Gerb's House of Piffle

I just spent a few hours getting my brother-in-law’s Gecko fretless 5-string bass back into shape.  It was a rewarding effort, since we solved some issues that had been bothering him for some time.  Continue for more details.

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I’m pleased (and a bit surprised, actually) to report that Carvin’s newest “H50AS” stacked-coil humbucking soapbar-shaped pickup works amazingly well in the traditional “neck” position, at least on a Gecko 5-string fretless bass.  I tried one today and I was very happy with its upper-midrange and treble detail.  I had tried these pickups previously in the “bridge” position and found them to be overly aggressive and brash, but those qualities seem to work well in the “neck” position.  (Perhaps this would be a great candidate for a single-pickup “P” style bass?)

It’s been a busy 2 weeks since I last posted anything.  Here’s what’s been happening:

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Okay, this was unexpected but I thought I’d share it anyway. I think I may have just “nailed” the signature fretless tone that bassist Gary Willis has used (both on Tribal Tech albums and his own solo work) with a bass of my own. However, my bass (aside from being fretless) is just about completely unlike his. (more…)

Yep, it’s finally here!  Actually it got here about a week ago, but I’ve been busy with Other Stuff ™ and haven’t had the chance to post about it yet.  Please forgive the lapse.  Anyway, pictures are here at the forums (again!).

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I’m working on a new project, which will (hopefully) involve a Warmoth Gecko 5-string bass body with two soapbar pickups mounted in the “sweet spot” and the “near-bridge” positions.  I’m calling this the “Turbo” configuration, for no better reason than to follow other basses which have had a similar configuration, including the following: (more…)

Well, I’m back from vacation now.  It was fun but I missed playing my basses (and experimenting with pickups).  Since I’ve been back, I have been spending more time with this hobby, and trying to get my fingers back into shape.  Two weeks without playing bass made me a bit rusty! (more…)