Duncan SPB-1 vs Squier P pickup w/sound clips

[jallenbass]

I just swapped out the OEM pickup in my Squier Affinity P bass with a Seymour Duncan SPB-1. Here are the before and after sound clips. I've come to a conclusion but would like to get other opinions. I'll keep the identities of the pickups anonymous for the moment so as not to sway anyone with brand names.

 

[ampegfuzz]

Pickup A has good overtones but B sounds fuller.

A=spb1
B=squier

 

[RCCollins]

Pickup A (squier affinity) has more high end and lacks the fuller mids of pickup B (SPB-1)

 

[JavierFarias]

B sounds better to me, I guess that's the SPB

 

[ChuckTrucks]

NEED CARROTS!

 

[chuck norriss]

I'm listening through AKG K44 earmuffs. B sounds larger.

 

[ampegfuzz]

B sounds like its jut closer to the stings.

 

[jallenbass]

I didn't measure distance from the strings but B might be a little closer. Maybe.

 

[PDGood]

So what's the deal with the second clip of each?

On the first clip of each A sounds generic and B has more of a vintage character.
On the second clip not sure what you did - roll off highs, add flats? In any case, it drastically improved A and took the brittleness out of it. On B, it went too far - turned it into warm mud.

So I liked the second clip of A and the first clip of B.

 

[jmpiwonka]

clip a, spb1 i think, mids are more complex better highs, you think it's brittle roll back the tone knob just a bit, less treble but the sound i still more complex.

clip b sounds ok with the tone wide open, but kinda boring and might get lost in the mix, when you roll back the tone the harmonics that are barely there disappear even more...all fundamental...boring.

clip a sounds better i think.

 

[jallenbass]

2nd clip of each I rolled off the highs with the tone knob.

 

[PlungerModerno]

B is a better recording - Could be a better pickup, setup or balanced recording setup (I've read it's important for a passive bass).

Either one sounds quite lovely. I hope you enjoy the new pickup

 

[M.R. Ogle]

B sounded a little fuller to me. I have no idea which pickup is which, though.

Makes you wonder if swaps to "better" pickups are really worth much. They both sound pretty darn good, one at $100 less outlay.

 

[PJRL]

I have an SPB-1 in my US-V 62 P and I love it.

To me it has that great old P bass sound.

 

[ampegfuzz]

I have one in one of my p's so that's why I'm curious.

 

[jallenbass]

B is a better recording - Could be a better pickup, setup or balanced recording setup (I've read it's important for a passive bass).

Either one sounds quite lovely. I hope you enjoy the new pickup

The recording setup was exactly the same. I can't vouch for the consistency of the player though.

 

[jmpiwonka]

i doubt pickup height would matter too much with the bass going straight in to record...as long as they're close

now...going into an amp that's amplifying a few gain stages or something. pickup heights might make a little more difference there.

 

[ampegfuzz]

The second clip seems hotter. Listen to this clip I did for a friend and you can hear in the bridge pup setting what I kinda feel its doing.

I favor the bridge pup a bit in this bass and setup. I can do one with the white Ric if you want. Neck/bridge/middle and pick and finger. The I ride the A string with a pick neck/middle/bridge.

http://soundcloud.com/ampegfuzz/laz-ric-clip-1

 

[jallenbass]

I recorded it with a mic on my amp if that helps. Nothing direct.

 

[ampegfuzz]

That's cool! Not like it helps but they both sound good. Sometimes you find a winner, like finding the right les Paul. Your all cool either way IMO.