Quote:
Originally Posted by roger winkler  I just installed quarter pounders on my P-Bass Special and set the pickup height by Fender's specs. UGH...It sounded terrible, so I reset them to my specs, which are my EARS, and it made a world of difference. Just because Fender says this is the correct way doesn't mean it's written in stone.  Uh...I think I'll go reset them again, I want more bottom!!!  |
Yes, different pickups can require different pickup heights and active electroncis play a roll. Using your ears is the best way.
I find that strings can make a world of difference, which is not surprising.
I like the more traditional P bass sound from the early days-the 60s and 70s-but find that the sound using the Fender and other flatwounds just a little too dull. I don't want a dull thud with a click on top. I like a bit of smooth mids in there. Thomastic flats do it for me. And they last longer than any other string I've used-6 years so far on my P. I use a little bit of foam muting under the strings at the bridge to cut just a bit of the overtones which can sometimes get away from you with any fairly bright strings. But not as much as the Motown copycats who stuff in enough to fill a pillow and deaden the sound completely. Just a touch.
That works for me. I now have a bass that plays with minimal effort and requires a slightly lighter touch, has nice action and gets a great sound recorded or live. It may not appeal to you. It certainly isn't the sound I hear young guys use on their basses playing modern stuff, but would probably improve the bass sound and add a completely unique flavour to the mix.
The P bass is a sound that has many appealing qualities. But you just can't get it to sound like a bass with 2 humbuckers or one with a MM pickup. It's its own sound.
