Fender P: CS60s must go!

[Robus]

Hi all. Pickup recommendations please?

I have a 2013 American Standard P bass with the Custom Shop 60s pickups. When I bought the bass new, the CS pickups were a selling point. But more and more I am finding that the over-wound tones and super-dominant low mids are just too much. I am using flats and have been through several varieties: Chromes, Roto77s, Sadowsky Black Label, TI Jazz Flats. Same story with every one of them. I'm not ready to go back to rounds.

The music is a variety of styles, from alt-country to hard rock. I didn't think I really wanted a scooped sound from my P bass, but maybe that's exactly what I want after all. I have a 2011 American Standard Jazz with the pre-CS pickups that fits perfectly in any mix no matter what what I do with it.

Can you recommend a pickup with less exaggerated low mids and a lower output, more balanced sound? I've heard a lot of people praise the Geezer Butlers, but that may be the opposite direction from the one I want to go.

Thanks!

 

[bassliner50]

I think you'd like the Fender Original ('62) pickups. Versatile and usually described as vintage tone w/lots of character. Good definition. And can be had for about $60.

 

[Frenchy-Lefty]

I think you'd like the Fender Original ('62) pickups. Versatile and usually described as vintage tone w/lots of character. Good definition. And can be had for about $60.

That's what I use with flatwounds. They are great. The Seymour Duncans (?)1's are very similar and another great option. I agree with your assessment of the CS60s.

 

[Snaxster]

Can you recommend a pickup with less exaggerated low mids and a lower output, more balanced sound? I've heard a lot of people praise the Geezer Butlers, but that may be the opposite direction from the one I want to go.

Hello. What is your price range?

 

[reno88]

i have a set of lindy fralins in my '73 p-bass. a little pricey, but they're killer. i use rounds, half-rounds, and flats depending on my mood and what we're playing. the fralins have been in for almost 10 years and they're staying. lots of choices out there. good hunting!

 

[Robus]

Hello. What is your price range?

Thanks for the replies all. Nothing set in stone. If I like the tone, I don't mind paying the cost.

 

[Robus]

I think you'd like the Fender Original ('62) pickups. Versatile and usually described as vintage tone w/lots of character. Good definition. And can be had for about $60.

Thanks. I get a little confused by Fender's terminology. Are these the pickups you mean:

 

[Snaxster]

Thanks for the replies all. Nothing set in stone. If I like the tone, I don't mind paying the cost.

Good man.

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Klein Pickups: 1959 Epic Series Precision Bass Pickup

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I was just now playing my Flying Mojo pre-CBS type P/J set and wow... the P pickup simply is something else. You have to play it to understand. It's one of those.

Actually, in my experience each of those three has that quality and should meet your criteria. The Flying Mojo and Klein are most alike.

My Novak PB-V makes me playing my Custom Shop '59 Precision with flatwounds sound like someone else is playing it. Sometimes I actually can't believe the sounds I'm getting.

 

[Robus]

Good man.

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Klein Pickups: 1959 Epic Series Precision Bass Pickup

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I was just now playing my Flying Mojo pre-CBS type P/J set and wow... the P pickup simply is something else. You have to play it to understand. It's one of those.

Actually, in my experience each of those three has that quality and should meet your criteria. The Flying Mojo and Klein are most alike.

My Novak PB-V makes me playing my Custom Shop '59 Precision with flatwounds sound like someone else is playing it. Sometimes I actually can't believe the sounds I'm getting.

 

[Robus]

Thanks! I couldn't find the Youtube clip of those Novaks. The link on his page just took me to a list of assorted vids. Those Flying Mojos are pricey alright. Does the tone justify the price, relative to the other two?

 

[Snaxster]

Thanks! I couldn't find the Youtube clip of those Novaks. The link on his page just took me to a list of assorted vids. Those Flying Mojos are pricey alright. Does the tone justify the price, relative to the other two?

Don't thank me yet! But you are quite welcome. You're right about the Novak site's links to videos... they are not current.

Value for money, relative or not, will be up to you to decide. But your question is fair. In my opinion, of those three Novak gives the best value by far.

I review all three in this forum. In my review thread for the Flying Mojo pickups, price and value gets discussed some. That may be worth you reading.

 

[LoveThatBass]

Thanks. I get a little confused by Fender's terminology. Are these the pickups you mean:

That's the one!
New Fender Original Precision Bass '62 P Bass Pickups Set USA 1962 Reissue Gift | eBay

 

[Alexis Duntov]

i have a set of lindy fralins in my '73 p-bass. a little pricey, but they're killer. i use rounds, half-rounds, and flats depending on my mood and what we're playing. the fralins have been in for almost 10 years and they're staying. lots of choices out there. good hunting!

Just curious why you put Fralins (which are very highly regarded) in that bass? Problem with the original pickup? I have a '74 P with original pickup which I adore. Curious how the Fralin compares to it.

 

[jp8848]

I have a 2013 as well and mine has that rich deep tone and lows as you described. Mine is fitted with the CS pickups (sales gimmick to justify the added cost). I have contemplated trading but not sure yet! Put the Geezers in my Sandblasted P bass and wow!!!! That thing turned into a beast instantly!! Going to completely redo my 1984 Squier Japan Pbass and put the 62's in it and change the bridge to a 62 style.

 

[joebar]

I feel the same way as OP

I am going GZR all the way.

 

[Frenchy-Lefty]

Unless you get them custom wound by Lindy, the Frailins will be overwound and reminiscent of the CS60's

 

[fakeneckplate'65]

Which pickup should my 2010 American Standard Precision have?

 

[Kukulkan61]

I would go with Duncan SPB1 or Fralins over the Fender pups, better IMO...

 

[SlimNeck]

I would go with Duncan SPB1 or Fralins over the Fender pups, better IMO...

I agree. I had a Dimarzio Will Power before that was way too hot for my liking. Switched to Duncan SPB1 and it made a world of difference. Much more clarity, not as boomy.

 

[SonnyBassPlayer]

I add myself to the list of the Fender Original '62 suggesters. I have them on my two P basses, really balanced sound; with the mids it has it can both do vintage and rich, full tones, drop the mods from the amp and you have the growly modern P sound when needed.