• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Anyone here ever used Haussel (Häussel) pickups?

terribilino

terribilino

Nov 22, 2008
458
66
#1
How are they?

The Häussel site (Invalid Link Removed) doesn't seem to post any sound files, which I found weird. Can't find too many examples for bass. Here are a few - two on six strings, one on a MM jazz:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPXqfsx0_2s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVKi_1weHdk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nc_9QaxcaU

They all sound great, but it's always hard to tell if the sound is in the pickups, the amp, the fingers, the strings, the wood.... (And of course it's in all of these together.)

I'm thinking of getting a pair to replace the stock pickups in my Highway One precision. Do pickups really make that big a difference in sound? I'm newish to all this. I've fallen in love with the punchy p-bass sound - now I want as much punch as I can get.

Thanks!
 
#2
I tried some (MM4, Js, dual Js) in some handmade basses, and all I can say is that they were all high-quality products. they even do it in wooden cover.
I don't know, how many versions are there, but whic I tried, were nice open sounding, close to a good vintage pickup. (not dull, and not too bright)
I hope this helps..
 
#3
ZolkoW said:
I tried some (MM4, Js, dual Js) in some handmade basses, and all I can say is that they were all high-quality products. they even do it in wooden cover.
I don't know, how many versions are there, but whic I tried, were nice open sounding, close to a good vintage pickup. (not dull, and not too bright)
I hope this helps..
Click to expand...

It does, thanks. In another thread I started about Sandberg basses someone recommended that I get one with Häussel pickups, as it gives a perfect vintage sound.
 
#5
terribilino said:
How are they?

Do pickups really make that big a difference in sound?
Click to expand...


Hi,
Yes pickups can make a big difference. The last bass I purchased came equiped with SD Bass Lines ASB-5 active pickups, and I didn't like the sound. To me sounded uninteresting, had no character. I replaced them with SGD pickups and the difference was like night and day, nox my bas has much more character.
 
#8
Old tread, but the Haussels deserve more reviews. I bought a new EB Stingray last year. Beautiful bass, but the pickup was not very good. It had weak G string and generally did not deliever enough dynamics of any kind. I got in touch with Haussel pickups, got prompte answers and ordered an MM pickup: What a difference. Clear, punchy, growly. Perfect companion to the MM preamp. No more weak G. My soundman says it is the best Bass sound he has ever heard. Besides that: Excellent customer experience from Acy at Acys guitar Lounge about anything pickup/sound-wise. Beautiful ebony wood cover too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PawleeP
#15
HowieD72 said:
Dull? Like passive vintage sound?
Click to expand...
Hah. Yes. I am pretty biased towards hifi. Specifically, I have the Js with the diagonal poles, advertised as "vintage." To be charitable, it could be better stated that a person with a more refined ear might think of it as nicely vintage and hence properly marketed.

Properly EQed, I found the fingers tyler to be amazingly clear or thumpy... very good. Slap, just dull to me. Just not zingy.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: HowieD72
#16
Basstard215 said:
Hah. Yes. I am pretty biased towards hifi. Specifically, I have the Js with the diagonal poles, advertised as "vintage." To be charitable, it could be better stated that a person with a more refined ear might think of it as nicely vintage and hence properly marketed.

Properly EQed, I found the fingers tyler to be amazingly clear or thumpy... very good. Slap, just dull to me. Just not zingy.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply.

I'm thinking of trying the PBass MM 4 string set and if they are vintage, clear and thumpy, they just might be what I'm looking for.

79df2a512b.jpg
 
#17
HowieD72 said:
Thanks for your reply.

I'm thinking of trying the PBass MM 4 string set and if they are vintage, clear and thumpy, they just might be what I'm looking for.

View attachment 7399823
Click to expand...
I Would have something like this (JBass):

Haeussel Pickups: JBass 5string halfslan

Harry Haeussel: Handgearbeitete Pickups, handmade Pickups
haeussel.com haeussel.com

The company seems to indicate the slanted/half-slanted with small pole pieces is vintage and would be like what I have

HAEUSSEL PB 4- and 5-string Halfslan (ABS)

But, I see the big pole pieces you have are listed as "manufactured in accordance with tradition

www.bassparts.de

HAEUSSEL PB 4- and 5-string BM (ABS)

P-Bass-Pickups 4- oder 5-Saiter big mags MM ABS cover black, white or cream
www.bassparts.de www.bassparts.de

I think a question to Haeussel would be what the purpose of the big poles vs little poles is, sound wise.
 
  • Like
Reactions: HowieD72
#18
Basstard215 said:
I Would have something like this (JBass):

Haeussel Pickups: JBass 5string halfslan

Harry Haeussel: Handgearbeitete Pickups, handmade Pickups
haeussel.com haeussel.com

The company seems to indicate the slanted/half-slanted with small pole pieces is vintage and would be like what I have

HAEUSSEL PB 4- and 5-string Halfslan (ABS)

But, I see the big pole pieces you have are listed as "manufactured in accordance with tradition

www.bassparts.de

HAEUSSEL PB 4- and 5-string BM (ABS)

P-Bass-Pickups 4- oder 5-Saiter big mags MM ABS cover black, white or cream
www.bassparts.de www.bassparts.de

I think a question to Haeussel would be what the purpose of the big poles vs little poles is, sound wise.
Click to expand...
Yeah I'll send them a few questions.

I've had a good look already online and most of the samples are the big pole/little pole pieces mated to active preamps and they sound pretty good but I prefer passive on my p-bass parts basses (my active Warwick basses cover me for anything hi-fi) and I do like something a bit different than the regular stuff i.e SD, DiMarzio, Fender, Delano, Nordy, Aggie etc etc.

I've seen an as new set on Ebay Germany for 1/2 price, so i think I'll just score those.If I do get them, I'll update on this thread.

I was actually hoping others that were in this thread might comment, but I guess most are relaxing with family and enjoying the break.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back