Jamesemt Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 Hi guys, I am getting a custom bass made and want a definite sound from it. I realise woods play a part...but I'm a bit stuck how to get close. Whenever I play a Precision I love the low end thump but miss a bit of top end sparkle - if I switch to a jazz I love the top end but miss having the low down thump...so what's the answer? Tonights rehearsal really highlighted this as I was swapping between the two. I thought going active was the way forward - and does allow me to get nearer, but still not quite there. I have a pair of active Hohner jack basses with different pickups (one humbuckers, the other single coils). I seem to prefer the humbuckers to the single coils as the single coils seem too 'metalllicy' and harsh. I mentioned this to my guitar builder, who suggested that he can get some pickups custom wound to be mid scooped...but is this the answer? I like a lot of warmth which I think is part of the problem. Am I simply looking for the holy grail which doesn't exist?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted August 19, 2009 Share Posted August 19, 2009 [quote name='Jamesemt' post='574919' date='Aug 19 2009, 11:33 PM']I mentioned this to my guitar builder, who suggested that he can get some pickups custom wound to be mid scooped...but is this the answer? Am I simply looking for the holy grail which doesn't exist??[/quote] Yes, it's one answer & a good one to boot. Holy Grail... Aren't we all? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 A Precision Deluxe I had might be the type of sound you're after. Precision pickup, and a Humbucker at the bridge. Lots of stingray style zing, but with the low end thud from the P pickup. Alternatively a P/J configuration might be right for you. Trouble is, sound is so personal, only [i]you[/i] can decide the sound you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesemt Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 Ok dumb question - is a precision pickup the same as a humbucking pickup?? Ie two jazz like single coils side by side?? On my custom bass a P pickup would look a bit odd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceguyhomer Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 My Sandberg had the sound you want - that had a MM pup at the bridge and a reverse P pup in the usual place. It's not a pretty set up but it'll give you that sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 To get zing you need a high resonant peak so something that's 'underwound' and low inductance is the key. Q-Tuners will get you that due to the air coils but they're the wrong shape. By the way, a Jazz has deeper lows than a Precision, it's just not as thick in the thumpy area. Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamesemt Posted August 20, 2009 Author Share Posted August 20, 2009 Are you talking about a BL4? Regards the shape - want anything but a P shape pickup. Those Qtuners would be perfect if they have the necessary thump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lateralus462 Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 I wanted some Qtuners for my Ibanez but they're the wrong size Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted August 20, 2009 Share Posted August 20, 2009 Yep, BL-4. I have two BL-5s in my bass. But bear in mind that thump is very location dependent - neck pickup, not bridge or blended. Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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