• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender N3 vs. Bill Lawrence P46/J45

Mystic Michael

Mystic Michael

Hip No Ties
Supporting Member
Apr 1, 2004
9,883
2,148
New York, NY
#1
Yes, it's the return of the dreaded "versus" thread... :p

Lately I've been toying with the idea of picking up one - or two - of those great new Fender American Deluxe basses...a Precision 4 and/or a Jazz 4, with the stock Fender N3 noiseless pickups.

Should I decide to go this route, I may sooner or later have those instruments retrofitted with Bill Lawrence pickups (a P46/J45 PJ set for the Precision; a J45/J45 set for the Jazz), simply because they're so well-regarded, and I gather that the Lawrence models may constitute an upgrade from the Fender stocks - depending upon one's personal taste. Hence the following questions:

Is there by chance a general consensus on the quality of tone and overall performance quality of the N3s? If so, how would you characterize it?

For those of you who may have experience with both the N3s and the Lawrence P46 and/or J45, how would you say they compare and contrast? Primarily in terms of tone/frequency response, but secondarily in terms of durability, reliability and overall performance?

Would appreciate any and all knowledgeable responses... :hmm:

MM
 
#2
As you probably know, Bill designed some of Fender's recent noiseless pickups. I'm not sure if they're still using his design, or if he did the bass pups. I remember reading that he designed those pups to Fender's tonal design goals, whereas his own noiseless pickups were designed to satisfy his own goals. Unfortunately, I have no experience with is bass pups (his guitar pups are great) or the fender's in question, but I personally wouldn't hesitate to try a set of his pups if I wanted an upgrade.
 
#3
All of Bill's pickups are fantastic. Fender's N3 pickups came after the SCNs, which Bill designed for them. I suspect Fender thought it could save some money by making another noiseless pickup and skimp on the royalties. I've only have direct personal experience comparing the guitar SCNs to the N3s (the SCNs were my preference) and I wasn't inspired by the N3s I tried in a jazz bass, but I'm a real fan of Bill's bass pickups. Bill also designed the pickups for the Roscoe Beck bass Fender makes. I'd spend some time with the N3s trying pickup height adjustments and amp EQ before looking for anything else, which I didn't get to spend much time with in-store.
 
#4
I appreciate both replies thus far... :hmm:

Based on extensive research of reviews, I have little doubt that the Bill Lawrence P46 & J45 are "all that" and more. So much so that I've already placed my order for a P/J set and a J/J set. Even if I don't use 'em anytime soon, I'll hold onto them - for the right time to install 'em and use 'em. I'm sure they'll always hold their value, and will prove to be a wise investment. :cool:

When the time comes, I'll experience the N3s for myself, and will make a judgment about them then. Biggest question I have is: "Will the P46 & J45 really represent a significant upgrade? Or mostly just a sort of "lateral" switch?"

More opinions gladly welcomed...

MM
 
#5
I suspect the Bill Lawrences are probably wonderful having tried his pickups before. (different model though) The Fender N3's didn't lack anything for me personally other than these days I prefer true single attitude. (Digging the Aguilar AJ-60's currently) I'm sure you'll end up with something really viable either way.
 
#6
Just ordered a set for my 62 Jazz RI. Have Fralins in now which have more character than the original Fenders but are missing the gooey bottom end of the Fenders. Hoping for a more even sound with the Lawrence pickups.

Have played and owned a few basses with the N3's they didn't sound bad but just didn't do it for me. The SCN's I did like but the newer Fender single coils are pretty sweet for stock.

If I played more aggressive music I'd keep and depending on what the BL pickups sound like I may keep the Fralins. Growly jazz bass for days.

I'll update when I get the new pickups in. And they will be wired passive V/V/T.
 
#7
Installed the new Lawrence pickups. not as hot as the Fralins but certainly a more even sound. One big difference is they are dead quiet. Solo'd or not. I like how the pole pieces are staggered. They work great with the 7.25" radius on my jazz bass but the outer poles are flush so your thumb doesn't catch.

