CS '60s P vs Geezers

[Mosstone]

I originally posted this Thursday night in the "Pickups and Electronics" forum, but it got zero responses. Maybe it'll do better here.

I just built myself a P bass from a loaded MIJ '57 RI body purchased in the classifieds. The pickup is a Fender Original '62 pickup (installed by the previous owner) and I'm not really feeling it. This pickup sounds a little generic to me and lacking in mid/low-mid punch, which is why I wanted a P in the first place (after years playing jazz and jazz-like basses).

Seems like all the cool kids are getting Geezers these days, and I'm intrigued myself, but I wonder if the CS 60s might be a better choice. A lot of people seem to regard the CS 60s over the Original '62s, but they also say the difference is subtle. My tonal objective is to be able to get a legit Jamerson/McCartney tone with flats (EB Cobalt) but still get a growly aggressive tone when I need it.

This is my first P, so I don't know what either of these pickups sound like (and I'm open to other suggestions). I've always been happy with the Fender pickups I've put in other basses, and I dowant the classic P-bass tone, but if the CS '60s is only 'subtly' different from the Original '62, I think I may want to look elsewhere. What do y'all think?

 

[TedH]

I haven't tried the Geezer's, but thought about it on my old MIA P with CS60's (2014). Liked the CS's a lot and was doing Motown type stuff. Great sound. Someone was asking about the Geezer's vs. CS and said wasn't worth the change, so I decided to save my money. If I ever buy another bass, it will be a Lakland P with the GB pups, but since you need pups, maybe you can find some sound files or used. It does seem to be a "Porsche or Ferrari" type question, which is not a bad choice to have!

 

[Snakeman1066]

Geezers have a heavy mid range response..I like them better than the CS pups but YMMV

 

[Batmensch]

Haven't tried the CS 60's, but I really like the tone of the GZR pickup. To my ears, very much a solid 60's sound.

 

[EdO.]

How do the Quarter Pounders factor into all of this? I've got a Mike Dirnt Squier '51 P that I like the sound of (stock Squier split-P pup) but wondering how to quantify what might possibly be added/improved by installing a different pup, and then which one to go with? Other than buying all of them, installing and trying, how would someone quantify the differences in all of the most popular/available/reasonably affordable options?

 

[Mr.Fingers]

I found the CS60 a bit too hot/brutal for my liking (also in the vintage sound: Jamerson, Dunn,...). The pickup that did the trick for me was the Seymour Duncan Antiquity I (the II was a tad too bright for me).

 

[Mosstone]

How do the Quarter Pounders factor into all of this? I've got a Mike Dirnt Squier '51 P that I like the sound of (stock Squier split-P pup) but wondering how to quantify what might possibly be added/improved by installing a different pup, and then which one to go with? Other than buying all of them, installing and trying, how would someone quantify the differences in all of the most popular/available/reasonably affordable options?

I've heard and played Ps with QPs installed and didn't care for 'em. They're a little over the top for me, but I like QP Jazz pickups.

As far as how to quantify the potential improvement that a pickup swap may bring; I say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I may be a compulsive modder, but I don't recommend upgrading for upgrade's sake. If you already like the sound of your stock pickups, what more could you want?

I found the CS60 a bit too hot/brutal for my liking (also in the vintage sound: Jamerson, Dunn,...). The pickup that did the trick for me was the Seymour Duncan Antiquity I (the II was a tad too bright for me).

I took a look at the SD website and it looks like all the Antiquities are on the bright side and low in mids. I'm looking for something that's stronger in the mids, which is why I decided to get the GZRs. Actually, there was a briefly used GZR P rig (no J) for sale in the classifieds today, so I pulled the trigger. Thanks to everyone for you input!

 

[jallenbass]

Here's a couple of clips of those 2 pickups. Hope it's helpful.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

I took a look at the SD website and it looks like all the Antiquities are on the bright side and low in mids. I'm looking for something that's stronger in the mids, which is why I decided to get the GZRs. Actually, there was a briefly used GZR P rig (no J) for sale in the classifieds today, so I pulled the trigger. Thanks to everyone for you input!

I don't think I've read a post here where anyone who tried the GZRs didn't like them!

 

[MovingPitchers]

Here's a couple of clips of those 2 pickups. Hope it's helpful.

Oooooh I have to listen to these when I'm home tonight. I'm also considering a pickup swap for my MIM P.

 

[mouthmw]

I don't think I've read a post here where anyone who tried the GZRs didn't like them!

I have, but it's a rare occurence indeed. I love them myself, favorite P pup ever. I also really liked SD SPB-1.

 

[Kukulkan61]

I haven't tried the Geezer's, but thought about it on my old MIA P with CS60's (2014). Liked the CS's a lot and was doing Motown type stuff. Great sound. Someone was asking about the Geezer's vs. CS and said wasn't worth the change, so I decided to save my money. If I ever buy another bass, it will be a Lakland P with the GB pups, but since you need pups, maybe you can find some sound files or used. It does seem to be a "Porsche or Ferrari" type question, which is not a bad choice to have!

You would love this Bass!!