Best Precision-Type pickups, for that Classic Fender P. Growl

I think strings and attack/technique have a lot to do with the tone you're looking for. For what it's worth, I use DR Marcus Miller strings with a Lollar pup and like the sound very much.

 

well, here's what I can say.
I have tried the Seymour Duncan Antiquity Pick-ups and Lollar Pick-ups.
Both sound great.
The Lollars are definitely cleaner with more high end presence and a very grindy kind of hot response.
The Antiquities are similar but slightly less hot and with a sort of rolled-off sound. THe highs are less prominent and it has a darker and subtler tone.
I think those Antiquities might be what you're after. They have a good strong growl maybe without that modern tone you're not liking in the Fralins.
I sort of think the scale from Modern and sharp to old and mellow goes: Fralin, Lollar, Antiquity. you know what I mean?
Though I have no experience with them I see a lot about Nordstrands.
Good Luck!

 

actually, If you want to hear the Antiquities, listen to our album on Bandcamp (follow the link in my signature). Maybe Abra Cadaver will give the best indication.
I'm playing my G&L with Antiquities through an Ampeg B-15N with DR Highbeams (i think they were pretty broken in - maybe 3 or 4 weeks old) with a pick.

 

I have used many a p bass in my life. I can say that that 60's sound is special. What pick up I have encountered that is very close to that 60's sound are the pickups in the pino signature bass. They are Fender custom shop pickups. Unfortunately I can not tell you the exact model they are but they are most definitely in the pino bass. The closest by miles I have come by.

 

I tried a number of Precision pickups and the Seymour Duncan SPB-1 is just what the doctor ordered. Much more meat to them compared to the 1997 AmStd pickup.

I have an Antiquity 1 but it is quite similar. If you don't need the aged looks I wouldn't bother.

 

So I did some research and the pick up in the pino bass are 62 custom shop reissue pickups. They are wound differently in the pino bass but those are the pickups. With that said if you want to check them out the only available pick up (as Fender will not sell the pino pick up separate) is this one:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/fender-original-1962-p-bass-pickup

 

The Fender 62 is an outstanding pickup, as well as the Duncan SBP-1. Either of those will get you exactly what you are looking for I think.

 

Consider the possibility that your P-Bass body, neck, hardware and strings combination is what is not giving you the P sound you're looking for because the stock Fralin Precision pickups (at least, the ones I've heard) sound pretty much like a vintage Precision. I agree with Woolysock on the DR Marcus Miller roundwounds ... they have growl out the ying-yang. I have them on a few of my Ps and Js and love them.

 

Is the body of your bass lightweight alder, with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard?

I'm surprised you don't like the Fralin pickups, because that's what he's all about.

Yes, the Fender '62 or the SD "vintage" offerings are the next choices.

 

The Lawrence gets a lot of love round these parts.

 

When the pickup in my '68 P-bass failed, I replaced it with a Seymour Duncan Antiquity II. I know this bass very well, gigging with it since 1972. The SD beautifully did the job, and restored the original voice of the bass-- and the design was even structurally similar. My P. has one of the now-gone lovely Raven Labs preamps in it, but that addition did not change the voice of the instrument, just gave more tonal alteration range. With that distinction only, I'd heartily recommend the SDA II replacement.

 

I like the Dimarzio DP122, it's been awhile since I had a bass that had them, but I'm sure they still sound the same. Nice growl and punchy.

 

p4666666666666

 

Fender 62.

 

Ya, 62 Original is happening IMHO, too.

 

Is that what you ended up putting on that P you picked up a few months back- the one you thought sounded scooped?-

 

Yes sir. Fixed it, too.

 

What fixed it?