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Another Active to Passive Question

G

gimp

Jan 13, 2011
363
7
Catonsville, MD
facebook.com
#1
I have a MIM Fender Cowpoke (P/J config) with the stock pickups. I play with flats, and the pickup blend is mostly (2/3rds or more P).

I want to change up the sound a little. It's hard to explain, but it just doesn't sound "right" to me. My other P-Bass has EMG actives (it's been so long, I couldn't tell you which ones) and round wounds, and just sounds "better".

I used to have a set of Duncan Quarterpounder in my regular P-bass, and really liked them, so I'm thinking of making some changes to the Cowpoke.

Question:

The Cowpoke current has the stock active electronics. Can you tell me the pros/cons of any of the following, and which one you would do?

A) Swap only the split P for the passive Quarterpounder. Leave the active pre and active J pickup.

B) Swap both pickups (P & J) for the Quarterpounder alternatives. Leave the active pre.

C) Swap both pickups, and remove the active pre, making the bass totally passive.

Would A or B even work? If so, what sort of "issues" should I expect.

I'm sorry if this topic has been covered a bunch before. I've been striking out on the search.
 
#3
The thing with PJs is that by default, a traditional neck P and bridge J are a tricky combination to match. They vary significantly in output and impedance, and so in order to work well together one of the pickups has to be modified from standard specifications in order to match the other.

So, I would encourage you to buy a matched P/J set of pickups, whichever you decide to go with. I don't know enough about the stock Cowpoke preamp - there's no guarantee new passive pickups will play nicely with stock pre. It's worth a shot, though - pick up the 1/4lber P/J set, see how they sound through the Cowpoke pre, and if it doesn't gel pull the preamp for a passive setup.
 
#5
Ya, I'd agree, or just put EMG's in it. Going to put a set of EMG PJ's in my parts P later tonight if I can find my drill (pickguard needs a new hole).

And as always, thx for the endorsement ;)
 
#7
It does make changing basses on a gig easier ;) But I get it. QP's are cool. Not as bright as vintage or active but they've got some balls and they take distortion very well. I used them on my P Lyte until last week when I swapped them out for EMG's.
 

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