Vintage P p.u. For 5 String

[pbasswil]

Are there any 5-string P-bass pickups that cop an authentic vintage Fender-y P-bass tone? I've heard that even Fender P5s don't nail that sound.

I have the impression that most of what's available (and there's not so many P p.u.s for 5 str) has that modern scoopy/smiley response curve built in.
I'm kinda interested in mids (lately I'm into George Porter Jr.); but I want the low B, to cover all kinds of projects.

Sorry if I'm covering old territory; I've done some poking around the archives, but it's hard to narrow a search when one of the terms is the single letter "P".

- Peter

[pbasswil]

Anybody? Do any of the P shaped pickups available for 5 string stay pretty true to vintage Fender Precision tone?

Thanks in advance,

- peter wilson

[peterpalmieri]

What type of P5 are you playing? Personally I love the pickup Jimmy Coppolo is using in the Alleva-Coppolo KBP5 but he makes those in house. I don't think he sells them seperately.

[Ric5]

A 4 string p-bass pickup with 8 poles will cover 5 stings quite nicely. You can therefore use pretty much any p-bass pickup on a 5 string bass.

[peterpalmieri]

I'm not sure that's the perfect route to go if you want a really even tone accross all the strings I'd suggest a 10 pole piece.

[pbasswil]

Thanks for the interesting replies, you guys.

peterpalmieri wrote: >What type of P5 are you playing?<

I don't have one, I'm looking to get one, but wanted to know what my options were if the pickups that come with it aren't to my taste.
As it turns out, I'm now looking to buy a used one that has a custom-wound Basslines P in it. I'll see how I like that, and if I don't, I'll consider Aero, Lindy Fralin, and DiMarzio.

Cheers fellahs,

-- Peter

[Dan Knowlton]

I'm using an Alleva Coppolo KPB-5. Absolutely even from string to string and VERY close to the sound of a vintage P-bass (my friend's '63 for comparison) even on the low B.

Dan K.

[pbasswil]

Dan Knowlton: >I'm using an Alleva Coppolo KPB-5. Absolutely even from string to string and VERY close to the sound of a vintage P-bass (my friend's '63 for comparison) even on the low B.<

I don't doubt it, Dan, I've never heard anything but swooning by anyone who's played an A.C. :^}
However, within my more modest budget, I've find a very promising used boutique 5 from a very reputable builder; the transaction is under way. I'll post a review once it arrives.

Cheers,

-- pw

[blondmix3]

I LOVE the tone I get out of my Nordstrand NP5. Admittedly, don't have a ton of experience with vintage P's, but it sits SOOOO perfectly in the mix every time....

[dave_bass5]

Originally Posted by blondmix3

I LOVE the tone I get out of my Nordstrand NP5. Admittedly, don't have a ton of experience with vintage P's, but it sits SOOOO perfectly in the mix every time....

I love seeing that bass.
Im also getting a NP5 put in my DJ5 in a couple of weeks and im really hoping ill get that P thump back.

To the OP. I have a Fender P5 and im very happy with the tone. It sounds like a P should sound although im not experienced enough to say form what era. Certainly it does the job for me.

[PSPookie]

Originally Posted by blondmix3

I LOVE the tone I get out of my Nordstrand NP5. Admittedly, don't have a ton of experience with vintage P's, but it sits SOOOO perfectly in the mix every time....

Sweet Baby Jebus!

[pbasswil]

Oh cool, this thread is still alive. :^}

I don't know if it's from the photography (digital "white balance"), but that Lakland looks to be an awful pretty shade of yellow stain. Thumbs way up.

I've heard great stuff about Nordstrand p.u.'s, but I've also heard from more than one source that the NP5 sounds different than the NP4 -- anybody confirm that?

At any rate, I've got a Mike Lull PJ5 with Lull's custom Seymour Duncans, en route to me. Can't wait. I'll post a review on the Lull thread in a week or two.

Ciao folks,

Peter W