pickups for the vintage P sound

air_leech · #1 09-25-2007, 03:39 PM

hey,

I recently purchased a Bill Nash PB50 that came with a Dimarzio pickup.
the Dimarzio sounds great but has a very modern sound that doesnt sound anything like a vintage P (thus I'm planning to throw it with a Model J bridge pup into my old Warwick).
so now I'm trying to gamble which aftermarket P pickup would be the best choice for what I want - that creamy, thumpy and slightly overdriven in the high mids tone that I associate with vintage Ps.
I especially like Stu Zender's recent tone (with Mark Ronson) and of course Jamerson's tone if that helps in any way.

any insight and personal experience with ANY kind of P pickup would be appreciated.

I'm looking at the Nordstrand NP4, Lollar P, Kent Armstrong Hot P (chinese), Delano P and SD Antiquity I, but would love to hear about other pickups as well.

Texx · #2 09-25-2007, 07:14 PM

Fender original ´62... that´s what i have in my ´96 MIM
...sounds totally different than the Dimarzio and different than standard MIM, MIA or CIJ p-ups but it´s hard to describe,
it´s more ...smooth in a way

7flat5 · #3 09-25-2007, 08:33 PM

Jamerson's tone = heavy flatwounds, high action, and a bridge cover mute. Plus, James' fingers.

Scott in Dallas · #4 09-25-2007, 10:28 PM

I like the Original '62. I can nail a Zender or Jamerson tone with it.

momo · #5 09-26-2007, 01:12 AM

Never count out Fralin

air_leech · #6 09-26-2007, 03:23 AM

can any of you guys try to describe the tone on words or come up with a song that has a bass tone similar to your P with your pickup of choice?

Texx, smoother tone is exactly where I want to take this.

nemo · #7 09-26-2007, 03:28 AM

Search is your friend: P-pickups NP4 vs. Fender '62 (soundclips included)

Nedmundo · #8 09-26-2007, 01:35 PM

If you like the DiMarzio's high output but want warm, fat and smooth, try Seymour Duncan's SPB-2, which is a heavily overwound version of the vintage voiced SPB-1. It has thick, smooth low mids, and less treble compared to a vintage pickup. But since you mentioned "overdriven high mids," I think you might really like the gritty texture of a Lindy Fralin. It has the ringing treble the Duncan lacks, much higher output than a stock Fender, and classic tone with a slightly aggressive edge. It smooths out when you roll off the treble and/or use flats. I have been 100% satisfied with it.

air_leech · #9 09-27-2007, 04:45 PM

thanks NedMundo,

actually the Fender '62 pickup soundclip in Nemo's link nails the sound I want. I think I'll go for that one.

anyone knows whats the difference in tone does the Fender '62 vintage pup has from their '57 one or do they put '62 one in both their '62 and '57 AVRI models?