yorick Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 I'm sure somebody will have an answer(s). I've just acquired a very nice 3band eq Stingray. Is it possible to fit aftermarket piezos to a standard stingray bridge? And are they available? And has anyone done it??? Just curious at the moment ya see..... Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubs Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Just found this on the EB forum from 2002 - [url="http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/130-piezo-pickup-after-market.html"]http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-...ter-market.html[/url] [quote]No after-market piezo available at this time.[/quote] Things may have changed in 7 years though. I'm not a member on the EB forum but it might be worth having a browse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 You could always look at integrating the Graphtech "Ghost" saddles + preamp. Not sure if they do saddles to fit a standard Stingray bridge but they might. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 [quote name='thisnameistaken' post='498149' date='May 26 2009, 05:22 PM']You could always look at integrating the Graphtech "Ghost" saddles + preamp. Not sure if they do saddles to fit a standard Stingray bridge but they might.[/quote] The Graphtech system is a top system, if you can get it into your Stingray, that would certainly be the route that I would attempt to follow. But that's just me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 [quote name='EBS_freak' post='499707' date='May 28 2009, 11:28 AM']The Graphtech system is a top system, if you can get it into your Stingray, that would certainly be the route that I would attempt to follow. But that's just me.[/quote] The transducers inside each bass saddle are still designed for guitar and so small, they slip between the windings on bass strings. This results in uneven contact and inconsistent volume and this state can change with tuning up, pitch bends or changing strings. Bascially anything that is likely to change the position of the string on the saddle. The only solution at this point in time is to use exposed core strings. Not all piezo's are created equal though. RMC make some that might be worth investigating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EBS_freak Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 [quote name='Crazykiwi' post='499821' date='May 28 2009, 01:23 PM']The transducers inside each bass saddle are still designed for guitar and so small, they slip between the windings on bass strings. This results in uneven contact and inconsistent volume and this state can change with tuning up, pitch bends or changing strings. Bascially anything that is likely to change the position of the string on the saddle. The only solution at this point in time is to use exposed core strings. Not all piezo's are created equal though. RMC make some that might be worth investigating.[/quote] I've never noticed that... but that's not to say it doesn't happen as I haven't got the system installed on any of my basses hence not had a lot of time with the system. It may be beneficial for the OP to shoot urb a PM as I know he has it installed on his Sei and he seems pretty happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubs Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Slight OT, but in theory could you use Piezos on their own instead of using them in conjunction with a standard wound pickup? Would it sound rubbish? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 [quote name='benwhiteuk' post='499853' date='May 28 2009, 01:44 PM']Slight OT, but in theory could you use Piezos on their own instead of using them in conjunction with a standard wound pickup? Would it sound rubbish?[/quote] The Godin thinline acoustic basses do that - just a piezo in the bridge. I had one of the first ones (the old "Acoustibass") and it sounded ****ing lush, frankly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 [quote name='EBS_freak' post='499846' date='May 28 2009, 12:39 PM']I've never noticed that... but that's not to say it doesn't happen as I haven't got the system installed on any of my basses hence not had a lot of time with the system. It may be beneficial for the OP to shoot urb a PM as I know he has it installed on his Sei and he seems pretty happy.[/quote] He and I have already chatted about it. Jon Shuker's also been talking to Graphtec about increasing the size of the tranducer element for basses so this doesn't happen. It might also be that Urb's bass has a slightly different bridge design to mine resulting in a more acute string break angle over the saddle and therefore more pressure. Piezos are renowned for being tricky to set up properly. [quote name='thisnameistaken' post='499865' date='May 28 2009, 01:02 PM']The Godin thinline acoustic basses do that - just a piezo in the bridge. I had one of the first ones (the old "Acoustibass") and it sounded ****ing lush, frankly.[/quote] Mine sounds very nice too but its a signal lacking in a lot of upper mids so probably not suitable for heavy kinds of music. I love the sound of the Godin Acousti-basses though. Very responsive and resonant instruments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubs Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 [quote name='thisnameistaken' post='499865' date='May 28 2009, 02:02 PM']The Godin thinline acoustic basses do that - just a piezo in the bridge. I had one of the first ones (the old "Acoustibass") and it sounded ****ing lush, frankly.[/quote] I really like the look of a bass with no pickups – kind of odd at first but very chic IMO :brow: If I was to commission a custom build I think I’d be looking into using only Pizos… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 [quote name='benwhiteuk' post='499877' date='May 28 2009, 02:12 PM']I really like the look of a bass with no pickups – [/quote] Looks even better with no frets. Mine was black with cream binding, an ebony f/board and black headstock. Looked as good as it sounded. Shame they're so head-heavy though. Neck dive is a swine on fretless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepurpleblob Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 At the risk of stating the obvious, you'd need to get the piezo bridge, a new preamp (unless you're lucky and it's a separate bit) and a new control panel and knobs etc. I'd be surprised if you couldn't get the parts. The distributer is "Strings and Things". I've found them to be helpful in the past. At what cost is another matter. Probably cheaper to punt your bass and get the one you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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