Angel

having built 5 electric guitars now I thought I'd have a go at making a bass. The thing is, I know a fair bit about guitars, I don't know much about basses. I like modern bass sounds so I was thinking of trying to get some active pickups, but I'm a bit lost with knowing what one needs. With active pickups does one also need to be getting some sort of preamp? Could you get passive pickups and add an active preamp?

OK, thanks. Something to think about

I can get my head around how that would work as the EMG have special pots, so how would you connect to the J Retro?

Actually, on reflection the EMG route might be the easiest option. I don't need to use the J Retro, it's in another bass at the moment. Thanks for that thought!

I was hoping to avoid active pickups as I'm using the J retro.

It's an idea, but I'm making the body and neck from scratch, I've already created templates!

Thanks for the suggestions but they are all 4 string!

It's a real beauty. I love the aged Sandbergs.

Having made 5 electric guitars, I figured that I'd have a go at a 5 string bass. I want to have a P/J setup but I'm not having much luck finding a set that isn't megabucks. I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations - preferably not too expensive! I'm thinking passive as I plan to install a J-Retro 01 that I have had for some years.

Wow, so many lovely guitars in this thread!

Alarming lack of pictures in this thread. Just sayin ...

I have a LOT of guitars, but these are my faves, all hand built by me. Numero uno is the Strat.

I don't suppose you are thinking of selling your one?

I see your point, but if I go bust on budget before finishing I have no bass!

My mate told me that I would like this new band 'Marillion' back in 82. It was before they even had a record deal. I rang the record shop in Aylesbury as I heard that they had some of their cheap demo tapes on the counter. The shop owner said, "they've all gone, but you could try the singer Fish, here's his phone number" (!) so yeah, I rang Fish and chatted for 25 minutes about prog. He was out of cassettes though! Then a month or two later they came to the student union bar at my home town (Luton). Still pre-record deal. The ticket was £1.50. Fish was selling tickets at the door. I asked if he'd sign one of the small gig posters and he said 'Sure, come with me , I'll get all the band to sign it" So we did! I was a MASSIVE Marillion fan whilst Fish was in the band, the musical love affair of my life. And here's the poster: And ticket:

I don't suppose anyone has any recommendations for inexpensive PJ pickups for 5 string (not active)? I'm just planning building my first bass from scratch, and I really liked the PJ setup I had on an old bass some years ago. I don't have tons of spare wonga so I have to have a bit of a budget mindset. I don't want active as I have a J-Retro 01 that I'm planning on sticking in. Anything cheap (ish) but useable out there?

Head of design and branding for Public Health England. Been working at the same place for 30 years (although the organisation has changed a few times). I've been insanely busy with COVID-19 this year, I was producing all the early posters and info for all airports/uni's and ports (in 8 languages).

I've been fishing around on the internet for something - no luck so far. What I really want is a postscript pdf that I can edit and then print myself. Anyone seen any plans anywhere? Failing that I guess I'll have to knock something up from scratch, although that could have potential for massive error!

Saw an awesome bass on a Lee Ritenour live video. Tracked down the bass player as Hadrien Feraud, and then the bass as a Mayones Jabba Hadrien Feraud 5. Sure would like one of these! I'm hoping to make a bass later this year, it may well look like this ... https://mayones.com/page/jabba-hadrien-feraud-5/

Rush - Spirit of Radio Queen - Spread your wings (very underrated song ELO - Mr Blue sky