Dugz Ink Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 I'm working on the plans for my bass guitar project and looking at various types of pickups. I would like a "vintage" looking pickup that is fairly rectangular... but most of those appear to be "neck" pickups, and this is going to be closer to a "bridge" pickup location. I also want to use the K&K "Big Shot" piezo on the same guitar... but don't know what I need to know to pick the right "match". Here are some pickups that have caught my attention on eBay: "Vintage Gibson" "Gibson Humbucker" "From Ibanez Roadster" "Gretsch Filtertron" All of those look good to me, but I want something that sounds good... and I have no clue. I will be playing a lot of Country, some Blues, and maybe some Rock. SO, the big questions: 1) If I use a "neck" pickup in the bridge location, how does that usually sound on a bass? 2) What should I watch for when selecting a magnetic pickup to mix with the non-amplified piezo? Any information, links, or advice are appreciated. D~s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dugz Ink Posted January 19, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 19, 2005 Well... one of these auctions is ending in about 5 hours... Anynody have any advice? D~s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spirit Posted January 19, 2005 Report Share Posted January 19, 2005 I *think* that the main differences between bridge and neck pickups on guitar are that the bridge is usually higher output because the strings vibrate less near the bridge than near the neck. Assuming that the same is true of bass pickups, the only potential problem would be a volume imbalance if you are using more than one magnetic pickup. Disclaimer: All information is subject to the normal warpage of time, misinformation, and just plain not listening, and as such should be taken with a pinch of salt. I accept no responsibility for any rash decisions taken because of this post. Also, you may want to wait for someone to confirm/rubbish what I've said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Tim Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Well... one of these auctions is ending in about 5 hours... Anynody have any advice? D~s ← The main difference with bass pickups is size and string spacing, neck pickup are usually shorter in lenght and the spacing between polls is often shorter. I wouldn't use a neck pickup for a bridge in most cases. Are you looking for a more vintage look? You would have many more choices going with two J style or p/j combo, most pickup makers have those styles. I wouldn't pick any of the ones you linked for a project "I" was building. Most basses made today have eather 2-j's, p-bass, p+j, soapbar or other [such as musicman] I suggest you go look at "Talkbass" they have a form, with a section just about pickups. In some ways there are more choices for bass pickups than guitars as far as styles and shapes. Hope I have been helpful, Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skibum5545 Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Well, I personally love the sound of the pickups used on Gibson Thunderbird basses ( and even the Epis sound good), so I'd go with the non-vintage gibson humbucker-- from those that you showed. If you buy anything by Bartolini, you can't go wrong. They sell all sorts of rectangular pickups here: http://www.bartolini.net/information/bass/new_bass_pu_s4.htm They even specify neck or bridge! Mind you, that will run you a little more expensive than the ebay ones, but I'm sure they're far superior pickups too. Good luck and happy bassing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickguard Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Hi, I'm looking at the design...nice! (I like that teardrop/firebird hybrid too) Where'd you get the idea for that slant in the center? I like it --keeps a bit more volume but still lets the air circulate. As for pickups...I'm tempted to put a bass together using lipstick pups like the Danelectros.... Like these: Wow! I want it! My very favorite guitar shape Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dugz Ink Posted January 21, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2005 Thanks for the info and the links. It was all useful. idch: The "teardrop/firebird hybrid" started as just teadrop, then I added wings, then I canted the wings. The wings will still be slightly lower than the teardrop section, so a true three-dimensional view won't look as much like the Firebird. As for the angle on that other guitar, I just try to keep as much wood as I can in the high-torsion areas while cutting out wood where I can for weight and (possible) acoustic affect. D~s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedoctor Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 I actually love the Gibson humbucker for all positions but you can only get them for 4-string. Since that is what you are working on I will go out on a limb and insist you try one. The minis on the EB-3 are the best thumpers I have ever heard. In my humble(not) opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dugz Ink Posted January 22, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 Thanks, Doc. This model will be a 4 string, so I'll buy one and try it out. BTW: I don't mind doing some experimenting, but I don't want to buy 378 pickups. D~s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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