Fretless Pickup Thread

[steve f]

I've seen a lot of good info about pickup configurations.
I'm interested in hearing specifically about likes/dislikes when it comes to various pickup configurations on fretless basses (personally I prefer stingrays and bongos). And while we're at it fretless rays vs bongos.
I've had a chance to play a fretless SR4H and SR5HH and that's about it.
Most of the shops I have access to have limited stock, particularly in fretless basses and bongos.
I'm thinking that a fretless HS would make sense but don't think its likely I'll get a chance to try before I buy.
Anybody willing to share their thoughts?
Thanks
Steve

 

[maddog]

I'z got a fretless single H bongo. Me luv it.

strung with roundwounds.

Still growly and use a rubber pick to have a good bit of attack but not too much.

 

[RocketRalf]

I've read piezo is the bomb on a fretless. You can only get piezo in an Hp configuration on the Sterling and Stingray, but the Bongo is available in Hp, HHp and HSp configurations. No piezo options for the BFR, 25th or AL basses... yet

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I've had about 6-7 fretless basses in my time and NONE of them compare to the '94 SR4 I had back in '96-'97. It was the fretless fraternal twin of my fretted '94. I miss that bass wholeheartedly.

 

[shakinbacon]

I've read piezo is the bomb on a fretless. You can only get piezo in an Hp configuration on the Sterling and Stingray, but the Bongo is available in Hp, HHp and HSp configurations. No piezo options for the BFR, 25th or AL basses... yet

I'll admit I haven't even tried a Fretless Musicman (would if I could though). However, my piezo equipped fretted Bongo makes me think it would be *really* nice for fretless. Put it this way, I am using flatwounds and think the piezo option is a big part of the tone I am getting. Without the hi frequencies provided by frets, I think the piezo pickups would help in a similar manner for a fretless bass.

 

[tkarter]

Best fretless bass I have played was a single H bongo with a peizo and round wound strings on it.

tk

 

[Duarte]

I always loved the idea of fretless HSp Bongos. I'd go for that even without trying one. After owning a fretless H Ray and fretted HS Bongo, I figure I can make an almost informed decision.

 

[Sting]

When I'm playing fretless, it usually means I'm playing more melodically. Therefore I want the tone to really cut through, this means more bridge pickup than neck pickup with the piezo being nice for some added texture. Although, the neck pickup is good to have options.

If I were going to buy a fretless Music Man (and I hope to someday) I would probably shoot for a Bongo HSp, mostly because of the S neck pickup option.

 

[b-unit]

i want a single h ray4 fretless!