Suggest a new P/J or P/H bass for me!

psychobot · #1 03-22-2013, 12:35 PM

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new 4-string bass and having trouble finding the right one. It doesn't seem like I am being too picky, but I am not really up on my bass gear and brands so I am probably overlooking a lot that is out there.

My new bass MUST have a P/J or P/H pickup configuration, and the split-P pickup MUST be in the traditional placement for authentic old school P-bass tone.

This seems to rule out Schecters which appear to have the front pickup pushed back towards the bridge, or Fender P/J jazz basses with the front pickup pushed towards the neck.

I definitely prefer PASSIVE electronics, and that seems to rule out the MIM Fender Deluxe Precision which is active. I would like to come in at less than $700. I would consider spending a little more on just the right bass, but that seems to rule out a Fender American Deluxe Precision in terms of price, although I'm starting to keep an eye on the used market for those.

Any suggestions and/or advice would be appreciated.

fisticuffs · #2 03-22-2013, 01:07 PM

More than you want to spend but here's a '75 J with a P pickup in the neck. Blocks and binding. MIJ Fender Factory Special Run (78 of them worldwide).

psychobot · #3 03-22-2013, 01:08 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the front pickup on those pushed up closer to the neck than the traditional P-bass placement?

StrangerDanger · #4 03-22-2013, 01:11 PM

I think you may want to look at the Reggie Hamilton signature bass.

psychobot · #5 03-22-2013, 01:17 PM

Again on that bass, the front pickup is pushed closer to the neck.

What I really want is a passive bass I can use for "real" P-bass sounds, but to be able to mix a little bit of the rear pickup in when necessary. My understanding is that front pickup placement is key for this. No?

StrangerDanger · #6 03-22-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psychobot

Again on that bass, the front pickup is pushed closer to the neck.

What I really want is a passive bass I can use for "real" P-bass sounds, but to be able to mix a little bit of the rear pickup in when necessary. My understanding is that front pickup placement is key for this. No?

Check out the Reggie

psychobot · #7 03-22-2013, 01:19 PM

Thanks for not flaming me for being obstinate... the P-pickup actually does look like it's in the right spot on that one!

Any other suggestions?

fisticuffs · #8 03-22-2013, 01:24 PM

I'd have to measure but the P pickup looks like it is placed pretty much between the bridge and neck, just like any other standard P. If it's closer to the neck it's less than 1/2 an inch.

psychobot · #9 03-22-2013, 01:27 PM

An easy point of reference on the pickup position *seems* to be the lower edge of the pickguard. On the MIJ one that you posted (which seems to be typical of most Fender jazz P/J models) there is more space between the edge of the pickguard and the front pickup.

On that Reggie Hamilton model that I hadn't seen before, that space is reduced, suggesting that it does indeed have the traditional pickup placement for the front split-P pickup.

fisticuffs · #10 03-22-2013, 01:35 PM

Pick guard isn't really the best frame of reference but yes, the one I posted is ever so slightly closer to the neck than the Reggie. practical effect of that slight difference? Probably not much. Anyways I love MIJ, I love blocks and binding and I love that it's limited. I'd get this over a MIM Reggie.

aerodyne1 · #11 03-22-2013, 01:40 PM

It's funny but I've been playing a 1987 MIJ Fender P since I bought it new and have really been pleased with it. But a couple years ago I found myself wanting a little different sound on some of the songs we play. I bought a Fender Aerodyne J and love the tones i can get from it, but until i just read your post I have wondered why I coudn't get a true P sound out of it and it's because of the split coil placement. Seems like I learn something new every time I come to Talkbass. Thanks for the info.

psychobot · #12 03-22-2013, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisticuffs

Pick guard isn't really the best frame of reference but yes, the one I posted is ever so slightly closer to the neck than the Reggie. practical effect of that slight difference? Probably not much. Anyways I love MIJ, I love blocks and binding and I love that it's limited. I'd get this over a MIM Reggie.

The practical effect makes all the difference between "true" P sound and another type of tone, as aerodyne1 also noted. A little difference in pickup placement can make a big difference in tone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Sauna

The Schecter Diamond P is sounds amazing. Has a Jazz Humbucker that adds ton of tone and a P pickup that sounds just as awesome.

I love Schecter guitars and I would be totally open to this. But I read somewhere (and it definitely looks as if) the front pickup on these is pushed back towards the bridge. Can you comment on that?

asands · #13 03-22-2013, 01:46 PM

I love my Yamaha BB 424X (pictured in my avatar). Its an import (Indonesian I believe) but the action, fit and finish on this thing are incredible! I really love the diagonal string through body for extra sustain. Also, passive P/J setup that has distinct tonal options. The J is really tight and burpy if you want it to. The P is a great thick old school P bass sound and the P/J position is a nice middle ground. Really adds some girth to the sound. I'm still blown away by this thing each time I play. Its my main gigging axe and can be had for 300-400. I believe I bought mine used with new strings and a D Tuner for 315 on TB. Good luck on your search!

psychobot · #14 03-22-2013, 01:49 PM

Cool asands, and thanks. That Yamaha looks interesting. Definitely on my short list.

3tsb · #15 03-22-2013, 02:00 PM

F/S: ESP Vintage 4. Candy Apple Red.

psychobot · #16 03-22-2013, 02:56 PM

That ESP looks very nice, 3TSB. I'm not feeling the color personally, but GLWTS.

The active/passive switch on the Reggie Hamilton bass put me over the edge, so I snagged a loaded RH body off eBay. I have a nice neck here that would go great with it. Thanks for suggesting it, StrangerDanger. I'm stoked!