k. armstrong VS lindy fralin PB pickup

marc_oceano · #1 08-21-2011, 11:34 AM

Hi gents,
i'm looking for a replacement pickup for my 1971 PBass.
(rosewood neck).
The mic instaled now is a Bartolini witch I don't like the sound : too soft and gentle.
I'm mainly into 60's / 70's sounds, finger / pick technique.
i've got the choice beetween a kent armstrong and a lindy fralin re issues PB pickups.
I'm playing a vintage SVT an a DR201 vintage Hiwatt, on two ampeg 15" cabs.

Someone an experience to share with thoose brands ?
Cheers !!!
m_o

ZolkoW · #2 08-21-2011, 12:34 PM

Which Kent Asmstrong?

I don't know the Fralins, but have a handwound Classic P from K.A. in my Prec. copy. that's an old sample, I hope the link stil l works: http://basszusmuhely.hu/hangminta/prec1.wma

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc_oceano

Hi gents,
i'm looking for a replacement pickup for my 1971 PBass.
(rosewood neck).
The mic instaled now is a Bartolini witch I don't like the sound : too soft and gentle.
I'm mainly into 60's / 70's sounds, finger / pick technique.
i've got the choice beetween a kent armstrong and a lindy fralin re issues PB pickups.
I'm playing a vintage SVT an a DR201 vintage Hiwatt, on two ampeg 15" cabs.

Someone an experience to share with thoose brands ?
Cheers !!!
m_o

marc_oceano · #3 08-21-2011, 04:07 PM

i'll go for :
Ref.: SPB00
K.ARMSTRONG PRECISION BASS VINTAGE ALNICO

walterw · #4 08-21-2011, 06:06 PM

the fralin P-bass pickup is fantastic! it'll be perfect for SVT-style rock P-bass.

plus, the fralin is a hand-built boutique pickup, while most kent armstrongs these days are lower-budget asian-made versions.

if you want to get rid of "soft and gentle", be sure to use 500k pots in the bass to add aggression to the sound (use linear taper for volume, audio taper for tone).

SGD Lutherie · #5 08-21-2011, 06:25 PM

Right, there are the hand wound Armstrong pickups, and then the Asian pickup sold by WD. They aren't bad for the money, but not like the real thing, or like a Fralin.

warnan · #6 08-22-2011, 04:17 AM

i also have handwound K.A p-pup which has ceramic magnet and closed cover. K.A's clarity is superb.
If i got fund i will try SGD pickups,hah hah. I have a UK made patrick eggle milan bass which need new heart. The audio sample sounds good Mr.Schwab.

SGD Lutherie · #7 08-22-2011, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warnan

If i got fund i will try SGD pickups,hah hah. I have a UK made patrick eggle milan bass which need new heart. The audio sample sounds good Mr.Schwab.

Thanks!

All my pickups are hand wound as well.

marc_oceano · #8 08-23-2011, 01:00 AM

Thank you all for the answers !
i think i'll go for HANDWIRED pickups.
I've found this guy in Paris :
HepCat Pickups
He builts pickups with exact historical specs. And he's got the very same wire and material than the originals Fender. He purposes a 62 PB model and also a 71. All hand made in his little "room plant".
Of course i'll keep you aware in this thread.
Cheers
m_o

slopeshoulder · #9 08-23-2011, 10:09 AM

just get the fralin and never consider the issue again.

marc_oceano · #10 09-17-2011, 05:32 PM

Just instaled the HEPCAT PICKUPS on my PB and they're way cool ! You can order a 62 or 72 models with different type of wire and wiring process.
So as my 71 JB pickups tended to be microphonics, the guy insulates them (waxed) and rewired the neck mic. He did a really neat job.
For thoose who are in France, this is a very serious contact !!!
hepcat pickups, Paris

cheers !
m_o

easye · #11 09-17-2011, 05:48 PM

I have spoke to kent armstrong several times he has 2 lines a handwound by him line and the line distributed by WD which is a import. They def are nice I went with www.lutherleepickups.com for my p basses the guy was pretty cool and he also makes the pickups for social distortions guitar player