Thanks so much for that input, Andy. I'm glad to know I'm not the only mad scientist that's into VI's. Truthfully, my body isn't even a Warmoth build, nor is it much like a traditional Bass VI. It's my own design and construction - basically a hybrid electric acoustic with a hollow body and a braced soundboard. The piezo will be mounted directly to the bridge plate (probably). The neck will probably be my own construction too. I've brought this same quandary to several luthiers' forums and no one really had any ideas. It doesn't surprise me at all that the UW forums were housing the experts on this subject. And even though this isn't really a Warmoth build, I figure the information I gather is helpful to others that want to play around with Warmoth Bass VI's.
I've been thinking about using the GFS Dream 180, which is a pretty bassy pickup in the "sweet spot." That will blend with the piezo. But if what you're saying is right, the warmer neck position might be a better spot for that Dream 180. It sort of makes sense to do that, especially because I can always bring in more highs with the piezo. I'm also planning on stealthing a really hot Tele bridge pickup under the soundboard for something closer to a signature "big western"/Hank the Knife kind of Bass VI sound.
I also have an E-E 35" scale science experiment bass that's my main player. I've been using custom sets of D'Addario strings, and they're ok. People don't realize what a big issue strings are with these instruments. If I could only get DR to start manufacturing Zebras for bass, I'd be a happy man, but I think I'd be one of the few people in the world that would actually want them.
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For my final report, I got a response from Bare Knuckle pickups yesterday. That is such a great company, and their response just adds to my respect for them. I shouldn't post their exact response, because it violates the legal disclaimer attached to their emails, but I'll paraphrase:
First response, just hours after my initial inquiry:
I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to forward this to my supervisor for his advice. He will be back in the office next week.
Thank you.
And then, early yesterday morning:
It doesn't sound like anything we make will meet your specific needs. Thank you for your inquiry.
(Managing Director of Bare Knuckle Pickups)
Isn't that classy? Rather than try to sell me something, they tried to point me away from the wrong product. I'm very impressed with them.