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ESP LTD AP204 Pickup Upgrade Recommendation

R

Rob Ware

Commercial User
Aug 15, 2019
17
14
#1
Looking for a recommendation. I purchased an ESP LTD AP 204 PJ bass and while I like the bass, I am not happy with the pickups. The pickups are stock ESP designed pickups and I think they just sound very dark and distorted. Thinking of upgrading to a set of EMG's original active pickup set for PJ Bass and wanted to get some opinions. Will these EMGs be a good fit or should I go another direction. Thanks!
 
#2
I used Lace Alumitones Bass Bar Pickups in my ESP LTD B5E. They are a different design and technology but the tone is clean, clear, good output, totally quiet. They have been on the bass you see in my avatar since 2012/2013 with absolutely no issues. They were the only pickup I found that fit perfectly dropped in place and I highly recommend them. This is the video of the Lace Alumitone Bass Bar Pickup that sold me on them:

You have typical P and J pickups so you have plenty of options. Seymour Duncan's are a good alternative that are more budget conscience but lindy fralins are very good but pricy
Go on the Lace website to check out their P and J pickup replacements. This is the Bass Bar (Soap Bar)
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Lace/A...MIlP-ag-2K6wIVkobACh2kmwmtEAQYAiABEgLxGvD_BwE
 
Last edited:
#3
LoveThatBass said:
I used Lace Alumitones Bass Bar Pickups in my ESP LTD B5E. They are a different design and technology but the tone is clean, clear, good output, totally quiet. They have been on the bass you see in my avatar since 2012/2013 with absolutely no issues. They were the only pickup I found that fit perfectly dropped in place and I highly recommend them. This is the video of the Lace Alumitone Bass Bar Pickup that sold me on them:

You have typical P and J pickups so you have plenty of options. Seymour Duncan's are a good alternative that are more budget conscience but lindy fralins are very good but pricy
Go on the Lace website to check out their P and J pickup replacements. This is the Bass Bar (Soap Bar)
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Lace/A...MIlP-ag-2K6wIVkobACh2kmwmtEAQYAiABEgLxGvD_BwE
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. The Alumitones sounds great. I will definitely check them out.
 
#4
There are loads of PJ pickups on the market. It’s really personal preference, which means you may have to try a few before you find your match.

But I really like the standard EMG P pickup!
 

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