Author Topic: Pickup Placement - Fatboys (Read 663 times)

5a_quilt_top · « **on:** August 03, 2012, 12:13:28 PM »

As of yesterday, my custom build project is underway. Specs discussed and confirmed with Susan and Mica, project priced and invoiced by Bass Central (thanks again to Beaver and Mike) and deposit paid.

Basic specs:

4-string, 32 scale, comfort taper neck profile.

Body size and shape to be as close as possible to 72-01, bridge pickup traditional placement relative to bridge, neck pickup moved 1/2 further away from neck toward bridge to allow a little more room for slapping (margin for sloppy technique, but working on it).

It will have the standard Stanley Clarke Signature Deluxe electronics package (one master volume, two tone, two Q switches and blend).

I play a variety of styles from funk to jazz to classic rock - no real heavy stuff.

During the spec discussion, Fatboys were mentioned as a possible pickup choice for one or both pickups.

Two questions:

1. what are the opinions on Fatboys in general?

2. should either the neck or bridge pickup (or both) be Fatboys - if only one, which one?

Thanks for any input.

hammer · « **Reply #1 on:** August 03, 2012, 01:58:53 PM »

I had the same questions. I've ordered through Will Gunn who I've dealt with before and his suggestion was to go with the FATBOY Bridge pick-up. He didn't seem to think it made that much difference for the neck.

We've ordered the same electronics package and the other thing that Will suggested to me as an upgrade that you might want to consider are the 3-way rather than standard 2-way Q switches. I don't believe it added more than $50-$75 to the total costs.

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #2 on:** August 03, 2012, 02:35:18 PM »

What's the added benefit of the 3-way Q's?

hammer · « **Reply #3 on:** August 03, 2012, 04:37:46 PM »

Greater flexibility. Based on another thread and the expertise of Mica and Jazzyvee who know a lot more about this than I do, a 3-way Q switch allows for settings of approximately 0/6/9 dB. With the 2-way its either on or off. I believe the on position provides a 8 dB boost.

adriaan · « **Reply #4 on:** August 04, 2012, 03:00:05 AM »

FatBoys are a tad dark sounding. 0vid let my try out one of his in my Spoiler, which has a koa top that perhaps makes the bass sound a little less bright in itself. The FatBoy added a nice oomph in the bridge position, but it was not bright enough for my taste and on this particular bass. In neck position, it overpowered the AXY in bridge position. Perhaps a set of two FatBoys is better if you like the sound in neck position.

I stringly recommend the 3-way Q switch, though I'd suggest the 0/3/6 dB variety - small increases, but enough so you'll notice the differences.

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2012, 10:15:42 AM »

Thanks for all of the input!

Right now, I'm several months away from needing to make a decision (top and back wood is currently being selected), but you've given me something to think about.

I've spec'd a maple, purple heart, ebony neck and a vermilion, maple, purple heart body for this project and that should yield substantial brightness, so a slightly darker pick up should not be an issue there.

However, the 32 scale might benefit from a little more oomph, especially since the neck pick up is being moved 1/2 further away from the neck.