Converting a P Bass

[fendervox]

I currently play a Japanese P Bass. I'm a big fan of the P Bass sound, however, I've recently started to take a liking to the sounds of a humbucker on bass. Thus I discovered the Deluxe P Bass, with Humbucker and Split Coil.

So, I'm wondering, rather than dropping $1k + on a Deluxe P Bass, is it possible to convert my existing P Bass into a Deluxe by getting a luthier to do the work (routing the humbucker cavity, wiring it, etc).

Looking forward to hearing some answers, and if its plausible expect to see some pics on the build forum!

 

[Ric5]

The split p pickup is a humbucker.

I have 2 p-basses where I added a t-bird pickup in the bridge position.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Yes. I've done it. All you really need is a MM type p'up put in the bridge position and a pan pot.

 

[sleepytime]

The split p pickup is a humbucker.

It's actually a hum-canceling split single coil.

 

[christw]

I'd love to be able to drop the money on a USA P Deluxe.

On the other hand, slap a MM in that baby. Should be a close fit but still work.

 

[Ric5]

It's actually a hum-canceling split single coil.

Actually it is a humbucker ... the 2 single coils are reverse wound from each other and the magnets are reversed. It cancels hum. It is a humbucker. Also it is a series humbucker and parallel which gives it a nastier tone.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Actually it is a humbucker ... the 2 single coils are reverse wound from each other and the magnets are reversed. It cancels hum. It is a humbucker. Also it is a series humbucker and parallel which gives it a nastier tone.

Two jazz pickups wired in the same fashion wouldn't make them both humbuckers.

Humbuckers are single pickups. The P-style pickup is technically two pickups.

Semantics, I know.

 

[Ric5]

I think of the p pickup as one pickup because you really can't use just on of them on a bass with 4 strings. But you can use one jazz pickup.

 

[fendervox]

Awesome thanks guys!! Ric5 and BigOleHarry, if you don't mind me asking, what sort of experiences did you have when putting the pickups in. My main worry is finish cracking. Any advice? Once again I appreciate everyones comments!