Do I need a piezo?

**Jornan** · 10-22-2009, 07:51 AM

I'm hopefully getting a brand new SR 4H very soon, but the thought of buying a Hp has crossed my mind. But on the other hand, very few people have a piezo on their basses. How does it sound on a SR, and is it used very much? (by the average bass player).

**Duarte** · 10-22-2009, 08:05 AM

This has been posted before, but for the purpose of this I'll put it up again...not a StingRay but you'll get a good idea of the sound a piezo will give on a MM bass.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rNKuYuex1I"]YouTube - 2001 Sterling H with piezo bridge[/ame]

Stoo is a fantastic player.

**Sting** · 10-22-2009, 08:42 AM

If you don't mind the extra cost just get it, options are good!

Before I bought my Stingray 5 I had a hard time deciding between Hp or HH. I REALLY liked the sound of the piezo blended in with the humbucker, but I also liked the range of tones that I got from the HH configuration. In the end I decided that though I preferred the Hp tone, the HH would be more useful to me.

**five7** · 10-22-2009, 08:46 AM

Get it if you can.

**jlepre** · 10-22-2009, 08:55 AM

I had that same question, and decided to get a Bongo HH/p so I could get the best of both. I was glad I did, and liked the piezo tone, but I also got my Bongo with a fretless neck. IMHO the piezo is MADE for fretless, but as others have stated, it adds a warmth to a fretted as well.

The reason I went with a Bongo was that it was the only model that allowed me to get the HH with a piezo. Others might be able to chime in.

Good LUCK!

**keko** · 10-22-2009, 08:58 AM

It depends, only if You need that tone!

I've try a two Stingrays 5 w/piezo, one with maple/FB and another with RW/FB!

It was lot of fun playing it, as far as I remember that piezo works only when switch is in single coil position, but I'm not sure, can't remember now, anyway when adding piezo pot into the mix with magnetic pickup at about 50% and bass boost, mid boost, treble flat, You can really do pop, pop, pop, pew, pew, pew...., like old fretless Jazz Bass on bridge pickup!

It's for versatile jazz jamming and soloing, but that's my personal opinion!

If I were in position to play that kind of music I will honestly consider about that extra piezo pickup! Lot's of fun!

**Grand Wazoo** · 10-22-2009, 09:38 AM

I've got a piezo on my Bongo, and the best way I can describe it is as follows:

Imagine you are driving your 4x4 Mitsubishi L200 Warrior, down a quiet country lane, then all of a sudden you decide to take a short cut up a steep trail and you engage this:

that second gear lever on the right that gives you high ratio and low ratio, split differential and all 4 wheel drive. That's what the piezo does on a Bongo

**oli@bass** · 10-22-2009, 10:20 AM

If your about to order an SR, I suggest the HH. Great useful tones for many situations and styles.

**AtomicPunk** · 10-22-2009, 10:32 AM

I never was interested in getting a piezo until I watched that video. Liked the sound of it very much!

**MudvilleStomper** · 10-22-2009, 12:04 PM

about those piezos..... i understand that they won't work with nylon wrapped strings. will they work with the new enamel coated strings? i didn't think that enamel, in the broadest sense, was conductive.

**Jornan** · 10-22-2009, 12:27 PM

Thanks for the video! The thing is, I have to decide between a 2008 LE (which only comes with a single humbucker) and a regular SR with Hp. I can't add the piezo without changing the bass. I like the piezo sound, but I don't think it's worth it for me. I guess I'll just wait a few month when I get more money and order a Bongo 4 HHp with all rosewood neck!

**Grand Wazoo** · 10-22-2009, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by MudvilleStomper

about those piezos..... i understand that they won't work with nylon wrapped strings. will they work with the new enamel coated strings? i didn't think that enamel, in the broadest sense, was conductive.

Yes, I tried the coated ones on my bongo hhp, not a problem in sound reproduction whatsoever.

**T Alan** · 10-22-2009, 04:04 PM

I use my piezo extensively both live with my improv group as well as on my recording projects. Damn shame I couldn't get it on my Bongo 6er.

**TheAntMan** · 10-22-2009, 05:02 PM

Piezo is a nice touch on my Fretless Bongo 4HHP. I use about 30% to 50% mix with the magnets. Gives a nice tonal "breath" to the overall sound. Is it a must? No. In fact, my next fretless will be a Stealth Bongo which does not offer the Piezo (I think it is due to the anodized coating on the bridge not allow conductivity). I am sure I will still love the sound of this bass for it's own character

Good Luck.

--Ant