec 11, 2004
    Kent Island, Md.
    Thanks for the replay. I had the bridge and the shielding on my list but was not sure about what to do with the preamp. Hopefully I can make the deal and will do all you said. (I love projects!!!) Were you happy with the pu's?? Or should I use the Bartolini Jazz pickups that I have for this upgrade ?? :meh:
     
  4. Nov 11, 2005 #4
    gimmeagig

    gimmeagig Supporting Member

    Feb 25, 2004
    Coeur D'Alene,Idaho
    I originally had EMGs on the bass(that's what it came with)I switched to Bartolinis with a TCT(I think) preamp.The Bart's were better than the EMGs but eventually I switched to Basslines SJB5 pickups(stack coils).Much more interesting sounding.Warm lows clear highs nice punch.Then I read about DiMarzio Ultra Jazz pickups in a pickup shootout.I put them into the Pilot and liked them very much .Totally quiet powerful sound not as open sounding as the Basslines.
    My Moon JB5 bass which I play now had Ultras on it when I got it and since I still had the Basslines I put them in and am very happy.
    So I guess I would start with the Bartolinis but whatever you put into the bass as long as the neck and the frets are good It will be worth it and you might find that this bass is not just a beater but your favorite.
    I think that it is better to really get familiar with one instrument and learn to play the **** out of it than to have all these basses,get distracted from the music and switch around all the time.see Marcus Miller,Jaco,Will Lee,Jamerson,Paul Jackson......
     
  5. Nov 11, 2005 #5
    Gintaras

    Gintaras

    Dec 11, 2004
    Kent Island, Md.
    I presently have a MTD Grendel 5 string with a maple fretboard. Absolutely love it and wanted to have a second bass. The Pilot's neck is wide like the Grendel and seems like a perfect companion to my main bass. I am still in the process of negotiating a deal on this bass and that was why I was gathering info. I basically play the MTD and for diversion I have a Yamaha Flamenco. I am off to close the deal a look for a preamp.

    Certainly appreciate all the advice.....talkbass members have really made the journey of playing again very enjoyable. :bassist: