Pls suggest pickups for me...'78 Mustang "P-routed" Bass

BJTosh · #1 06-16-2009, 06:18 AM

Just got myself a lovely '78 Mustang Bass with the body routed for P-bass pickups...I do not know what it has got on it at a moment, but I'd like to experiment with different pickups.

What's your experience with P-bass pickup on Mustang Basses? Is there any pickup which can (to a certain extent) compensate for the loss of low-end thump due to the shorter scale length?

Cheers!

mongo2 · #2 06-16-2009, 12:12 PM

I like Bartolini 8SUs.

"loss of low-end thump due to the shorter scale length" is just a myth. If your instrument lacks low end, it's do to the particular instrument and not inherent to the scale length. I've not experienced that any more frequently with my shortscales than I have with my longscales.

In any event the solution is the same as for longscales with a lack of low end...eq at the amp.

BJTosh · #3 06-17-2009, 04:14 AM

Hey thanks, I've never tried Bartolini pickups before so I'm definitely interested in giving them a go!

Yeah you're probably right about the "myth"...maybe I should use heavier gauge (and/or flatwound) and see how it sounds first...I have 45-105 at a moment, with the raised saddle for maximum tension.

Iroquoi · #4 06-17-2009, 11:43 AM

i'd go with wuarter pounders, very bottomy and fat

Webtroll · #5 06-17-2009, 12:17 PM

Chip Todd has made numerous short scale basses that have plenty of low end, I'm just more comfy on traditional long scale basses. He's a bit of a Peavey addict (he designed the T40 so why wouldn't he be?) so his basses often have Peavey pickups in them; T40 and SuperFerrite models.

You could also try active EMG pickups if you want to see how different pickups affect your tone (I used to have a set in a P bass and they sounded great to me). Duncan QPs are good, DiMarzios are popular, and there's no shortage of boutique variations of traditional pickups and no-so traditional like Bardens and Delanos.

BJTosh · #6 06-26-2009, 07:36 AM

wow...yeah Duncan Quarter Pounds seems like an interesting (and inexpensive) one to try...thanks guys!

SGD Lutherie · #7 06-26-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongo2

"loss of low-end thump due to the shorter scale length" is just a myth.

True. If anything short scale basses are thumpier. Longer scale basses have more sustain on the low strings.

I have a 32" 8-string bass, and for a while I had 4 flat wound strings on it... man that thing got a great thumpy low end. Thick and meaty!

Mustangs are nice sounding basses.