What's the best pickup scheme for slapping?

[15000volts]

I'm going to by a new bass soon, but I don't know what kind of pickups to choose.
I use slap a lot, and I do it wildly, sometimes. Flea-like wildly, in the 80's era.
I've been thinking in basses with MM Stingray humbuckers, is that the best?

take in consideration that I don't like P-bass pickups, please

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by 15000volts

I've been thinking in basses with MM Stingray humbuckers, is that the best?

If you like that sound, then yes. Personally i prefer the Jazz Bass sound for slap, but that's just me.

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by 15000volts

What's the best pickup scheme for slapping?

This scheme works better than anything imho:

1) any bass with any pickups in it

plus

2) a bassist who is Really. Freaking. Good. at slapping.

[walterw]

something with no pickups or switches near the end of the neck to run into.

it seems like something with a bridge pickup is usually used, so jazz or MM yes, P bass or ric, not so much.

[voodoo92]

i am deffinatly no expert as slap and pop but my cort has a J and MM combo that sounds preety good if used together IMO. The thing is i wanna change out the damn J pup cause its not hum cancelling so theres always the dang buzz with it. Mighty might for ya

[Oric]

I love the sound of flatwounds on a P-bass slapped. Not anything like Flea, but done right, it can be really punchy.

[eastcoasteddie]

Something that has 2 pickups will definitely give LOTS of thump. My Stingray H is bright, aggressive and in-your-face, while my L2500 is a thump-monster...same with my modded Squier Active HH.

[eyecandy]

If it's for slapping I'd say Stingray with boomers if you're really after than Flea- bright slap tone...
but a Jazz Bass with stainless rounds sounds great when slapped... if the bass would be used purely for aggressive slapping... swap out the pickups with DiMarzio Ultra Jazz..

[malicous]

Originally Posted by eyecandy

...a Jazz Bass with stainless rounds sounds great when slapped...

Definitely!

I like to turn up both pickups to the same volume on a bass with J pickups (preferably both full on), since it creates a really nice mid scoop that sounds good for slapping IMO.

[funkydanbass]

It relly depends on your technique/approach too...
I double pop/thumb alot and I actually prefer to have the neck pickup a little closer to the neck, (as oppose to a lot of slappers who like space between the neck and pickup) and rest my popping fingers on it. I prefer a smooth soap bar pickup with no protruding magnets or screws...