Author Topic: Possible 'WAB' bass? (Read 205 times)

jagerphan84 · « **on:** June 14, 2004, 02:28:44 PM »

Hi everyone,

I'm still looking for a fretless 5, and I am considering having one put together by FatDawg at Subway Guitars. What I am considering as a good, reasonably-priced instrument is a fretless Warmoth neck and Warmoth body fitted with Alembic pickups and Bartolini NTBT electronics. Anyone have experience with Warmoth fretless necks? How about the combination of Alembic pickups with Bartolini electronics? According to FatDawg, the Alembic pickups require something to the effect of a 17db boost in the electronics, and the Bart system provides 18db, so 'lots of people prefer that setup to Alembic electronics.' Is there any truth to this? I'm not trying to doubt FatDawg's wisdom, I just think that it would make sense to spring for Alembic electronics to complement the pickups. Thoughts? Ideas?

Adam

son_of_magni · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2004, 04:12:08 PM »

Personally I would probably just go with the Alembic electronics. But I thought I would mention one other thing based on my experience. I bought a 5-string bass about 15 years ago. It's a nice bass, a Pedulla Buzz bass. Over the years the only thing I've wished that I did differently when I ordered it has been to make it a 6-string. If you want to add strings, why just one? If you think you will ever want that 6th string, get it now.
SoM

mica · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2004, 04:22:41 PM »

I sold FatDawg a big pile of cosmetic second pickups a few years ago with no electronics. I didn't want to thrown them away, and I knew he could put them to good use. He'd have to order the electronics to go with the pickups.

I'm not that familiar with the Bartolini systems - but I don't think we offer the same controls, so it may be hard to make direct comparisons. Our boost is adjustable with a trimpot and varies from 1dB to 21dB.

jagerphan84 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2004, 07:15:23 PM »

Thank you both for your responses.
Mica, would you happen to know what the cost would be for Essence electronics with Q switch? How about Europa/Rogue electronics? I think that package would be a fun combo with a fretless 5.
Also, I may be interested in a CVQ knob as opposed to a q-switch, if such would not raise the price too much.

Adam

(Message edited by jagerphan84 on June 15, 2004)