Pickup advice please

[JamieR]

I picked up my first fretless - a Vintage v940fl a while back from these very forums. Having stripped it right down and started again, I'm very pleased with the setup and the feel - the neck is great. This thing has helped me to rediscover bass playing all over again! The only issue is the sound. It uses Wilkinson PJ pups and active electronics, and there have obviously been corners cut - it's only a budget instrument. It sounds lovely unplugged...

What sort of sound am I looking for? To be honest, this is probably my sticking point. I want a nice Jaco mwaaah, but I also love the aggressive sound of my Spector Rebop (emg passive HZs with tone pump). Is this a complete contradiction? Right now, the fretless sounds limp and pathetic next to the Spector.

Anyway, I've been looking at the EMG [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/category/24/2"]PJ set[/url] (active), the [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/category/244/2"]PJX set[/url](super active), or maybe even the [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/177/31/2"]PJHZ set[/url] (passive a la the Rebop). I'd also like to replace the electronics, so thinking about the [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/138/146/4"]EMG BTS System [/url](active - master, balance, treble and bass).

Would I notice a big difference in sound between the active and passive pups? Is there a general charactaristic that sets them apart?

I realize deciding on such things is very subjective, but any advice or suggestions (for an obviously confused soul) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Edited October 15, 2010 by JamieR

[Mog]

[quote name='JamieR' post='989068' date='Oct 15 2010, 11:49 AM']I picked up my first fretless - a Vintage v940fl a while back from these very forums. Having stripped it right down and started again, I'm very pleased with the setup and the feel - the neck is great. This thing has helped me to rediscover bass playing all over again! The only issue is the sound. It uses Wilkinson PJ pups and active electronics, and there have obviously been corners cut - it's only a budget instrument. It sounds lovely unplugged...

What sort of sound am I looking for? To be honest, this is probably my sticking point. I want a nice Jaco mwaaah, but I also love the aggressive sound of my Spector Rebop (emg passive HZs with tone pump). Is this a complete contradiction? Right now, the fretless sounds limp and pathetic next to the Spector.

Anyway, I've been looking at the EMG [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/category/24/2"]PJ set[/url] (active), the [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/category/244/2"]PJX set[/url](super active), or maybe even the [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/177/31/2"]PJHZ set[/url] (passive a la the Rebop). I'd also like to replace the electronics, so thinking about the [url="http://www.emgpickups.com/products/index/138/146/4"]EMG BTS System [/url](active - master, balance, treble and bass).

Would I notice a big difference in sound between the active and passive pups? Is there a general charactaristic that sets them apart?

I realize deciding on such things is very subjective, but any advice or suggestions (for an obviously confused soul) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks![/quote]

I wouldnt put EMG's in a fretless myself. I imagine it would sound very thin. If you want a the Rebop type tone the go with the PJHZ and cut the P pup a little.

[Al Heeley]

You know, I read this thread title and thought "This will be amusing, some recommeded chat-up lines, and a few amusing anecdotes."
Not happy with the EMG and fretless thing, that's like your Gran going around in biker gear.