DiMarzio pickups: Model J vs Model P

From what I've read, the P could prove to be a disappointment compared to the J.

 

I had a Dimarzio P in my 87 P bass. I swapped it out for a Basslines QP and it was a big improvement. I found the Dimarzio to be a bit brash and thin sounding.

 

Hmm..... unless you're going to butcher a Precision to fit a Jazz bass pickup where the P pickup goes - or vice versa - to get a like for like test, how are you going to ever tell if one or the other is better?.

I have a Precision with a DiMarzio P in the normal Precision position and a DiMarzio J added near the bridge. The P pickup is considerably more powerful than the J Bass pup - which is a given with a two pup bass anyway - so you need to jack the P pup way down so the outputs approximately match, then you ahev a useable combination - you can switch from one or the other pup, or mix the two without having to mess with the EQ on your amp.

It should be noted that DiMarzios are "brash" by design, so if "brash" ain't what youre looking for, pick a pup with a "warmer" sound - such as the QP.

 

i have been using model p pickups for 10 years, and in two instances, have it paired with a model j in the bridge. as said above, the p output has a lot higher output, so getting the height adjustments down is crucial if you're considering a situation where you're going to want to blend the two together.

as for tone, it produces a tight, punchy sound, with a bit of a mid range boost when compared to a stock fender.

 

That's how I'd describe it - some might call that "brash"

 

i have both. the P is very ballsy & has big lows like the J. very similar IMO.

 

Tough comparison to judge. I've had both in the same bass. Nowadays, when I have a p and j together in a bass, I use strictly Villex (which is a TOTALLY different animal). After reading the OP, I took down my SX P with a Dimarzio and played it through a studio monitor to really listen to its sound uncolored by a bass amp.
The P is definitely more "in your face" than the J was. More of a "cut through" sound. It's a great rock and roll sound. I don't think it's the traditional vintage P sound. To balance it, I added a Dimarzio Model One all the way up at the neck.
Now, consider that the Model P has so much output. That lets you play with a different technique, hitting the strings with more finesse. That tones down the sound and emphasizes the bass end over the mids. But yeah, the Dimarzio P screams more than the J.

 

In other words, dude, you're going to love it. Give it a shot--it isn't that much money. Only $60, I think for a Model P? It's a steal.