Gauge105 - IB-5 Fretless

[gauge105]

Hi guys,
Thought it's about time I get a start on my build diary, I've been stalking the forums since placing my order back in July and it's due next month!

So this will be my first build. I've chosen an IB-5 custom kit with a fretless neck as it is very similar to my Cort B5FL.

I want to see what the body grain is like and let it speak to me before I decide on a finish.

I've settled on the Lace Alumitone Bassbar pickups and Sperzel locking tuners.

I'll be carving the nut from Australian Buloke, I actually spent today making one for my Cort and it came out great. Buloke is f'king hard and it gave my Shinto Rasp a bloody good workout.

I don't want to give away much more at this point, I'm sure once I get my hands on the kit I'll completely change my mind on what I want to achieve, especially since I have some pretty ambitious plans in mind (particularly for the bridge).

Anyways, back to playing the waiting game and stalking all of you.

[Sonic Mountain]

Have you played any instruments with the Alumitones fitted? I have the guitar version of them in my SG build, they look cool but I'm a bit underwhelmed with how they sound.

[gauge105]

Haven't had a chance yet.
I wanted to keep this build passive and the Alumitones fit what I was looking to do.

[wazkelly]

EMG have passives that will fit the cavities which are about 100 mm x 40 mm...... http://www.emgpickups.com/40hz.html#info

I have a set of Custom Bensons in my EX5 which had the same standard kit pickups. When you factor in current exchange rates they may be close to $300 for a set but do sound great. USD $99 each for EMG's might not be much cheaper by the time you add postage.

Cheers, Waz

EDIT: or there are these Seymour Duncans..... https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SEYMOUR-...5.c10#viTabs_0

[gauge105]

Have you played any instruments with the Alumitones fitted? I have the guitar version of them in my SG build, they look cool but I'm a bit underwhelmed with how they sound.

I've always played Cort basses with Bartolini or Mightmite pickups. So at this point I'm going by reviews and recommendations.

Sonic, can you elaborate on what was a let down with the Lace pickups you tried? I mean, was it a deal breaker if you had to make the choice later?

[wazkelly]

It is hard to find anything passive to fit in the size of those cavities that doesn't cost plenty. I seriously looked at a 2nd hand set of Bartolini's too but went with Bensons as PBG was just starting out with them at the time.

[gauge105]

I like the look of the EMG pickups, especially the easy wiring system (I've never soldered before).

What I was hoping to try with the Lace pickups is something similar to what Adamovic does with its ramps.

[Sonic Mountain]

I've always played Cort basses with Bartolini or Mightmite pickups. So at this point I'm going by reviews and recommendations.

Sonic, can you elaborate on what was a let down with the Lace pickups you tried? I mean, was it a deal breaker if you had to make the choice later?

It’s always difficult to describe tone, there is a fair bit of personal taste involved, but for me there is no warmth or soul with the alumitones. They are very clear and bright. It almost sounds artificial, like you are playing a guitar emulator if that makes sense. I’ve taken it around to a mates place and put it through his AC30 and it still didn’t excite me. I’d actually probably rather the kit Humbuckers. So yeah I wouldn’t use them again. If I get some time today I’ll do a quick vid of it to give you an idea. The most telling aspect is that I’m just not inspired to play the guitar. It’s quite nice to hold etc, but it just underwhelms me sound wise.

[gauge105]

Wow, you'd even go with the kit pickups over the Laces! I didn't order any of the hardware with my kit so I think I'm going to have to do a bit more research before I put my money down.

Much appreciated Sonic.

[wazkelly]

The IB5 kit pickups are barely adequate and rather dull sounding. I have a spare set if you really want them.

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