Best P Bass pickup of all time? - Page 3

bluesdogblues · #41 05-22-2011, 11:09 AM

Interesting thread, my 78 P also has dMarzio on it.
I like 'vintage' tone and consider about change it into one of: Fender 62 otiginal or Fralin.. Don't know yet which one better for 'vintage' tone.
But I tend to go Fender.

SGD Lutherie · #42 05-22-2011, 11:20 AM

The thing is, if a DiMarzio is causing distortion, than any other P bass pickup will cause distortion. The DiMarzio is not louder than other P bass pickups, but it is brighter.

Since the issue comes up when the tone control is rolled off, it's because of the low end. Any other P bass pickup will produce the same amount of low end.

Just take a screw driver and turn the screws on the coil under the E and A string clockwise to lower it a bit. Make it lower under the E than the A string, and then try it out.

And then learn to adjust the amp so it wont clip. That usually means turning down the input gain or volume control, and maybe reducing the bass a little.

Mojo-Man · #43 05-22-2011, 11:33 AM

Lollar 60's P-pickup.

Dave Allen custom.

Fralin custom wound. (5% hotter)

The three above sound best to me.

1kinal · #44 05-22-2011, 02:27 PM

Over the years I've had a Fralin, Fender (stock from an american standard) and more recently the Bill Lawrence Wilde P46.

The P46 is everything I've ever wanted in a P pickup. Really consistent across the strings, punchy sound with low-mid bump (the definition of the P-bass sound IMO) and great price.

The Fralin and Fender were good too but the P46 takes it to another level.

spaz21387 · #45 05-22-2011, 02:39 PM

I was thinking and I had the same problem with a delano pickup. right up until i lowered the pickup height the distortion stopped and the clipping noises stopped too.

SGD Lutherie · #46 05-22-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaz21387

I was thinking and I had the same problem with a delano pickup. right up until i lowered the pickup height the distortion stopped and the clipping noises stopped too.

Right, because pickups don't distort. What's happening is there is too much signal going to the amp when you pluck hard, and the amp's input stage clips.

You can demonstrate this by turning down the bass' volume control. That will also stop the clipping. So lowering the pickup farther away from the strings reduces the output.

But even lower output pickups can clip an amp if the gain is set too high.

Double E · #47 05-22-2011, 03:24 PM

The Bill Lawrence P46...look no further. It's got the punchy, p-bass-on-steroids sound and low price, it'd be hard to beat for twice the price...heck three times the price even.

4bassguitar · #48 05-23-2011, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

The thing is, if a DiMarzio is causing distortion, than any other P bass pickup will cause distortion. The DiMarzio is not louder than other P bass pickups, but it is brighter.

Since the issue comes up when the tone control is rolled off, it's because of the low end. Any other P bass pickup will produce the same amount of low end.

Just take a screw driver and turn the screws on the coil under the E and A string clockwise to lower it a bit. Make it lower under the E than the A string, and then try it out.

And then learn to adjust the amp so it wont clip. That usually means turning down the input gain or volume control, and maybe reducing the bass a little.

I have been doing that. the pickups are in the bass all the way. I have turned my input gain all the way down. I raised my action on the bass. and I screwed the hex screws all the way in. It still clips, so I don't want to deal with that anymore. And when I roll the tone off there is no difference in the tone. I am not disagreeing with you, but this bass has given me a bunch of problems, that is the reason I am asking for different pickups.

rayzak · #49 05-23-2011, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC2112

I have a Lindy Fralin in my number one right now and have had a few other P's with Fralins. For me - they are the definition of P bass thump.

I certainly haven't played nearly all of the fine P pickups out there, but I've never felt the need after loving my Fralins so dearly. That goes for J pu's too!

bassgod76 · #50 05-23-2011, 10:14 AM

I've heard that Lollar makes the best for capturing the vintage thing.

I've used EMG quite a bit on three different basses. Very clear and focused, but may not have the vintage MOJO you're looking for.

I also used SD quarter pounders. I like these a lot. Very hot, aggressive passive pickups that can probably give you some vintage vibe.

someparts · #51 05-23-2011, 10:17 AM

Did the DiMarzio thing many years back. Best vintage P tone I've been getting these days is the Duncan Antiquity II pickup and the Fender '59 Custom Shop stocker. The Duncan is a little hotter and brighter to my ears...

bluesdogblues · #52 05-30-2011, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGD Lutherie

Here's some vintage Motown isolated bass tracks to show that fart tone:

Motown Mix

It's like fart city!

Hi SGD..
where did you get that 'Motown isolated bass tracks'? Is there anymore of that?
I like it and would like to listen more if you have it please..

Thanks

HosMan · #53 05-30-2011, 08:54 PM

I think that is the ultimate in subjectiveness. I`ve opted for what I think sounds best/what I most want(Fender Original Preciscion Bass Pickups[formerly the `62 Reissue]. A highly personal decision,imho.

HosMan

bluesdogblues · #54 05-30-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HosMan

I think that is the ultimate in subjectiveness. I`ve opted for what I think sounds best/what I most want(Fender Original Preciscion Bass Pickups[formerly the `62 Reissue]. A highly personal decision,imho.

HosMan

I'm with you, man

98pbass · #55 06-01-2011, 08:37 AM

Semoreducan Basslines SP-3.( I use Trubass rotosounds flat, nylon over steel), tremendous bottom end with a punch . so much easier to control treble and mids.great p u for the money

98pbass · #56 06-01-2011, 08:44 AM

those basslines are 64$ +/- easy to install if u know how to solder

Hopkins · #57 06-01-2011, 08:45 AM

Two words, Rio Grande. The Fender 62 is nice too

GBassNorth · #58 06-01-2011, 09:59 AM

Only tried a few different brands of P's but my favorite by far is the Bartolini CBP. It has more vintage tone than the normal barts but also maintains that dark smooth bart output. Responds very well to flats and tapewounds for classic punch and nickel roundwounds for growl and hifi.

Clark Dark · #59 06-01-2011, 11:30 AM

I vote the Wylde P-46. I wired mine in parallel but they sound good wired in series also.

Rafael · #60 06-04-2011, 03:59 PM

Yeah, +1 to the idea of turning DOWN the gain knob and turning UP the master knob.
And, +1 to the Bartolinis....I have a pb clone w/high a's that rawk....blows away my EMGs, SDs, Dimarzios, etc. I have another set on the way for my Hamer.