want my P-bass to drive/thump like my Gibson T-Bird

[naughtry]

I have a sweet 95 American P-bass and I love it... until I switch to my 2000 gibson thunderbird playing with my band. the t-bird just has a better sound for driving the band and my bandmates all agree. the p-bass also makes me work harder and has a thinner sound across the neck, hence making fills not sound as good and more difficult to nail with precision.

i want to replace the pickup in the p-bass and need some suggestions.

i play indie-rock/noise/shoegaze. i love the bass sound of bands like My Bloody Valentine and Silversun Pickups.

so more drive, gain, thicker sound, and humbucker like is what i am looking for. i dont want anything over the top just a push in a different direction from the current sound.

[J.D.B.]

Different tools for different jobs. I doubt you'll get the apple to be an effective orange. Is there a reason you can't just use the T-bird? A P bass sounds like a P bass, the pickup change will color the sound(you'll still recognize the P sound), but I doubt you'll reach T-bird Nirvana. Having said that, I like my fretted P bass with a Duncan 1/4 pounder. It works when I need a big, greasy P bass sound. Like a bowling ball rolling through the mix, especially with some of the tone rolled off. It's no T-bird but as you say it will "change the direction" of your P bass' tone. Have fun with it....
Josh

[Nedmundo]

I'd say Quarter Pounder, G&L MFD if you can get one, or maybe even an overwound Lindy Fralin. Some signal processing might help too, like an Aphex Bass Xciter. It does wonders to fatten up my G&L L-1500, while preserving its essential tone.

[naughtry]

i actually already have owned a p-bass with a duncan SPB3 quarter lb and also tried and still have sitting around the SPB2 hot for p-bass that was in a bass i sold. i was hoping for something different from seymour duncan, both those pickups did not seem like what i was looking for.

This is what I am considering right now;

EMG PHZ
Muy Grande for P-Bass (might try this first)
DiMarzio Model P
DiMarzio Split P

as to why i don't use just the t-bird, i play in multiple bands and need a different bass for each as my t-bird is kept at one of bands rehearsal studio.

i also am looking into effects pedals, i really need a slight overdrive i can leave on all the time.

[Nedmundo]

What didn't you like about the Duncans? I used the SPB-2 Hot for awhile, so I have some experience. I've also used the DiMarzio Model P, so if I know what you didn't like about the Duncans maybe I can make a semi-educated recommendation.

Personally, I thought the SPB-2 was just too phat in the low mids for the band I was in. It was somewhat boomy. I also thought it sounded too smooth, as I like some grit in the tone. I swapped it out for a Lindy Fralin, which I love. The Fralin has similar output, more cutting high end with the tone on full, and a slightly gritty texture. I'd call it "aggressive vintage."

The G&L MFD in my SB-2 has similar crunch, but with monstrous output and a thicker, heavier tone overall. It can sound very gnarly/snarly, which is a good thing! I think the DiMarzio is similar to the G&L, but with less vintage warmth and character. It's great in a hard rock band mix, but for overall use I prefer the Fralin or G&L.

You should be able to get the G&L pickup from a G&L dealer. Try www.guitarmannyc.com.