Which EMG p/j for fretless?

[Sheffield]

Firstly: yes, EMG. No, not wanting Barts.

Secondly: who uses EMGs in their p/j fretless (and/or EMGs in their fretless, flat-out)? What set are you using?

I've listened to as many clips online as I can find and I'm at a loss for how to decide. I know that JimmyM is of the opinion that the EMGx series is really trebley, but I haven't heard that in the (few) clips I've found. Granted I didn't find many.

Points? Counterpoints? Carrots?

 

[JimmyM]

Well the X series is really trebly...



Hey, what can I tell you? I'm a regular EMG P/J guy.

 

[Tommy Preston]

I am in same boat...wondering what to do to a Franken P. I have a Bart P and am wondering whether to add another Bart J @ bridge or buy set of EMGs P/J configuration. I am definitely leaning to the old stand bys though as opposed to the new "X" type. I am trying to get the "Jaco" bridge tone by adding to the P configuration. Happy hunting, If any news let me know.

 

[Scoops]

OK

I have 2 fretless bases with EMG P/J set up

Both basses are custom built. Both basses have the bridge pickup mounted about 3/4 of an inch closer to the bridge. Pic can be found here. Link Removed

One is a spalted maple body with maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The pups are accompanied by an EMG 3 band onboard preamp. (BQS) I have the X version PJ set up in this bass. The P pup is also moved 3/4 of an inch closer to the bridge

The other is a walnut body with a maple neck and rosewood finger board. The pups are accompanied by an EMG 3 band onboard preamp (BQS). I have the standard PJ set up in this bass.

The difference is quite startling. The maple bass is terribly punchy. It works really well for funk. The walnut bass has a much fuller sound, and works well for traditional Chicago Blues. The bad thing is I can't decide which one I like better.

It's much easier to get that "Jaco" sound with the X series pup

I play in a couple different blues band. We play in small to medium size venues, so I'm usually dialing in the tone looking for the sweet spot at every differnt venue. The x series is a little bit harder to dial in.

If you have any other specific questions, let me know. I'll try to help

Scoops

 

[Sheffield]

Bumping my own thread.

I went with the PJx set and I'm actually pretty happy with them (the Px sounds awesome, for one). I can see how these would be overkill if you were using rounds; however, I'm really happy with the sound that a balanced tension set of Chromes (40-55-75-95) is giving me with them. It's bright, but in bright-for-flatwounds territory.

I'm currently waiting for a BTC System to toss into the bass. The J pickup isn't soloable, given the huge output of the P-bass pickup; my thought is that I might be able to use this to bass-boost the J so that I can use it solo. Failing that, I'm going to rout the bass for an EMG35 and try a 35CSX in the bridge.

Details to follow in another thread!

 

[Lownote38]

Bumping my own thread.

I went with the PJx set and I'm actually pretty happy with them (the Px sounds awesome, for one). I can see how these would be overkill if you were using rounds; however, I'm really happy with the sound that a balanced tension set of Chromes (40-55-75-95) is giving me with them. It's bright, but in bright-for-flatwounds territory.

I'm currently waiting for a BTC System to toss into the bass. The J pickup isn't soloable, given the huge output of the P-bass pickup; my thought is that I might be able to use this to bass-boost the J so that I can use it solo. Failing that, I'm going to rout the bass for an EMG35 and try a 35CSX in the bridge.

Details to follow in another thread!

The J should be much closer to the strings than the P pick up. Lower the P and raise the J. That will even them out.