I've got a Sonic Series Squier P bass that I removed the stock pickup to modify. I no longer have the stock pickup and now plan on trading the bass in at a local store for something short scale but I need to install a pickup so it will be functional. I tried a Alnico5 no name pickup from amazon and it was low output and sounded like a transistor radio :>) so wondering if anyone has any experience with budget pickups - ceramic is fine - that sound as good or better than the stock pickup?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Budget P Bass pickups that are decent?
- Thread starter don21480
- Start date
It may be just me, but I have never heard a bad pickup, unless it was broken or there was a wiring problem. Yes they sound different, and some are better, but none are bad. So first I’d check your pickup again, make sure it wasn’t the wiring. Other than that, it’s just a matter of bad luck whether you get a faulty one I suppose, so maybe shop with return policy in mind? 
I’d get a used Squier like this one: Fender Squier Affinity Precision Bass PJ Split Single-Coil Neck PICKUP | Reverb
Or Artec is pretty cool too: Artec P-Bass precison Bass Pickups POC-4 | Reverb
I’ve had luck with cheap guitar pickups on Amazon, I think it was Fleor or sth.
I’d get a used Squier like this one: Fender Squier Affinity Precision Bass PJ Split Single-Coil Neck PICKUP | Reverb
Or Artec is pretty cool too: Artec P-Bass precison Bass Pickups POC-4 | Reverb
I’ve had luck with cheap guitar pickups on Amazon, I think it was Fleor or sth.
OP is in the US so the intl shipping and fees may make it less affordable here
At some point its diminishing returns to put a nice pickup in a Squier bass you are going to sell/trade - might be better off to just part it out. Last time I sold or traded a bass to a music store they would not give me any extra $$ for premium parts - I shoulda kept the original pickup!
D
Good point, but I'm not in the UK either, which means I also have to pay international shipping + import taxes and I still consider The Creamery one of the best bargains in pickups. I've had superb results with their bass pickups as well as their guitar pickups. They're as good as anything out there and the prices are VERY reasonable for custom made pickups. You can even request your own specs (at least in theory, if you manage to get a response from them... their communication/customer service can be a bit inconsistent...).
If we limit the options to pickups that are actually made in the US (to avoid import taxes) we can probably rule out any truly "budget" options. For US made pickups I would recommend Lollar or Fralin standard winds. Lollar for a slightly more "vintage" tone/feel (nice upper mid P-bass "clank") and Fralin for a slightly smoother, more "hi-fi/modern" take on the classic P-bass tone. Both are great and reasonably priced, if perhaps not exactly "budget" options.
Or maybe look for something used, like something pulled out of a Squier, if that's the kind of budget we're talking about. That shouldn't be too hard to find. You probably wouldn't have to look much further than the classifieds here on Talkbass.
EDIT: Sorry, I missed the point about this bass going in for a trade. In that case neither The Creamery, Lollar or Fralin makes much sense. Get a used, cheap Squier ceramic. Maybe you could even find one that's pulled from a Sonic, and then you can trade the bass as 100% original as long as the soldering is nicely done.
Last edited:
Tonerider has a good reputation. I believe they were used in the early run of Squier Classic Vibe instruments.
Maybe a pickup from the TB classifieds? Did a quick search and saw a few for under $100, like a DiMarzio Model P and a Duff McKagan P. Heck, someone's selling a Squier Affinity P pickup for $20.
For a budget bass you're looking to trade in, you don't need a fancy pickup that's half the cost of that bass, especially since mods don't equate to getting more money on a trade.
https://www.talkbass.com/classified...ts-strings-and-accessories.129/?term=p+pickup
For a budget bass you're looking to trade in, you don't need a fancy pickup that's half the cost of that bass, especially since mods don't equate to getting more money on a trade.
https://www.talkbass.com/classified...ts-strings-and-accessories.129/?term=p+pickup
Last edited:
@don21480 I have a p pickup I can ship to you for cheap. I thought it sounded good I only pulled it because I wanted the bass to go back to stock for value purposes (was a 1975 p bass) Send me a DM if interested.
This would work fine I’m sure. Only $27 in Canadian fun bucks.
Amazon sells a few really great ones for less than $40. I've tried several, all were a huge improvement over the Sonic pickup.
I would buy the cheapest one possible, what are you going to get for it trading it in, like $50.
I just put an Artec big pole P in a bass. No complaints.
A LOT BETTER THAN DECENT!
Wilkinson WOPB. I have several P-Basses and PJs. They’re in all but a couple of them. For the price they’re more than worth the investment.
NEW Wilkinson M-Series WOPB Bass Pickup
(all screws & springs included)
Approx Resistance : 8 .50k
The most widely used style of bass pickup ever. Designed by Leo Fender himself for use in what has become the most "Iconic" bass of all time. Drawing on a lifetime of research and decades spent designing and building instruments, at all levels, Trevor Wilkinson's M-series pickups have now taken this classic to a new level with the use of their proprietary "Vari-gauss" ™ Technology.
The bass frequencies from these high quality Ceramic/Ferrite magnets keep their deep growl whilst the treble sounds are smoother yet still defined. This will make your PB type Bass cut through the mix and stand out from the crowd.
Here’s a link:
Amazon.com: Wilkinson WOPB Vari Gauss Ceramic 4-String Precision Bass Humbucker Pickups Set for PB Style Electric Bass, Black : Musical Instruments
Buy Wilkinson WOPB Vari Gauss Ceramic 4-String Precision Bass Humbucker Pickups Set for PB Style Electric Bass, Black: Pickups & Pickup Covers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
Consider a Fender Player series P bass pickup take off on THE STRATosphere Guitar parts E bay store.
