Llewellen
Junior Member
Does anyone have experience with or know of a 5 string PU that approximates the sound of a Bi-Sonic? Curtis Novak doesn't/won't make one. I am aware of the Lakland Chi-Sonic. Any others?
I don't know. The list of people who made or are making Bisonics is pretty small but you did miss https://www.daguetguitars.fr/en/boutique/pickups-and-parts-en/micro-basse-dagstar/#gallery-5 I know nothing about them other than they exist - never played one or talked to an owner, but you can certainly ask if they could/would make a 5 string version.
^^^that is from 6 years ago. the website is dead but he did make a 5-string
Thanks. Maybe one of the PU gurus can chime in here but it may be that the 6-string version has enough overall pole spacing to work for a 5 string. I'll keep an eye out on ebay and Reverb to see if anything becomes available.
Not to be a Debbie-downer, but I've been scouring Hagstrom ads on ebay for over 13 years and so far have only ever come across 3 or 4 original 4-pole Bisonics (not all in working order). I've never seen one of those Hagstrom BassVI models for sale and I wager finding one of those pickups loose would be a one in million chance. That said, I have read those were extremely limited production back in the day. I would assume that the chrome surrounds and bobbins are the exact same dimensions, just fitted with 6 poles instead of 4. Bass VI guitars in general have very narrow guitar-like spacing and were probably originally designed with a plectrum in mind.
I seem to remember Curtis Novak talking about already being in the process of developing 5-string Bisonics a few years back... pretty sure Fred Hammon spoke of a 5-string Dark Star concept too though, so I may be confusing the two. In any case, you should email Curtis, he's a very friendly and responsive guy. Good luck!
I don't know. The list of people who made or are making Bisonics is pretty small but you did miss https://www.daguetguitars.fr/en/boutique/pickups-and-parts-en/micro-basse-dagstar/#gallery-5 I know nothing about them other than they exist - never played one or talked to an owner, but you can certainly ask if they could/would make a 5 string version.
I received a reply from Roger (Daguet Guitars) and indeed he will make a 5 string version. Just waiting to hear back from him about pricing.
Judging by the awkward translation, I think it's possible he's just trying to warn you the re-issues aren't exactly the same as the original basses, is all.I received this further reply from Roger Daguet.
"d*oes your guild fitted with originals bisonics or fred hammon reissues? if yours are the chinese reissue, you are quite far from the original"
I have the Newark Street reissue Starfire II so this is an interesting (if disconcerting) comment from Roger. Any feedback from forum members?
The Chi-Sonics are half that at EUR 250 the pair. http://www.letstalkguild.com/ltg/sh...ing-Bi-Sonic&p=1851440&viewfull=1#post1851440Euro 255 each.