50s P Bass pickup

[dvh]

Hi gang,

I'm the proud new owner of a 50s P bass in honey blond. It came strung with flatwounds - which I wanted.

Have had it out for a few jams, no gigs yet. First impressions are I'm finding the pup a little lacking.

The output is much lower than my 51 P resissue with the single coil. I've never owned a split coil P so have no experience there.

Anyone else who has gone through this? What kind of replacements have folks done? Give me your stories.

[4Mal]

If you take out put out of the equation by adjusting for it at the amp, how do the basses compare tonally ?

[GlennW]

Before buying anything play around with the height of the pickup...that'll change the sound for free.

[dvh]

Good call! Tried it. It has made a difference.

Still curious to hear about what others have done.

[dvh]

Originally Posted by 4Mal

If you take out put out of the equation by adjusting for it at the amp, how do the basses compare tonally ?

They are very different. First off the 51 has rounds and the 50s flats.

The 51 single coil has a good bite to it. I've never played a split coil with rounds but from what I've heard the split coil is a little less "barky".

Hence, the 51 has a much snarlier tone - great for rock and funk.

The 50s P Bass is my jazz and blues machine.

[lonote]

I like the pickup in my 50's. I had to adjust it after I set up the bass, but that's what the screws are there for!

[dvh]

Seems to have done the trick.