51RI Pickup shootout: SCPB vs Fralin split...

[vin*tone]

Hey folks. I just swapped the SCPB2 pickup out in my MIJ 51RI so thought I'd do "before and after" recordings so I could A/B.

Recordings are Apogee Jam --> IMac Garageband. Levels are deliberately NOT gain matched so you can hear the output difference there. Don't fall in to the 'louder = better' trap. I was trying to give long notes/chords at the start - then straight groove down the back. No slap. Who slaps on a 51?

So without my comments, here's what they sound like...

Seymour Duncan SCPB2:


Fralin Split coil:

 

[Jared Lash]

Probably because it's a split coil, the Fralin has more going on in the mids. I dig the deeper lows of the SD and I think it's probably a more "true" sounding single coil P sound, but I prefer the Fralin.

Not as much high end roll off as I would have guessed either.

 

[vin*tone]

Well after a week of the Fralin split .... I totally love it. The SCPB2 has a really thick, bassy low end, and very hot output but I often found it a bit too big and muddy for the gigs I'm doing. Great pickup - just not for me. I'll probably hang on to it to swap out when I feel the need.... but the Fralin just sits in the sweet spot.

I'll see if I can record a traditional split coil P bass - just to compare it to the Fralin Split 51 P.

 

[TortugaDaPipah]

I heard more edge and twang in the Fralin. My favorite of the two.

 

[Rip Topaz]

I think the SD really had the better low end and sounded more like a SCPB. The Fralin really sounds like a split P, not as vintagey. I can see where it would probably sit better in a mix than the SD.

I prefer the SD for some reason. Kind of a shame since I've been considering the Fralin as a replacement to the stock SC on my SCPB copy.