Difference between Precision Bass pick ups

[APGP]

I have recently purchased a late 80s Fender Precision MIJ 70s RI and it sounds great. The body is very resonant and the pick ups also sound good, very clear. However, I don't like the natural tone of the pick ups very much, they lack a bit of punch for my taste and clearness when the tone is dialed down.

I was wondering if anyone can give me an insight on how the different pick ups from different brands sound and help me decide on which I should choose as a test for replacement. Most say the same things in the description and the reviews don't really help if all of them say the pick ups are good.

Thank you!

Best regards.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

DiMarzio Model P® | DiMarzio

Alternatively, you could get a more powerful DP127 & wire it in parallel:

Split PTM | DiMarzio

 

[sikamikanico]

OP, unfortunately "punch and clarity" seem to have very different meanings to different people. I can see how Model P could be considered punchy, but I don't think it's clear sounding. To me, "punchy and clear" would be a more traditional alnico 5 pickup, possibly a non-hot/non-overwound version of one. Though not necessarily a "vintage-spec'ed" one. But that's very close to what you probably have in your bass, and it leaves things wide open for suggestions. Or can you be a bit more specific about what you're looking for?

That said, it may not be the pickup that's the problem. First I would consider different strings (hint: for me, pressurewounds offer a great balance of punch and clarity). Second, dial in the setup just right (chiefly pickup height, but imo action and relief influence how you play and hence the sound). Last, if you lose clarity when you roll down your tone, then maybe consider using a smaller cap, which would cut less of your mids... Coincidentally, that could help punch too...

 

[Killed_by_Death]

If you just want it brighter, you could change to 500K Ohm pots, which would also give you more gradual roll-back of the highs.

 

[APGP]

With this bass and pick up im getting a more high mid sound, and I prefer a more low mid round sound. Since the body is ash I want something that can cut through more, while being on that frequency range. Also, when I cut the tone, the bass sounds a bit muddy and nasaly.

This afternoon I looked at the lindy fralins and they sounded really good to my ears, like a clear, warm, distinct sound, slightly different than most split coils I have heard.

 

[Yahboy]

With this bass and pick up im getting a more high mid sound, and I prefer a more low mid round sound. Since the body is ash I want something that can cut through more, while being on that frequency range. Also, when I cut the tone, the bass sounds a bit muddy and nasaly.

This afternoon I looked at the lindy fralins and they sounded really good to my ears, like a clear, warm, distinct sound, slightly different than most split coils I have heard.

Look like a set of GZR pup + stainless steel round could solve your problem.