Fender '51 Reissue Pickup Replacement

tilehilder · #1 12-01-2006, 07:38 AM

Hello,

I have a fender '51 reissue p-bass, and am considering replacing the stock pickup. There are a couple of companies that make a "vintage style" 1951 pickup, anyone have experience replacing the stock pickup in this reissue? I played a real 1952 a while back, and I want to get a sound that is a little closer.

Dave

lpdeluxe · #2 12-01-2006, 07:54 AM

I've never played a real vintage single coil. I replaced the stock pup in my 51 RI with a Basslines Quarter Pound and it's got more punch than the stock one.

jobo4 · #3 12-01-2006, 07:59 AM

Seymor Duncan makes nice drop-in replacements in their Antiquity line.

Thurisarz · #4 12-01-2006, 08:01 AM

i have only tried the Seymour duncan scpb QP they offer which i also have in my warmoth '51 tele and i have nothing bad to say abut it.

Stu L. · #5 12-01-2006, 09:00 AM

I too am a bit dissapointed with the sound of a stock '51 (at least mine

) I did see yesterday that Aero makes a replacement pup also. I'm just not a fan of Duncans, keep in mind there are alternatives.

I did replace the cap on my tone pot with a .1uf and that gave it a little darker, more vintage sound, IMO of course. Just another idea to try.

**Chef** · #6 12-01-2006, 09:35 AM

If you want an accurate vintage sound, but bigger and better, I'd recommend calling Carey Nordstrand and have him make something to your spec.
I have the SD SCPB-3 in mine, and L *loooove it* Big fat lows, crisp but not harsh highs, pretty high output. Sounds great with LaBella 760FL flats.
The stock pup ain't bad if true 50's sound is what you want; pretty mellow thump...If you want more oomph, the SD scpb3 is just great...

GobBass · #7 12-01-2006, 10:40 AM

two words....seymour duncan.
can't go wrong.

main_sale · #8 12-01-2006, 12:13 PM

Two more words.....Jason Lollar. I just bought a replacement pickup from him for my '51.

Jim Carr · #9 12-01-2006, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by main_sale

Two more words.....Jason Lollar. I just bought a replacement pickup from him for my '51.

and two more words:

Lindy Frailin.

He rewound the dead (shorted) pup on my REAL 1955 P-bass. Sounds just like the old one, but with a wee bit more output (he used the original bobin, ends, and magnets). He knows ALL about the real thing, and he is a very nice guy you can reach on the telephone. You may catch him winding a pickup when you call. I did.

Stu L. · #10 12-01-2006, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

and two more words:

Lindy Frailin.

He rewound the dead (shorted) pup on my REAL 1955 P-bass. Sounds just like the old one, but with a wee bit more output (he used the original bobin, ends, and magnets). He knows ALL about the real thing, and he is a very nice guy you can reach on the telephone. You may catch him winding a pickup when you call. I did.

I've been meaning to contact him and ask if could just rewind this RI pup to make it sound better. Fralin makes my favorite pups.

Jim Carr · #11 12-01-2006, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stubi19

I've been meaning to contact him and ask if could just rewind this RI pup to make it sound better. Fralin makes my favorite pups.

+1 I am also using Fralin Split coils on my Jazz Bass. No Hum = more tones!!

LoveThatBass · #12 03-09-2007, 06:45 AM

I put an SD SPCB-3 Quarter Pounder along with some Roundwound strings on mine and love the tone. Got a lot of compliments on the tone. I also shielded the cavities with Electrically conductive paint from Stewmac. Now very quiet and the tone is still the same.
LOVE THIS BASS NOW!

**Chef** · #13 03-09-2007, 07:04 AM

Yessir, that's a formula for success right there

lpdeluxe · #14 03-09-2007, 07:07 AM

I replaced the GHS Brite Flats on my 51 with the LaBella nylon tape wounds I had on it with the stock pickup. Practice tonight, gig tomorrow night. I'll report back.

lpdeluxe · #15 03-10-2007, 07:41 AM

Not long after I got my 51 RI last Spring, I installed LaBella nylon tape wounds on it. I loved the feel, but it wasn't quite there; I ended up using my Tribute L2K a lot more on gigs.

But I persevered: I changed out the bridge on the P for an American Deluxe four-saddle model, replaced the stock pu with a Quarter Pound, and while I was at it, I restrung the beast with GHS Brite Flats.

I started taking it and the L2K to jobs, but there was still something lacking. This week, I put the LaBellas back on. Last night at practice, everyone remarked on the sound. Very deep and percussive, a great bottom for everyone else. Not much sustain, but a truckload of punch. This is the killer combination! We're doing a series of gigs starting tonight, and Doris-the-51-Reissue is going with me.