Modern versatile pickups?

[JACink]

So, after a quiet 2014 (bass purchasing wise), In 2015 I am planning on either building a Warmoth short scale, or purchasing and modding some other short scale (currently between Jaguar SS and Warwick Corvette SS).

The aim is to make the bass as versatile as possible, with both passive and active options.

If I go the mod route, then I can route for the pickups at a later date, but if I purchase the body and neck from Warmoth, I need to decide what routing I want first.

So, I am contemplating between P/MM, MM/MM, or dual soapbar.

I was thinking along the lines of Nordstrand np4a Precision pickup with a Nordstrand m4.4 Musicman pickup and an Audere Preamp. But these choices are based completely on online reviews and videos/sound samples, as there is no one I know of that has these anywhere near me.

I am not setting a budget limit, however, the cheaper the prices, the quicker the project will be finished!

So, in your endless knowledge and experiences, what other pickups (and preamps) should I be considering?

Thank you kindly.

 

[JACink]

OK, seeing as I have so many options, let's say I want to keep the pickups and preamp below $350.

 

[ctmullins]

It's a little hard to make recommendations without us knowing what tone(s) you have in mind. But the best cheap pickups are DiMarzio and Duncan, and the best cheap preamp will be EMG.

My personal preference is soapbars, because there are so many fantastic choices in that format. "Versatile" to me implies coil-split ability, with series/parallel/single switches, which rules out options like the excellent Nordstrand Big Singles, but includes the Delano SBC series, the Nordstrand dual-coils, and the Aguilar dual-coils. Bartolini likely as well, though I'm not familiar with their line.

Have you visited and browsed bestbassgear.com?

 

[JACink]

Thanks for your reply @ctmullins. The issue is that I don't have a specific tone in mind. I am looking for a setup that would allow me to get a large amount of vesatility from one short scale bass.

Currently, for P-Tone I am liking DiMarzio Model P with LaBella flats (on my SS P) and also the Duncan Designed P on my Squier Jaguar. For the Jazz tone, I like the Ultrajazz pickups with D'Addario Nickels on my Jazz Bass.

I like the range of tones I can get from the stock pickups on my ESP LTD B-205 (also with D'addario Nickels). If I thought I could get a decent 5 string short scale for this project, the ESP range would probably be the range of tones I am looking for.

Again, I am not looking for a specific tone, more of a range of tones that would allow me to use the SS in most "modern" situations (so not necessarily blues etc.).

"Versatile" to me implies coil-split ability, with series/parallel/single switches,

I agree, and that was the reason for thinking along the lines of the Nordstrand mm4.4, but I can't get a real feel for this pickup based on Youtube videos.

The delanos may be a good option that I had forgotten. I really like some of the Sandberg tones.

My aim for this bass is to be able to just take this bass with a Zoom B3 and be covered for "most" situations. If I need a specific tone, then I will take a specific bass.

Not sure if this makes sense