7 String Bass Pickups

[Septemfluous]

I have designed a line of basses for a company. We have had to take out 7 different patents on the innovations for this bass. I get to have the first prototype. Since I play 7 strings, it is is very difficult to find the pups I want.

My first choice was the Lace Alumitones. I spoke to both Don Lace (CEO) and Jeff Lace (brother and VP) at Winter and Summer NAMM respectively. Both of them gave me their business cards and told me to contact them and they would "hook me up". However, every eMail I send to them falls on deaf ears (blind eyes?). Phone calls just go to VM... with no response. They just don't believe in customer service. I know they make the Alumitones in a size that will work, but I don't want to buy a pickup that is bigger than what I need and I certainly don't want to buy one that is too small.

My next choice was Q-Tuner. I have a set of these on one of my basses and I love them. However, they shut down production for the last two years. When I contacted them, they said they would be getting specs for their new version in shortly and to keep eMailing them to find out where they were. Really?!? You want the customer to chase you down to get your info? You don't believe in getting info to them? Don't you want their money? Poor customer service once again. I am worried about spending a lot of money on something, having it not work, and having no recourse. I have the money to buy the pups, but I don't have money to throw away.

Now, I am trying to contact SD. I use their Contact Us page. Guess what? No response. What is going on? I need some pickups. I am willing and able to pay for them. Why won't anybody take my money? Plus, this is going to be for a full line of basses. This could mean a lot of business for whatever company that can follow through.

The reason I need to talk to the pup company is that I am looking for specific things out of the pickup and I need to know they can be made to my specs. I don't think my specs are really hard to meet. I am looking for a pup that has double coils but are tappable. They have to punch like a Fender Jazz bass In single coil mode, but with an extended low and high frequency response. They have to be noiseless (even when tapped). They have to have a beefy output as the bass will be passive.

I just want to know what SD suggests in their current line or if they have to make them special for this bass. Also, I need to know how much they will cost and how long they will take to make. I know the 7 string version will have to be made special... but, remember... this is for a whole line of basses.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm whinging, I have been chasing this for a year now and it's really frustrating not being able to see my baby come to its full potential.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: 7 String Bass Pickups

Welcome to the forum.

At the time of this writing, I know of no production line SD pickups for seven string bass guitar. I suggest that you telephone the Custom Shop people and discuss your requirements.

 

[allstarrme]

Re: 7 String Bass Pickups

http://customshop.seymourduncan.com/contact-us/

 

[speed2dirt]

Re: 7 String Bass Pickups

You can also check out Nordstrand and Bartolini. Nordstrand makes tons of extended range pickups. They also do a lot of one-offs and custom work regularly. I also suggested Bartolini because my Conklin Bill Dickens signature 7-string bass has custom Bill Dickens signature Bartolinis in it. I don't know what size order it'd take for Bartolini to do custom pickups, but worth a shot. Honestly, if SD can't help you, I'd go straight to Nordstrand. They're very affluent in extended range and custom spec pickups.

 

[Septemfluous]

Re: 7 String Bass Pickups

You can also check out Nordstrand and Bartolini. Nordstrand makes tons of extended range pickups. They also do a lot of one-offs and custom work regularly. I also suggested Bartolini because my Conklin Bill Dickens signature 7-string bass has custom Bill Dickens signature Bartolinis in it. I don't know what size order it'd take for Bartolini to do custom pickups, but worth a shot. Honestly, if SD can't help you, I'd go straight to Nordstrand. They're very affluent in extended range and custom spec pickups.

Yeah, I have a Conklin with Barts. I absolutely despise Barts. First off, they are active (remember, I'm going for passive). Secondly, their low and high frequencies sound overly processed... even with the pre set flat. Barts really lack on the punch I'm looking for. They are just too... uh... I don't know... polite?... that's the only way I know to explain it.

If you're looking for that 90's, New York, Funk tone, Barts are great. If you're looking for a pickup that has a good Rock, Classic Rock, and Country tone, you'll have to twist your amp in extreme ways to get tone you want.

Now, at Summer NAMM, I met a Nordstrand rep. I just don't have enough experience with their tone to want to take a gamble yet. However, if I keep running against a brick wall with SD, that will be my next contact attempt.