Slap and pop bass equipment suggestions

[BassChuck]

I need some opinions about some slap bass equipment.
Generally speaking I'm a TI flats and fretless kind of player. I'm doing mostly musical theater and big band jazz gigs. Later this year I'm playing for a show that will require some slap and pop playing and a more 'rock' type sound than I feel I can get on the fretless.

So...

I'm piecing together a Jazz bass from parts around the house. I have a body, neck and full control plate. The bass will be passive. This bass will not be used all that often after the show closes and I really don't want to spend a great deal of money on the remaining parts.

Given all that, I'm looking for suggestions for pickups and strings.

thanks for your time and consideration.

 

[shai-ga]

EMG jazz set with Fodera strings which are great for slap.
They sound bright and every note stings.

 

[cfsporn]

+1 on the EMGs, but I would recommend going for a set of Rotosound Swing Bass 66s in 40-100 gauge.

 

[Voolou]

I've tried every string that I can get my hands on and will only use DR steel wound strings. They last longer IMO than all the other strings and the sound is exceptional. I won't waste my money any other.

 

[morewattsplease]

Ernie ball nickel strings are my favorite.
I like DR, but ernies are my favorite, and they last quite a while. Been using one set on my jazz for...a year and half to 2 years, can't remember. Granted i spent 3.5 months in cook county jail haha (nervous laugh) but I consider that a long lasting string. they def lose the zing but not the pop.Maybe its just me but I like nickel for slap. In my ear it sounds more musical than steel on slap or aggressive finger style, but I'm not about to swear to that.
Last string suggestion, try a flatwound set on your fretted slapping bass. Even if you change it after an hour I'm glad I spent a year doing that.

I like Bart pickups cause they are versatile and not that much more $$$ than others
There are a lot of directions you could go, and while I wasn't a fan of bart-passive setups, if you are a passive lover you may like it (I'm more on the gentle active side)

 

[winegamd]

Just look on eBay for either Mexican or American made Fender stock pickups. If you could find some from a Marcus Miller or Geddy Lee that would be great. They should be cheap and more than enough for what you are wanting to accomplish. If not Fender, I would say Dimarzio. The string choice is important, though. For your discription, I would say nickel strings, but brand is more of a personal preference. If you want a smoother mid range the DR low riders or sunbeams, middle of the road would be D'Addario, and for something really responsive Fodera, LaBella Slappers, or Circle K.

 

[carlos840]

I would just stick in any good quality pickup, something like a pair of Seymour Duncan Sjb1 or some nordstrand pickups.
It's not like you need some slap designed pickups!
Same thing for strings, just keep a relatively new set of rounds on it so you get enough clank and you are good to go!

Your technique will improve your tone more than the choice of pickups or strings. Marcus Miller would still sound awesome one a cheap squier!