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Best PJ pups on the market?
- Thread starter Dboy77
- Start date
I'm after a nice punchy and detailed P Bass sound and want a significant step up in quality from the stock Japanese pups. Play mostly rock/alternative/blues. I have a melodic style so need a pickup that suits that I guess.
I've been blown away by the EMG Geezer Butler PJ set I've fitted to my custom Jaguar.
Plenty of bite from the J and a really tight, growly P.
The "plug n play" wiring was a bonus too.
Plenty of bite from the J and a really tight, growly P.
The "plug n play" wiring was a bonus too.
Thanks mate,
I've read many good things about the EMG Geezers. They are definitely on the list.
Punchy and detailed p bass... I found that in Bill Lawrence/Wilde P46. I'd definitely consider their PJ set.
Dimarzio Model PJ set for me, personally.
The Dimarzio Area PJ is also a nice contender, if you prefer a noiseless and higher output version of a more Fender sound.
And if you want to splurge, you can have Nordstrand custom make a set in a number of different options, based on your wants and needs.
The Dimarzio Area PJ is also a nice contender, if you prefer a noiseless and higher output version of a more Fender sound.
And if you want to splurge, you can have Nordstrand custom make a set in a number of different options, based on your wants and needs.
Lindy Fralin P with a noiseless Split-Jazz J. I haven't used these together, but had the split-coil in a Fender P and I use the Split-Jazz in my J. They are amazing pickups, with strong output and hard rocking punch, but a warm vintage vibe nonetheless.
The DiMarzio Area set is a great recommendation too, and it's much less expensive than the Fralin set.
The DiMarzio Area set is a great recommendation too, and it's much less expensive than the Fralin set.
There are plenty of options to choose from.
But, the two PJ pick sets I've prefer to use are:
Active Pickups: EMG PJA
Passive Pickups: Aguilar 4P/J-HC
But, the two PJ pick sets I've prefer to use are:
Active Pickups: EMG PJA
Passive Pickups: Aguilar 4P/J-HC
I have a P/J set by Nordstrand in my 1969 Fender, and am very happy with them.
The bridge pickup is hum cancelling, so it is less noisy when soloed. NPJ4SV Vintage Hum-Cancelling Set
The bridge pickup is hum cancelling, so it is less noisy when soloed. NPJ4SV Vintage Hum-Cancelling Set
I had a PJ with a Lindy Fralin standard P and a Fralin split-coil (+10%) J bridge pickup. The sound was clear, crisp, articulate, and punchy; but I wouldn't say warm. Therefore, I never warmed to it, but maybe I just don't like PJ's. I sold it.
What are your top choices? I'm going through the same thing. I'm considering a Seymour Duncan Steve Harris, Seymour Duncan SPB-1 Vintage, or a Fender Custom Shop '62 for the P. For the J bridge pickup I already ordered a Darkmoon Caravan...I have no idea how that's gonna sound because the Darkmoon website comes up blank on that specific model. Most likely a 60's replica if you ask me.
Atm I'm considering EMG Geezer, Nordstrand or Dimarzio PJ sets. Whichever way I go I'm looking to get a PJ set where the the P & J are perfectly matched in output etc The wiring, capacitor and jack have been replaced already so replacing the pups would be the last thing. I do really like the sound of the bass stock though. Very interested whether new pups would be a significant improvement in tone.
OP, I think your best (safest) bet is the EMG Geezer. From demos I can understand why almost everyone likes them. Not convinced about the J of that set though. Also you will probably need your whole wiring to be redone because of the EMG solderless kit.
The DiMarzio Model P+J sounds like a great higher output upgrade though. Maybe if you play heavier styles.
The DiMarzio Model P+J sounds like a great higher output upgrade though. Maybe if you play heavier styles.
