Add Pickup to P-Bass?

[robrobinette]

I'm thinking about adding a Basslines SCPB-3 Quarter-Pound Single-Coil to my P-bass at either the bridge or extreme neck position and wire it like a standard P/J setup. I want to do it to add some tonal flexibility and have fun with the customization.

It seems it would be less risky to put the pickup in the neck position since I could replace the pick guard easily if I screw up the router job but I haven't seen many bases with a pickup close to the neck. I assume that's due to the extra movement of a long bass string compared to a guitar but I should be able to run the big Quarter-Pounder farther from the strings.

What's your recommendation?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

[Russell L]

Unless you want that particular pickup or configuration, I'd look for a used Jazz Bass Special. It's a P/J with a Jazz pup at the bridge and P pup where it normally is. Great bass, too. And cheap.

[FenderBassist]

Originally Posted by robrobinette

I'm thinking about adding a Basslines SCPB-3 Quarter-Pound Single-Coil to my P-bass at either the bridge or extreme neck position and wire it like a standard P/J setup. I want to do it to add some tonal flexibility and have fun with the customization.

It seems it would be less risky to put the pickup in the neck position since I could replace the pick guard easily if I screw up the router job but I haven't seen many bases with a pickup close to the neck. I assume that's due to the extra movement of a long bass string compared to a guitar but I should be able to run the big Quarter-Pounder farther from the strings.

What's your recommendation?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

Hey there Rob,

Modding P basses is fun, they make great rock cover band basses. This was my last one of a series of modded P's: http://www.bandmix.com/media/432/432599/669922-l.jpg Had to pay a luthier to do them.

To save you the work, you could always buy a Blacktop: http://www.fender.com/products/black...prodNo=0148600

The Jazz Bass Special suggestion is another good one.

[ghostdog93]

IMO...

1) Put a Duncan Hot Stack (or other humbucking) J pup in the bridge position of your existing bass, or

2) Buy an extra pickguard and put a SCPB in the neck position on your existing bass, or

3) Find a Squier P Bass Special and upgrade the pups, or

3) Buy an SX P bass from Rondo and mod accordingly with a SCPB in whatever position(s) you want.

Just my 2 cents, YMMV, etc., etc..