Seeking comments/opinions on Piezos

[Bigfork]

I'm thinking about my next bass build, and and toying with the idea of building a semi-hollow body (double cut-away) with peizopickups. My uninformed thoughts are to get more of an acoustic sound.

Has anyone used piezo pickups and what were your thoughts? I've seen the Hipshot bridge with Piezos on them. There are probably others that my exhaustive 5 second search didn't turn up, so suggestion on parts to look at would be appreciated too.

Many thanks

Kevin
W-Guitars

 

[echoSE7EN]

I too have been looking into the Hipshot bridge w/ Piezos for a build. Here's a link to a fellow TBer's FS/FT post that has some sound clips:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-clement-singlecut-piezo-mag-fretless-789764/

I also emailed the person commissioned for my build and asked about the possibility of including the Hipshot Piezo bridge, along with the Nordy Fatstacks I've already decided to have. I was told two things. First, there can be compatibility issues with a Piezo system. I was looking at the Bartolini Piezo-Magnetic Buffer along with an Audere pre. Compatibility with those two may be the first hurdle. Second, the luthier said that many piezos actually don't sound "as good as they should,".

So, although the compatibility issue may be overcome, the end result may not be exactly what you're hoping to hear. Now, based upon the sound clips in the aforementioned link, I think that bass sounds pretty sweet. I am going to continue to research this topic, look for additional sound clips, and email some of the Hipshot dealers looking for opinions and advice.

Finally, I don't know why, but I also find it odd that the Hipshot website doesn't show the Piezo bridge as a current product. I emailed their customer service rep, and was told that they do still make and offer it.

If you come across any links or information that you find useful in your search, please PM me. I'll do the same. Maybe we can help each other make the best, informed decisions for our needs.

 

[Shoewreck]

I've got some experience with GraphTech piezo saddles. I like the tones, but piezos lack the midrange presence of magnetic PUs. I mean, they have great low end, lots of highs, and a good consistent midrange, but it isn't as present and doesn't help cutting through.

 

[bassbenj]

I'm thinking about my next bass build, and and toying with the idea of building a semi-hollow body (double cut-away) with peizopickups. My uninformed thoughts are to get more of an acoustic sound.

Has anyone used piezo pickups and what were your thoughts? I've seen the Hipshot bridge with Piezos on them. There are probably others that my exhaustive 5 second search didn't turn up, so suggestion on parts to look at would be appreciated too.

Many thanks

Kevin
W-Guitars

Right idea. You are sort of re-inventing the Carvin AC40/AC50.
Except you seem to be favoring the Hipshot (Carvin sells basses with this too) piezo saddle type pickup, instead of the long piezo under a single piece saddle on my AC50.

The whole idea is great and I LOVE the tone of my AC50. But only as far as it goes! Which in my opinion isn't far enough! If you want to do this I'd strongly suggest you build something with BOTH piezo and magnetics you can mix or match. There are times when I very much wish my AC50 had a magnetic to mix in to pull the tone more toward the normal bass range. One of these days I've GOT to add that.