NP4s Versus Quarter Pounders

::::BASSIST:::: · #1 12-21-2007, 01:21 PM

What is the superior pickup for a P bass?

Tonal differences?

therex · #2 12-21-2007, 01:42 PM

i think QP are more punchy

joelb79 · #3 12-21-2007, 01:47 PM

Tom Bowlus's Comments on a replacement NP4 on one of his P-Basses:

Official Fender MIJ/CIJ club here!

Nighttrain1127 · #4 12-21-2007, 07:20 PM

I had both the Duncan Quarter pound P-Pickup and the Nordstrand NP 4 pickup Installed in My P-bass obviously not both at the same time. The Duncan to me seemed more modern sounding Not really thick and punchy but more bright and sterile sounding and The NP-4 Was more of a vintage sound but with better definition all around and definately more bottom end and mid punch. The Nordstrand stayed and the duncan is gone. It all depends on what tone you are looking for.

BassMan250 · #5 12-21-2007, 08:42 PM

I don't have any experience with the Nordstrand but my P-bass came with a Quarter Pounder in it (bought it used of evilBay) and I don't care for that pickup at all, like Nighttrain said it's way too bright and brittle for my tastes. I'm hoping to replace it with either a '62 Reissue pickup or a Dark Star- I'd recommend checking those out too.

coolrunner989 · #6 12-21-2007, 08:56 PM

I think I'm gonna throw some nordies in a knock-off p-bass, stick a badassII on it and have a great little p-bass. It's my guitarists bass, so he doesnt have a clue on which pup to put in it. I was thinking the quater pounders, but I want that midrangy beefy tone so I think I should go with the nordies.

JOE EDO · #7 12-21-2007, 09:37 PM

I like the NP4's. I ripped out the guts of my American P (S-1 switch and all) and went to simple volume/ tone pots and the NP4's. Sweet "hollow mid-range" P bass grind. Makes me smile everytime the band plays "London Calling" by The Clash and I hear my bass lines sit in the mix perfectly. This is what a P Bass is supposed to sound like (IMO).

::::BASSIST:::: · #8 12-26-2007, 12:02 AM

Well, I went thru the effort of swapping my NP4s for the quarter pounders. Played it for awhile including a gig and a few band practices. Definitely prefer the NP4s. I am not good at describing sounds, but to me the NP4s just have more 'life' to them. So back in they go.

JOE EDO · #9 12-29-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Well, I went thru the effort of swapping my NP4s for the quarter pounders. Played it for awhile including a gig and a few band practices. Definitely prefer the NP4s. I am not good at describing sounds, but to me the NP4s just have more 'life' to them. So back in they go.

Gald to know we both agree on the NP4's. I found that when I use flatwound strings the NP4's give me a great "Motown" sound too. They are just great PU's and respond nicely to different string types.