GeoffGould
Commercial User
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G. Gould Club!
- Thread starter nick g.
- Start date
GeoffGould
Commercial User
Thanks for noticing. I think the neck pickup is really important, and for me, is what I usually play.
Heya Geoff -- have you ever built a "sweet spot" bass with a 'bucker 2.5" from the bridge? Also, how did you come to work with EMG and why do you favor their pickups?
GeoffGould
Commercial User
I'm somewhat agnostic about pickups, but, EMG's are real easy. They sound great, have low noise (no bridge ground needed), and I've known them for over 40 years. In the old Modulus days, we would often suggest dealers stock basses with EMG's and Bartolinis. These days, dealers have less cash to invest in floor stock, and it's simpler to just go with the wonderful sounding EMGs. I'm always open to custom orders. I have a set of Aguilar pickups in a box, just waiting for that custom order!
I was never a fan of EMG's. Had a couple of Modulus basses with Bartolini electronics. Then I got my first Gould ggi5 and was floored by the tone. My ggi6 is just more of a good thing. I really like the EMG's in those basses.
GeoffGould
Commercial User
I haven't memorized where we've put these pickups, but we've done a lot of different things. When used in conjunction with a neck pickup, the MM is closer to the bridge.
See, I personally like EMG’s, but I think they are very “accurate” and modern sounding. Have loved them in my two Modulus quantums, and in my NS Design Radius (all with emg pre’s), and in a US Spector Forte with an Aguilar 2 band pre as well (although that sounded a lot different). And my NS EUB has EMG’s as well.
And definitely low/no noise. Got CFL bulbs in my bass-ment (not very well thought out), and you have to hold the emg equipped basses up to the fixture to get hum.
And definitely low/no noise. Got CFL bulbs in my bass-ment (not very well thought out), and you have to hold the emg equipped basses up to the fixture to get hum.
Thought I would post my thoughts about and experiences with my GGi5 that I got second hand from Nashville in November. Here are a couple pictures:
- The neck took a little getting used to as it is very flat front to back. After a week it was so comfortable and I cant imagine going back to another neck profile. Now Fender's necks seem to have so much meat that just gets in the way.
- 35" scale took some time to get used to as well but again after a week you adjust. That extra inch helps enormously with the tension and tone of the B string so it is well worth a little initial discomfort.
- The electronics are outstanding. EMGs can be polarizing but I really enjoy the sounds that come out of this bass. It fits well in the two guitar band I play in. The preamp is flexible and simple. I wasn't thrilled with the bridge pickup (EMG-40CSX humbucker) solo'ed so I thought I would experiment and mix and match some EMGs. I put a 40PX reverse style p pickup in the neck and moved the EMG-40CSX-GG to the bridge for a PJ style setup. Unfortunately that arrangement was too thin and had too much treble. Even if the EMG-40CSX isn't my favorite solo'ed it adds noticeable beef and presence. I then tried the 40PX paired with the EMG-40CSX and it was no match for the original pickup arrangement. The EMG-40CSX-GG that Geoff uses is something special. I am sorry that I ever doubted your original pickups Geoff!
- Fit and finish is outstanding.
- The neck is incredibly stable. This winter I played in humid, rainy Vancouver and freezing, dry Calgary without having to do any adjustments. The graphite is rock solid.
There are some venues and outdoor gigs where getting good bass tone is a challenge. I played one of the worse venues for bass tone and an outside gig this week and the tone of my ggi6 was fantastic. With other basses in these situations, I am always turning knobs trying to get the tone I want...not with this bass.
I used my Genz Benz Shuttle Max 9.2 into a pair of Aguilar GS112's. Set everything on the amp flat (it seems strange to have all the eq options on the Shuttle Max and love the sound with everything centered) Rolled off a bit on the treble on the bass and I was in bass tone heaven. That bass has this wonderful big, full and round tone that sounds so good.
Playing a contata in a church this Sunday. We will have about 12 pieces in the band and a large choir. I'll use my ggi5 and go direct into the house system. I played a Christmas concert in the same church in December last year and the ggi5 sounded great.
Some basses seem to have some aural magic in them. Both of my Gould basses have that. I am blessed to own and play them.
I used my Genz Benz Shuttle Max 9.2 into a pair of Aguilar GS112's. Set everything on the amp flat (it seems strange to have all the eq options on the Shuttle Max and love the sound with everything centered) Rolled off a bit on the treble on the bass and I was in bass tone heaven. That bass has this wonderful big, full and round tone that sounds so good.
Playing a contata in a church this Sunday. We will have about 12 pieces in the band and a large choir. I'll use my ggi5 and go direct into the house system. I played a Christmas concert in the same church in December last year and the ggi5 sounded great.
Some basses seem to have some aural magic in them. Both of my Gould basses have that. I am blessed to own and play them.
For those who have wondered why most G.Gould basses are not supplied with mid tone controls....I just installed an EMG BQC system in my ggi6.
Don't bother. All you get is two additional knobs that you won't use much. I think the bass sounds best with the mid control centered. I suppose there may be a time that I will use it but I cannot imagine when since I have never not loved the tone of this bass.
Save your money for new strings...or start saving for another Gould bass.
Don't bother. All you get is two additional knobs that you won't use much. I think the bass sounds best with the mid control centered. I suppose there may be a time that I will use it but I cannot imagine when since I have never not loved the tone of this bass.
Save your money for new strings...or start saving for another Gould bass.
GeoffGould
Commercial User
I just think midrange is a really personal issue. Since EMG's are so low noise, you can get practical mid boost/cut effects by playing with the V/B/T controls. For some though, a sweepable mid is just the thing, and that's just the way it is!
Bought this purple bass eater here last week and received it today, previously owned a 93 and 00 Q5. I will post some new pictures when I can.
I was so disappointed I missed that one and not surprised someone scooped it up so fast.
Congrats!
GeoffGould
Commercial User
Not sure, but it looks like one of your connectors has been put in backwards. The pair of wires inputting to the BTS control is supposed to be 'upside down,' and it looks like your's isn't. Here's the wiring diagram. It should be easy to try.
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