After market precision pickups

[Ses4193]

Going to getting a fender p but it's mellowed tone as compared to the bite of a jazz is a problem for me. I am in a hardcore/metal band and also play alot of classic rock/metal and dabble in slap playing
I am looking for a high output pickup that will have bite and cut threw well so I can be heard in a band/live setting
Current ideas emp p-x or Seymour Duncan basslines spb-3 quarter pounder
Open to other ideas as well and reviews of each greatly and advise appreciated

 

[RBX4]

Change the pickups to either the Emg's or SD, the tone will definitely be better, in terms of it being louder and fatter, get the BBE Boosta Grande Pedal and you'll see the difference!

 

[spaz21387]

try flatwound strings first. or try delano pickups bestbassgear.com has them and I would choose delanos over the duncans. the duncans just didnt sound right for me. The tone they had reminded me way too much of mark hoppus from blink 182 and I just wanted a grittier tone. with delano pickups think ernie ball stingray but with some p bass grindy tone. Drop tunings is where the delanos really start to sound great. They have a very light distortion when eq'ed right they sound amazing.

 

[Momizix]

EMG's actives are great for versatility.

I've EMG P5X on my Fender American Standard Precision V.They make my useless low b into a thundering monster.

 

[Ezbass]

The DiMarzio Split P and the Will Power (Sheehan sig p/up) are also worthy of consideration.

 

[electracoyote]

I have SPB3 in two P-Basses. Love 'em. Loud and ballsy, but not overbearing unless you have them too close to the strings. Dial in the pickup height and they're great.

 

[80'sRocker]

Ever think of trying Dimarzio? I put some in my Jazz recently, i like them. Not sure about there P pups

 

[fu22ba55]

First thing I thought was quater pounders as well, but the Delano description above sounds intriguing.

If you want to go boo-tique..

Curtis Novak makes a couple different winds of P pickup, some of which boost the mids a bit, which might give you more of a vintage grit, rather than a gnu-metal grit.

Lindy Fralin will also overwind pups to your spec...

The whole P-replacemet pup question is asked a fair amount here on TB. Odds are you'll try a bunch before you find what clicks.

I think (pricewise) it makes sense to start with 1/4 pounders or DiMarzio Will Powers then go from there...

Buy used if you can... stuff pops up here on TB classifieds and eBay...

 

[Tim Skaggs]

I would look closely at Lace Alumitone. Your list of what you are looking for describes them perfectly.

 

[electracoyote]

Ever think of trying Dimarzio? I put some in my Jazz recently, i like them. Not sure about there P pups

+1 to Dimarzio. I had a set in one of my P-Basses for awhile, they sounded great. Switched out for the SPB3, but I hung on to the Dimarzio just in case. Will probably install in something someday.

 

[Ric5]

The Seymour Duncan 1/4 pounders are nice as are the Seymour Duncan Hot pickups.

 

[Billy3000]

I don't have experience with Dimarzios so I can't comment on those, but I have the SD 1/4 pound P in my modified MIM jazz bass and I love it! I definitely recommend it. Also, do not listen to the guy that suggested you try flatwound strings. Flatwound strings will only further mellow your sound.

 

[Metal Mitch]

Going to getting a fender p but it's mellowed tone as compared to the bite of a jazz is a problem for me.

That's a myth - a P pickup has more high end than a J. Just use some crunchy strings like Rotos, Blue Steels, or LoRiders.

I am in a hardcore/metal band

No such thing, sorry

I am looking for a high output pickup that will have bite and cut threw well so I can be heard in a band/live setting
Current ideas emp p-x or Seymour Duncan basslines spb-3 quarter pounder

Avoid that EMG. It's like a gutless DiMarzio for double the price. Go with a DiMarzio Model P or Duncan Quarter Pounder.

 

[markanini]

I'd get the Bill Lawrence P46 or the Alumitone for that kind of versatility. Both have crisp highs of a modern pickup AND with fat lows of vintage pickups. Most other pickups will only give you one of each or require a 9v battery.

 

[darkstorm]

Id go with either Dimarzio model P or EMG P for that. Same as tons of pros have for that sort of sound since the 70's and 80's. Still great choice today esp when combined with preamp of choice. The dimarzio model P's been my fave along with the stock no exposed pole peice P pups BC Rich uses in the NJ, Classic & NT series. Ive tried the split P by dimarzio, has a more punk rock type voice. I think the model P has better growl. Haveing a active eq preamp onboard really helps to, including the tone tweak LowZ signal gives it.