Pickups for P

Gashaponcito · #1 01-21-2008, 11:36 PM

Here is my little prob, I want to change the pickups of my P (stock) I (or at least plan to) use a lot of effects like Synths (deep impact) Fuzz (bassmaster, big muff), Whammy, etc. I like the aggresive sound of Duff Mckagan(G&R), Chris Wolstenholme (Muse), Justin Chancellor(Tool), Robert Levon Been(Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) etc is there any pickup that is aggresive but still has the vintage tone/vibe/mojo in it? help me out!

Nedmundo · #2 01-22-2008, 09:40 AM

For aggressive with some vintage vibe, first choice would be G&L MFD split-coil. These are difficult to find, but you might be able to get one through a G&L dealer. Next in line would be a Lindy Fralin, possibly with an overwind for more output. The DiMarzio Model P is great for hard rock due to its cutting, grinding tone, but to me it lacks real vintage warmth. I think it might work well for you though. The strong output, clarity, and wide frequency response should allow the tone to hold up with effects.

Gashaponcito · #3 01-22-2008, 01:42 PM

thanks man, do you have experience with the Seymour Duncan P Quarter Pound, Hot P or the Rio Grande Muy Grande?

J.Stone · #4 01-22-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gashaponcito

thanks man, do you have experience with the Seymour Duncan P Quarter Pound, Hot P or the Rio Grande Muy Grande?

The Quater Pounder doesn't really have "vintage vibe".

Risen Ashes · #5 01-22-2008, 01:51 PM

I don't like the Quarter Pounder for what you are describing. If you said- Steve Harris or Frank Bello-then I'd tell you Quarter Pounder. I tried the Peavey Scorpio wherer the Quarter Pounder P and J come stock in the bass and I was not a fan. McKagan uses the Seymour Duncan Hot for P. Dimarzio Model P should be very similar to it. Mckagan also uses a Hot for J with his Hot for P.

Nedmundo · #6 01-22-2008, 02:55 PM

I tried the Duncan Hot for P (SPB-2) after the DiMarzio, because I wanted some vintage warmth with the hot output. It's a very warm, fat sounding pickup that definitely has a vintage vibe. It doesn't do the "cut and grind" thing like the DiMarzio, and has less treble than a vintage pickup. It's excellent overall, but I dumped it because: (a) the super-plump low mids didn't work very well in my band at the time; and (b) it sounds smooth, and I like more grit in the tone. The Fralin and G&L pickups have that grit by the truckload.

If you play with a pick and use bright rounds, the Duncan will do the "gritty" thing a little better, and the phatness holds up well with a pick. Palm-muting with a pick sounds fantastic with it.

mcm · #7 01-25-2008, 11:21 PM

The Sb2 hots are thick and dense. They do not sound that good by themselves, but sit extremely well in a live situation, especially in a 3 piece situation where "fullness" is needed.

Nedmundo · #8 01-26-2008, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcm

The Sb2 hots are thick and dense. They do not sound that good by themselves, but sit extremely well in a live situation, especially in a 3 piece situation where "fullness" is needed.

I do think the SPB-2 sounds good by itself, but I completely agree with you it's a great choice for a power trio. My last band had a really dense mix with two guitars, prominent keys, and lots of backing vocals. The SPB-2 was a little too thick and boomy, and occupied too much of the mix. I'm sure I could have addressed some of this with EQ, but I went with another pickup anyway. I always felt it would have been great in a power trio, especially with a little overdrive.