Warmoth 34" 5 strings

[Jefenator]

What do you consider proper pickup placement? Closer to the bridge? At an angle?

First and foremost to make sure that the B string is well within the magnetic field - I once scooted a bridge 1/16" over and it made all the difference in the world.

Also, I find a good bridge pickup is essential for maximum low-B effectiveness. It just doesn't growl & project as well with only the neck pickup IME. (Can't speak to exact positioning. I don't care for it right up against the saddles, though - I like it at least an inch or two out to catch a bit more string wiggle.)

 

[Bass Viking]

Don't know if this helps but I have a 4 string Warmoth with a wenge neck. I can tune the E string down to a low C and it's still clear. Maybe try a wenge neck, it's a very stiff wood which is important for the low B.

Other specs: the bass has a black korina body with Basslines pickups (PJ set).

 

[kent1113]

I got a Warmoth 5 string in a trade with a fellow TB'er. It came with some pickups and preamp I wasn't too impressed with. I changed to Nordstrad, Audere and Sadowsky Blues and I love the sound of this bass. The B is great. One of the first basses I've brought to my R&B band and everyone goes 'Whoa. That's a keeper!'

 

[tubby.twins]

For 10 years I had a Warmoth 5-string fretless Jazz with EMG J pickups, EMG BTC preamp, Wilkinson bridge...

It was probably a combination of these factors, but for what it's worth I have NEVER been able to get a decent B-string when using a Wilkinson bridge. I tried on several basses and it just didn't work for me. The saddles just seem to "wiggly" for me.