55 Pbass - single coil pup UPGRADE ?

[davidchampoux]

Since my CS 55 PBass is one of my favorite bass (look, feel, tone), I think I might want to 'upgrade' the original single coil pickup to a split coil (or anything hum free) to avoid the anoying hum.

What's the best replacement pickup in order to KEEP the original tone, but without the hum? Here's a 2 options :

http://www.fralinpickups.com/bass.asp#51pbass

http://www.seymourduncan.com/product...ngle_coilstac/

Is there any other options?

[basshag]

I have a Fralin split coil in my '68 Tele bass and absolutely love it.

[Mastermold]

Originally Posted by davidchampoux

Since my CS 55 PBass is one of my favorite bass (look, feel, tone), I think I might want to 'upgrade' the original single coil pickup to a split coil (or anything hum free) to avoid the anoying hum.

What's the best replacement pickup in order to KEEP the original tone, but without the hum? Here's a 2 options :

http://www.fralinpickups.com/bass.asp#51pbass

http://www.seymourduncan.com/product...ngle_coilstac/

Is there any other options?

I don't have an answer but I'm curious to read other's input.

[davidchampoux]

$140 for a single pickup is not exactly cheap, so I wanna be sure I won't loose that tone I like so much from the 55...

[Stilettoprefer]

You try shielding the cavities yet?

[davidchampoux]

no. Will that really make a difference??

[Mastermold]

How about some pics of your bass?

[Stilettoprefer]

Originally Posted by davidchampoux

no. Will that really make a difference??

It should. Telecaster players do it all the time.

It doesn't hurt or cost much to install shielding (if you do it yourself), and it's a lot cheaper than a new pickup.

[davidchampoux]

Along with my 59...

Sorry, iPhone quality...!

[davidchampoux]

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

It should. Telecaster players do it all the time.

It doesn't hurt or cost much to install shielding (if you do it yourself), and it's a lot cheaper than a new pickup.

Might try that first... What's the best material to do so?

[bal704]

You can use copper shielding, or conductive paint. Such as:

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Copper-G...Kit_p_176.html

Originally Posted by davidchampoux

Might try that first... What's the best material to do so?

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by davidchampoux

Might try that first... What's the best material to do so?

Copper foil. You can get cheaper stuff from a stained glass place or conductive glue type from StewMac. I'd say that if you use the conductive glue type still make connection between pieces with solder as the glue probably will dry out through the years. Remember all foil must be grounded (connected to jack body)

Note that shielding ONLY gets rid of the hum that "goes away when you touch ground". Hum that doesn't change when you touch ground is single coil hum and shielding will do nothing for that. However you may find a certain direction to stand that kills single coil hum!

Best solution to single coil hum is hum cancelling pickups. I put SCN in my Fender Jazz and love them. But I don't think you'll find ANY hum cancellers that are identical in tone to single coils. That's why people put up with the hum! I personally love Nordstrands the best, but they are $$$. So I went with SCNs which were considerably cheaper...though now apparently discontinued.

[davidchampoux]

Originally Posted by bassbenj

Note that shielding ONLY gets rid of the hum that "goes away when you touch ground". Hum that doesn't change when you touch ground is single coil hum and shielding will do nothing for that. However you may find a certain direction to stand that kills single coil hum!

That is what I was refering to... So shielding won't help. I can find the quietest direction in the studio, no problem, but on live situation, it's sometimes impossible... Soundmen don't always like me! :P

Nordstrand don't make a pickup for the 51-57 PBass...

[davidchampoux]

Waiting for a Seymour Duncan stacked coil... Hope it'll fit in my Custom Shop 55.....

[spiritbass]

Originally Posted by basshag

I have a Fralin split coil in my '68 Tele bass and absolutely love it.

+1 on Lindy's split-coil.

[davidchampoux]

Some reviews said that the split Fralin is close to a regular split P pickup, and its not the tone I'm looking for... (With this bass anyway, already have a standard P).

I just want that single coil tone that I love, but without the noise... I hope the Duncan stacked will fit and give me that tone.

Btw, Fender is now shipping their new CS51 with that particular pickup...

[spiritbass]

Originally Posted by davidchampoux

Some reviews said that the split Fralin is close to a regular split P pickup

Not to my ears. I compared the Fralin to Lollar's scp pickup. The Fralin delivered a little better response from the E, punchier mids, and a bit less high end response but it's still the sound of a single coil to me. I actually prefer the split precision tone myself. To each his own...

[Mastermold]

The stock CS pickup sounds great in mine--no need to change but if it ever dies it's good to know there are good replacements available.

[davidchampoux]

Received the Duncan Stacked pickup. It fitted perfectly in my CS 55 (though I had to remove the pickguard to install it).

There's NO noise at all with this pickup but I still prefer the tone of the original single coil...

Any one want this stacked pickup?

[muzikman7]

Was there a wire from your pickup to the pickup cover? if not install one and shield your bass my '68 Telecaster is very quiet.