Help with new pickups...

[JackPR]

I got a 2008 Red Aerodyne Jazz Bass from Japan cause I just loved that color too much and I really want to make it my own. I've been getting into recording and I want it to sound as "Fender" as possible. I'm sure you guys know what I mean. My other basses have Bartolini Hubuckers and the SFR Gary Willis Bass Custom Humbucker (Which is a fretless), so I really want those classic P and J sounds from a passive bass. I want to be able to use the P pickup to get as close to the classic P bass sound and have the bridge also be close to a Fender jazz bridge pickup since I really never cared too much for the Jazz neck sound outside of blending it with the bridge anyways. If the bridge doesn't hum that's better but if that changes the sound too much from "Fender-like" then I'll have to think about it. This is my first Fender and I specifically wanted a PJ for this combination but I am pretty knew to pickups as my other basses all have their default pickups. I'm sure the obvious answer is Fender pickups but seeing as there are many models I'd like to know what my best options are and if any other brands are worth considering, especially for the humming.

 

[rojo412]

I'd personally opt for something like the Dimarzio Area PJ set. They have the rounder, more balanced, Fenderish sound than their other offerings, but are a bit higher output and also hum cancelling.

 

[JackPR]

I'd personally opt for something like the Dimarzio Area PJ set. They have the rounder, more balanced, Fenderish sound than their other offerings, but are a bit higher output and also hum cancelling.

I actually think that sounds pretty good, especially the higher output and hum cancelling. I see the name Seymour Duncan get thrown around a lot but it is to my understanding those have a different sound and they are actually $10 more. Is it worth considering getting a P pickup that isn't part of a set or would getting an equal quality single J pickup be a problem?

 

[Slater]

For "classic Fender" tone, the Dimarzio Area P/J set suggested by @rojo412 is pretty good. If you're considering Seymour Duncan, I would go with a SPB-1 Precision pickup and an Apollo Jazz pickup.

 

[JackPR]

For "classic Fender" tone, the Dimarzio Area P/J set suggested by @rojo412 is pretty good. If you're considering Seymour Duncan, I would go with a SPB-1 Precision pickup and an Apollo Jazz pickup.

I am pretty sold on the Dimarzio but I don't understand the difference between DP 126 and DP 251. Could someone explain?

 

[Slater]

…I don't understand the difference between DP 126 and DP 251. Could someone explain?

The DP126 (Model P/J set) has powerful ceramic magnets which give them a more aggressive tone with a little more lows and a little less highs.
The DP251 (Area P/J set) uses Alnico II magnets which are less powerful, but give them a more clear, vintage tone.

 

[JackPR]

The DP126 (Model P/J set) has powerful ceramic magnets which give them a more aggressive tone with a little more lows and a little less highs.
The DP251 (Area P/J set) uses Alnico II magnets which are less powerful, but give them a more clear, vintage tone.

Alright then 251 it is, seems like exactly what I had in mind, thanks guys!

 

[rojo412]

The 126/Model PJ set is awesome, but definitely NOT the Fender sound.