Hi all. First off, I would like to humbly apologise if this topic has been covered before (well, I know it has, but I wasn't able to find the appropriate information from my search results).
I've been having words recently with a well-respected luthier about a custom 6-string fretless. We talked about pickups and electronics, and I'm pretty sure I would like a set of Nordstrand DC's. However, I've read that with series, you have a hotter output with a more punchy midrange, and with parallel wiring, you have less output with a more pronounced low and high end.
First off: this fretless bass is going to be used for many different styles (rock, jazz, funk, pop etc). I'm worried that if I go parallel, I will end up with a slight mid-scoop. Does anyone have advice for me in regards to which DC set to choose? Essentially, I want my base sound to be punchy, clear and articulate (but I must emphasize, I do like a bit of mid-rangy punch on fretless to accentuate "mwah" a touch).
Next: the preamp. In my main bass (a Fender US Deluxe P-bass V) I have an Aggie OBP3. This preamp was a vast improvement over the stock preamp, however my mind is a tad torn over my choice right now. I'm aware that the Audere preamps are apparently very hifi and clean. They also provide a ton of tonal options and switching. The problem is, is that while I like to have versatility at my fingertips, I'm not really keen on basses with numerous knobs, switches and pull/push pots (I get a bit bewildered). I find that I often have too many options and I find it hard to sort of "set and forget". Also, this is a petty thing, but I find basses with lots of controls to look a bit... cluttered I guess.
Even though I find the OBP3 to require a gentle touch (e.g. flat to BOOM!), I like the way I can dial in a bit of extra active growl and sizzle.
Now, the luthier that I have been having words with suggested Carey Nordstrand's new preamp. He said that he is going to be putting one into a bass shortly and do a comparison (based on his experiences) between that and the OBP3 and the Audere. He also believed that the new Nordstrand preamp would mesh well with the DC's, and that this preamp is sort of in the middle between the clarity of the Audere's and the active sound of the OBP3. I'm quite intrigued, I must say.
Sorry for my long-windedness, I was going to ask, based on what I've said above, which preamp would you suggest and which DC set (parallel or series) for a 6-string fretless with rounds and an ebony fingerboard?
Thanks for reading
I've been having words recently with a well-respected luthier about a custom 6-string fretless. We talked about pickups and electronics, and I'm pretty sure I would like a set of Nordstrand DC's. However, I've read that with series, you have a hotter output with a more punchy midrange, and with parallel wiring, you have less output with a more pronounced low and high end.
First off: this fretless bass is going to be used for many different styles (rock, jazz, funk, pop etc). I'm worried that if I go parallel, I will end up with a slight mid-scoop. Does anyone have advice for me in regards to which DC set to choose? Essentially, I want my base sound to be punchy, clear and articulate (but I must emphasize, I do like a bit of mid-rangy punch on fretless to accentuate "mwah" a touch).
Next: the preamp. In my main bass (a Fender US Deluxe P-bass V) I have an Aggie OBP3. This preamp was a vast improvement over the stock preamp, however my mind is a tad torn over my choice right now. I'm aware that the Audere preamps are apparently very hifi and clean. They also provide a ton of tonal options and switching. The problem is, is that while I like to have versatility at my fingertips, I'm not really keen on basses with numerous knobs, switches and pull/push pots (I get a bit bewildered). I find that I often have too many options and I find it hard to sort of "set and forget". Also, this is a petty thing, but I find basses with lots of controls to look a bit... cluttered I guess.
Even though I find the OBP3 to require a gentle touch (e.g. flat to BOOM!), I like the way I can dial in a bit of extra active growl and sizzle.
Now, the luthier that I have been having words with suggested Carey Nordstrand's new preamp. He said that he is going to be putting one into a bass shortly and do a comparison (based on his experiences) between that and the OBP3 and the Audere. He also believed that the new Nordstrand preamp would mesh well with the DC's, and that this preamp is sort of in the middle between the clarity of the Audere's and the active sound of the OBP3. I'm quite intrigued, I must say.
Sorry for my long-windedness, I was going to ask, based on what I've said above, which preamp would you suggest and which DC set (parallel or series) for a 6-string fretless with rounds and an ebony fingerboard?
Thanks for reading
