Surf Bass Pickups - recommend me some

[GBassNorth]

Thinking about starting a new bass build or existing bass mod. Would like to build something that would really tonally and visually fit in a modern Surf type music setting. Anybody have any ideas on some bass pickups that would be killer for Surf music?

If I go the mod route I'll probably use a Mustang or Bronco as the body so probably just a single pickup for that. However, if I really need two pickups then I'll go with a new build or maybe a full scale Jazz bass mod. In either case the neck will most likely be Maple/Maple and the body alder.

Lets hear your thoughts on great bass Surf pickups?

[DaZombieWoof]

odds on the original stuff was done with a Precision.

[GBassNorth]

Originally Posted by DaZombieWoof

odds on the original stuff was done with a Precision.

I suspect you're right. I've been using a P bass with good results but wanted something with more bite and grit, a little less smooth. Tried my Warwick Thumb with MEC Jazz pickups and controls. Lots more bite and growl with the MECs. Also tried my 2 band Stingrays and they sounded good, not so much on the 3 band.

As I listen to a lot of the newer Surf stuff the bass lines seem to have a distinct upper mid hump with lots of bite and very gritty.

Never tried any of the Lipstick pickups, wonder how they'd work out? The Lipstick pickups look the Surf part but again, never tried them so who knows how they'll sound. Most of my pickup experience is with Barts, Fender, Stingray, Delano and MEC.

[Marton]

Danelectro would fit visually, and tonally too, if you like the tone.

Edit : thought you were looking for basses, not pickups...

[BritPicker]

I would have thought that ANY passive Fender-type bass would do the job well.

I'd be looking at Precisions, a Jazz,

a Jaguar,


or maybe even a Reverend


or Danelectro.


Ibanez have the Jet Kings series.


Anything that looks a bit 50s/60s American car/diner retro.

It doesn't have to be red. Seafoam green is the best IMHO.

[Marton]

And mosrite too !

[BritPicker]

Originally Posted by Marton

And mosrite too !

Yeah anything like that. A bit Kooky. Has to be PAINTED not lacquered. LOL.

And flatwounds!

[MarkusBass]

51 p bass! Single coil bite.

[GBassNorth]

Originally Posted by MarkusBass

51 p bass! Single coil bite.

That might just be the ticket.
I have an old single coil P bass I haven't played in years. Never tried it on Surf music, unfortunately it's set up with round wounds right now. I can give it a quick try. Are there any growly flats out there that would go great with the single coil P?

[MarkusBass]

Yeah 51 P is a total Surf music bass. I have JO flats on mine right now, and love it...great bite. If you want more, you could go Fender 9050 SLs or Chromes.

[bassguitar808]

I'm using chrome flats on my P Bass

I bring along my Pork Loin for extra grit if the song calls for it

still on the look out for a nice 51 P

[MarkusBass]

Yeah...love a little grit in there too. I use my walkabout to get some tube breakup.

[GBassNorth]

Originally Posted by MarkusBass

Yeah...love a little grit in there too. I use my walkabout to get some tube breakup.

This is a great lead. Thanks for the reco. Pulling out the old 51 P reissue now.
I moved to 5 strings years ago and packed away most of my 4 string basses, forgot I even had this one. Do you know if anyone makes a 5 string single coil '51 P type pickup?

[MarkusBass]

Glad I could help! I can't think of one available now, but I know of one that will have one