Double Bass Leaving a failing Full Circle in place?

[RyanKinBK]

Hi all,

My Full Circle is crapping out, so I've decided to roll the dice and try a couple of different other pickups, including a Life Line.

So, my question is, is there any reason why I shouldn't leave the FC wheel in place and just treat it like a normal adjustable bridge wheel?

Thanks!

 

[Don Hergert]

Are you going to cut the lead off the FC adjuster?

 

[lurk]

I snipped off the wire and kept mine. The wheels turn easier than the adjusters they replaced. I hear no difference in sound.

 

[RyanKinBK]

Are you going to cut the lead off the FC adjuster?

I was considering that, yeah.

 

[Don Hergert]

It sounds like @lurk has had good experience with clipping the lead off: I was wondering if there might be rattles from doing so, but it sounds like that is not a concern.

Best of luck with your next pickups!

 

[Ric Vice]

I put a Life Line on my Kolstine Busetto Travel Bass is has a similar sound to the Full Circle due to
due to it’s placement. It’s easier to move and has more focus than the Realist copper foil I used
to use. Just my take.

 

[fdeck]

Just a side note that Fishman treated me nice when I needed to get my FC diagnosed.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

I’ve used FC “blanks” as adjuster wheels without issue, because why not?

 

[fdeck]

They need to both look the same, just saying...

 

[RyanKinBK]

They need to both look the same, just saying...
View attachment 4825899

Fishman made *both* of those wheels?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Nuke it from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.

 

[RyanKinBK]

#WWND?

(…NASA…)

 

[Jefenator]

I was going to put my original adjuster back in but I'm ashamed to say I misplaced it. I wouldn't mind having the luthier source the right solid aluminum adjuster next time I'm in for a tune-up. (But it's an old Kay, so that might be a while...)
Or maybe when my current pickup dies, just put in a new FC. (I had a pretty good 10 year run with the last one.)
All the while, the dead FC hasn't been bothering me too much.

 

[Don Hergert]

If you haven't already found a piezo replacement, Vic's Pickups get high marks from just about everyone who tries them (including me) (NFI).

Best of luck in your pickup search!