Swapping out stock Fender for a DiMarzio Model P

Sparkdog · #1 08-26-2009, 03:20 PM

Let me start with a little apology...I know there are many threads on this subject, but I read as many as I could and still didn't find what I was really looking for.

I'm at a point in my life where I'm very close to just committing myself to the P bass and never playing anything else again (partly because I've already PLAYED everything else there is!)

I have a new 2009 Standard Precision and I flat out love this bass...plays great, sounds great, does everything right. So I ought to be satisfied, right? But being an anal-retentive tone junkie has it's downsides and one of them is always wondering if I couldn't get just a little bit MORE out of it by changing pickups.

I just went through this process with my Jazz bass, now it's time for the P

Basically what I want is the classic P tone, but just more of it...more bass, more punch, and a little more ability to cut through a mix.

For those of you who have done it, did DiMarzio's Model P give you that?

If not, what did you find that accomplished this?

Thanks for helping me on my journey to tonal Nirvana!

castleshade13 · #2 08-26-2009, 03:27 PM

The Model P is Cool, sounds great, really depends on the mix if it will cut through,

The Model P is Bassy and Mid-y think the Classic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2vQTZiFXSE

thats a split P for sure, ignore the comments and the title its a Model P, i have a 2009 P-bass same as you with a model P, all maple neck sounds punchier and cuts through better than that in the vid but sounds the same almost

sounds really good but its an 80's solo bass tone not the best band tone but i find 9/10 it sounds good when paired with a guitar/ guitarist

and on its own you'll be happy =D great tone when its just you playing on your own or lead or what ever

Groover · #3 08-26-2009, 03:35 PM

I've tried the Dimarzio Model P and SD Antiquity II - Both sound good, but I prefer the Antiquity II - seems to give that "more P" that you mention.

The Model P seemed to me a little too rouchy - which is very cool if that is what you are after.

castleshade13 · #4 08-26-2009, 03:41 PM

yeah i actually have another P bass with the Antiquity II and switch between them depending on my musical mood

Basstovsky · #5 08-26-2009, 04:01 PM

The antiquity is good for giving you more 'traditional' P-bass with more oomph, I personally use the Model P (got it after i fell in love with the Js) and it is very much in your face split-humbucker. You can get a traditional sound out of it but it gets a good range throughout the tone knob. ALSO it is more sensitive to playing style than most P-bass pickups I've used, big differences when moving towards the bridge or neck.

Bassamatic · #6 08-27-2009, 09:57 AM

I put a set of the DM Model Ps in my MIM P bass. The sound is definitely NOT classic P, but I really like the sound. It is thick and strong with just a little growl. Just excellent with the Elixir strings. Works very well with all kinds of music.

The most traditional sounding pickups I have found are the Fralins - nearly the same as the originals of my '08 Std P, but a little more balanced.

Nedmundo · #7 08-27-2009, 10:30 AM

I tried a Model P in my 2004 American Series, and it definitely had more bass, punch, and mix-cutting ability than the stock Fender pickup. It also had more clarity in the lows. Fender seems to give up some low end clarity in favor of maximum "thump," which is fine, but I like more clarity down there, and the DiMarzio delivered there.

I thought the Model P was great for hard rock, but it lacked vintage warmth to my ears. It sounded a little sterile. But it rocks on stage, and I've heard it sound better in other basses, so YMMV, etc.

I then tried a Duncan SPB-2 Hot, which had punch and plenty of vintage warmth, but was just too boomy for me. It is an excellent pickup though. Nice and thick, if that's what you're after.

Finally I went with Lindy Fralin, and it rules. Lots of punch, clarity, grit, thump, vintage vibe, you name it. Extremely versatile, responsive pickup. The only split-coil I like as much is the incredible MFD in my G&L SB-2. It's like the DiMarzio for full-range punch and high output, but has more vintage character and warmth.

awuser896 · #8 08-27-2009, 11:50 AM

I think I like model P better.

kraigo · #9 08-27-2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover

I've tried the Dimarzio Model P and SD Antiquity II - Both sound good, but I prefer the Antiquity II - seems to give that "more P" that you mention.

The Model P seemed to me a little too rouchy - which is very cool if that is what you are after.

I love my Antiquity II's.

KO

andk5591 · #10 08-27-2009, 06:44 PM

do any of you use the series/parallel capability? I always have with my Model Ps and it really gives me a lot of options. If I want a cleaner more stock (and don't want to grossly over power the Duncan hot Stack J bridge pickup,) I run the P in parallel. Then for more oomph (particularly if using a pick, I switch to series for fat and hot....

Nedmundo · #11 08-27-2009, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andk5591

do any of you use the series/parallel capability? I always have with my Model Ps and it really gives me a lot of options. If I want a cleaner more stock (and don't want to grossly over power the Duncan hot Stack J bridge pickup,) I run the P in parallel. Then for more oomph (particularly if using a pick, I switch to series for fat and hot....

I did, because my 2004 P had the S-1 switch. I thought it was cool that the Model P had four conductor wiring allowing use of the S-1. Even in parallel, it's a hot pickup. I mostly used series though.

Metal Mitch · #12 08-28-2009, 12:11 AM

Don't forget about the Will Power Middle.

My first Model P was a 70's PAF... the newer ones just don't sound the same, they're kind of mild and scratchy in comparison. I tried a Will Power Middle and found the old PAF tone I was after. Meaty, muscular P tone... more bass and growl, and not as scratchy with string noise as the Model P.

Basstovsky · #13 08-28-2009, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andk5591

do any of you use the series/parallel capability? I always have with my Model Ps and it really gives me a lot of options. If I want a cleaner more stock (and don't want to grossly over power the Duncan hot Stack J bridge pickup,) I run the P in parallel. Then for more oomph (particularly if using a pick, I switch to series for fat and hot....

I like to witch to parallel to get a good 50's P-bass sound, the old single coil style, when I had chromes on it it sounded just like it, however I typically stick to series except when I want to play something a little 'reserved' from my usual blast full speed ahead. I quite enjoy the versatility of this pickup.

Chowderboots · #14 08-28-2009, 03:31 AM

I would give the Model P a try. For $60, why not? The series/parallel switch is pretty fun to have on board with it, too.

Gintaras · #15 08-28-2009, 04:13 AM

I got a 96' G&L SB2 pickup from a talkbass member last year. Very Hot and aggressive. Couldn't believe that I was using a passive bass. I went for this because of some of the posts i had read. Can't compare since I haven't owned a P since 1979 and this was a parts bass build.

**SamanthaCay** · #16 08-28-2009, 04:28 AM

I just read on dimarzio’s web site that the new model p’s have a D.C. resistance of 11.54 . I have a set from 78 that read 15.48 so something has defiantly changed. And look what we have here! http://cgi.ebay.com/Dimarzio-P-Bass-...temQQptZGuitar

MNAirHead · #17 08-28-2009, 04:30 AM

Are you sure you're not describing going active?

I've owned them.. going series/parellel is kind of like complicating simplicity.. I found that had one setting and never changed it.

andk5591 · #18 08-28-2009, 05:59 PM

MN - of course a VW person would want simple....LOL. I assume your into ACVWs?