I have some sound clips but they sound weird when I export them so once I figure out the problem I can post them.

Some pics...

DSCF1284.jpg

DSCF1294.jpg


Tapered pole pieces

DSCF1285.jpg


Plenty of wire for any bass.

DSCF1295.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: highway
#8
aproud1 said:
Installed the new Lawrence pickups. not as hot as the Fralins but certainly a more even sound. One big difference is they are dead quiet. Solo'd or not. I like how the pole pieces are staggered. They work great with the 7.25" radius on my jazz bass but the outer poles are flush so your thumb doesn't catch.

I have some sound clips but they sound weird when I export them so once I figure out the problem I can post them.

Some pics...

Tapered pole pieces

Plenty of wire for any bass.
Click to expand...

I just got my pj set a week ago . Back pick up staggered like yours I haven't installed them yet on my mij p bass lyte. Those are great pics you posted. I waited about 1-2 months for these wildes. They make these pickups in batches seasonally. At least that what I understood from Betty . @aproud1. How did you have your fralins wound? Thanks.
 
#9
Highpost said:
I just got my pj set a week ago . Back pick up staggered like yours I haven't installed them yet on my mij p bass lyte. Those are great pics you posted. I waited about 1-2 months for these wildes. They make these pickups in batches seasonally. At least that what I understood from Betty . @aproud1. How did you have your fralins wound? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Fralins were the standard wind. Really liked them but had a hard time getting over the single coil hum. Funny thing is I never solo my pickups anyway but I'm funny like that.

Had band practice tonight and really like these pickups. More clarity and definition than the Fralins though the Fralins were certainly more aggressive and punchy. The Lawrence pickups sound just a touch more modern and my bass still sounds like a jazz bass.

Super cool. They are just as quiet when solo'd. now I just need to chase down my perpetual ground noise on this bass...:crying:
 
#11
Figured I'd offer an update to anyone still watching this thread. Still have the Lawrence pickups in my 62 RI Jazz. They have really grown on me. My band has been recording our last few practices and this bass sounds perfect in the live mix!

One thing that really impresses me is the neck pickup solo'd sounds more like a p bass than with any other jazz pickup I've ever used.... very cool. :cool:
 
  • Like
Reactions: superheavyfunk and highway
#12
I have the SCNs in my MIM Jazz and love 'em. I didn't know what I was doing back then when I found them, and I am very happy to have had the luck to get the SCNs. That Bill Lawrence designed them explains why they sound so good!

I have a P-46 in my shop and am now thinking about what P to put them in.
 
#13
I'm having my new build finished right now... it will have a p-46 and a Bill Lawrence Roscoe Beck style pickup at the bridge (I got it from a Fender Am. Deluxe P-Bass V 5 string set)... I'm going with passive , Vol. Bal and tone... it should be done next week ... I'll post pictures and a review.... I haven't heard the BL pickups yet .. but I've played a Roscoe Beck and those BL pickups sound great !

Through the 2000's I had a couple of Jazz Basses that had the BL design pickups and (other than they were Jazz Basses) I thought they sounded great also.... that's why I'm so confident about my choice for the new build.
 
#14
ya, the bill lawrence p46 and the j 45 is the way to go, bill had a shop in nashville back in the seventies, he would work on my bass when i needed something done. i have always used his pickups he was such a smart man when it came to sound. RIP bill.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mystic Michael
#15
I took the p46's out for awhile and tried a set of seymour duncan spb 3 1/4 lb's i use them for one gig and had to let them go, i worked with them for a week before the gig. a very strong pickups heavy low's and very sharp high's, the tone for me was not there. it was kinda like all blow a no show the p46's went back in the bass i doubt if i ever take them out again. i have a j45 that i plan to do a p j thing. ive herd some good thing's about this set up. it's hard to beat bill lawrence pickups. i am not a pitchman i just like the tone. cheers.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mystic Michael

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back