Rail Pickups for Bass

[treyhaislip]

Anyone aware of a company that makes rail pickups for the Bass Guitar? (Particularly a PJ Bass)

I know of P Bass pickups offered by Bill Lawrence USA, DiMarzio and Joe Barden. The only one I am aware of who makes a J Bass rail pickup is Joe Barden.

Anyone else know of anything?

 

[DavidRavenMoon]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

I make them


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[dg27]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

I'm curious about this: Would there be a sonic advantage to a rail over pole pieces?

 

[marcboomer]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

Seymour Duncan Proactive for Jazz Bass are rails. None for P's. Rails are useful when one's poles don't line up perfectly with the strings. Some guitar players claim that they like to be able to bend strings and not lose good contact with the pickup.

 

[dg27]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

Makes sense--thanks.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

I don't know if you're interested in actives, but most EMGs are rails as opposed to pole pieces.

 

[dg27]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

Thanks--good to know, but I've never used actives on any of my basses.

And btw, the SD for Rick pickups are rails.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

Don't forget, the custom Shop can fabricate any kind of bass rail pickup you can dream up. Just pick the form factor you like and the EQ. I never used rail pickups in a bass...I know I like them for guitar because of string bending and balance, but what are the advantages of using them on a bass?

 

[dg27]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

Don't forget, the custom Shop can fabricate any kind of bass rail pickup you can dream up.

I'm a big fan of the custom shop. MJ put together a one-of-kind pair for my Warmth (non-rail) that are outstanding. And when I got my non-Custom Shop SD for Rick pickups Seymour crafted a chrome cover for the bridge pickup to match the neck pickup (which comes with a cover).

but what are the advantages of using them on a bass?

I guess weird string a spacing is the biggest reason. Curiously, the Rick set has a rail on the neck and pole pieces on the bridge.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: Rail Pickups for Bass

Thanks for the replies!

While the only actives I've ever liked were in a Bass, I'm really looking for passives here (sorry, should have stated as such in the OP.)

I've started really appreciating rail pickups–seems to have a more even response across all of the strings. Also seem to be more articulate with better string-to-string clarity. Just my opinion, but it is something I notice for my playing at least.

I am very intrigued by SGD's pickup.

Sorry, but Mincer has stated in a PM that SD is well aware of my experience with the SD Custom Shop....let's just say never going with them again.