What model bass are you playing. That's what we need to know first. Emg's are great but don't sound great in every bass.
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Heavy metal pickups
- Thread starter denZne
- Start date
I see many people suggesting the EMG pickups. I've often heard they're good for "power".
But a question... I have a Gibson Thunderbird. The EMG pickups that fit on a TB are all "active". So where will the battery go since the bass, by default, doesn't have active pickup, therefore no little door to put a battery in.
But a question... I have a Gibson Thunderbird. The EMG pickups that fit on a TB are all "active". So where will the battery go since the bass, by default, doesn't have active pickup, therefore no little door to put a battery in.
Is there a pickguard to route under?
Some people do opt for external power supplies. In a situation where there is no room for batteries, or such modification would destroy resale, this is can be a worthwhile option.
I would use active pickups since there used in ibenez and ibenez sound gear basses and most metal bassist use those. 
Means2nEnd
Supporting Member
Although I can relate somewhat with frustration from some longtime members on this type of question where there is really no point of reference from what it seems. There is an opportunity to offer the suggestions to the OP about specifics as in sub genres of metal, what type of bass, strings, amp etc. Even then it would be hard to direct. Best thing is whose tone do you want to cop and then it’s still completely subjective like do you play with a pick or fingers.
But when there is an opportunity to help the dude out by mentioning all these other things that play a role maybe all he wants to do is change his dang pickups. I would say EMG DC’s should get you home but that’s my 2 cents. If you switch from passive to active pups with or without an active preamp you still need the juice as mentioned already.
But when there is an opportunity to help the dude out by mentioning all these other things that play a role maybe all he wants to do is change his dang pickups. I would say EMG DC’s should get you home but that’s my 2 cents. If you switch from passive to active pups with or without an active preamp you still need the juice as mentioned already.
I kinda disagree with those just saying "active EMGs!" because, well, there are many different metal bass sounds.
I have always preferred Rickenbacker pickups, myself, though I do also like some of the Duncan J-bass and other single coil designs.
For the sound the OP described, the first thought that came to mind was the sound of some various models of pickups made to go in Gibson Thunderbirds.
This is an old thread, though, so presumably the OP has new pickups by now.
I have always preferred Rickenbacker pickups, myself, though I do also like some of the Duncan J-bass and other single coil designs.
For the sound the OP described, the first thought that came to mind was the sound of some various models of pickups made to go in Gibson Thunderbirds.
This is an old thread, though, so presumably the OP has new pickups by now.
Oddly enough, the thread was bumped on the 2 year anniversary of the last time the OP logged in.
You just need to buy the best bass for metal as it already has the best pickups for metal
I can't believe I read this whole thread.
Asking "What is the best...for Metal" on TB is the bass equivalent to calling a girl the same night, 2 hrs after she gave you her phone number...(anyone watched the movie Swingers?) LOL
I would recommend EMG DC's and a BQS pre but without knowing what bass he has who knows if they will fit.
That's what I was going to post!
Pshh, fitting is overrated.
Looks like it sounds good. Reminds me of my PJ. No pics handy, sorry.
