humbuckers vs single coil

[David Jayne]

+1.

As I stated earlier my preference is usually for single coils but to take it even further I have to agree with ggunn in that the split-coil P is a stroke of genius for the reasons alluded to. In addition I love the effect that such a wide short coil has on the tone... it adds some round meatiness. IMHO a split-coil P almost is the perfect pickup.

Yes, it is genius. Regarding the short, fat coils, especially the 'fat' ness- it's important to remember that it's the COIL that does the actual string sensing, not the magnets or pole pieces, but this is frequently overlooked. The magnets or pole pieces simply project a magnetic field in which the strings and coils interact with each other. A wide, fat coil such as in a P bass or a P 90 pickup actually has some of the attributes of a dual coil humbucker, in that the sensed length of the string is quite wide, compared to, say, a Jazz pickup or Strat. And this introduces some of the same frequency cancellations found in a humbucker type pickup. So fat single coils are sort of a hybrid, in a sense.

 

[kjpollo]

I really lean toward either humbuckers or split coils. Single coils are just not my thing.
I like the thunder and I'm willing to deal with a little mud to get there.

 

[David Jayne]

By the way doesn't this belong in 'Pickups and Electronics?'

 

[chadhargis]

I prefer whatever sounds good. I've heard singles that sounded thin and lifeless and I've heard hum canceling pickups that actually hum.

Thankfully, it's not 1960 anymore, and we have choices. We also have advanced electronics and computers. Plug your bass into the right gear and you can make it oink like a pig or moo like a cow if you want.

 

[Dogghouse]

One's gotta have both in the arsenal. Did you know we make a humbucker that splits and sounds authentically like a strat single? It's called a Stag Mag.
http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/electric/humbucker/high-output/sh3_stag_mag/

 

[dStar]

Nordstrand dual coils with parallel-single-series switches. Best if all worlds

 

[ChrisCassisi]

PJ setup is my all time favorite. 7 of my basses have this configuration. Not a fan off 2 jazz style single coils. I prefer humbuckers in my 6 strings though. Passive in all my 4 strings and active in all my 6 strings.

 

[mmbongo]

Nordstrand dual coils with parallel-single-series switches. Best if all worlds

This, except with Bartolini and SGD

 

[dangerdude]

Seriously, dudes. I think it kind of matters, what music you are gonna make. If it's gonna be subtle and jazzy, I'd always go for a passive J-bass setting. If not, if it's gonna be meaty, and high output, my G&L L2000 in series mode is a total beast.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

but honestly, a split-coil humbucker is the best of both:

MPF2004

• Killed_by_Death
• Nov 24, 2020
• ehb;levy's;

new strap day

 

[Element Zero]

Humbuckers or single coils?

Yes.

 

[sikamikanico]

View attachment 4101681

but honestly, a split-coil humbucker is the best of both:

MPF2004

• Killed_by_Death
• Nov 24, 2020
• ehb;levy's;

new strap day

I presume those are Big Splits in that bass, right? How do they compare to your other Ibby with Big Singles? have you tried swapping the pickups between the two basses to see if any differences (if observed) would follow the pickup or the bass?

They always sounded very similar to me, but I’ve never had a chance to compare them side by side, let alone in the same bass. I’m contemplating a build/mod with these pickups but am on the fence which I want...

 

[ctmullins]

Seriously, dudes. I think it kind of matters, what music you are gonna make. If it's gonna be subtle and jazzy, I'd always go for a passive J-bass setting. If not, if it's gonna be meaty, and high output, my G&L L2000 in series mode is a total beast.

You have fallen into the trap of assuming that all single coils are thin and clear, and that all humbuckers are thick and meaty.

It’s okay; it’s a common misconception.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

have you tried swapping the pickups between the two basses to see if any differences (if observed) would follow the pickup or the bass?

The Splits & Singles sound very similar, but of course the Singles are brighter & have a tiny little bit more Character & better Dynamics.
I've strongly considered putting the Singles in the EHB, but when I was comparing them I used the bridge pickups & the noise from the Single was obviously the bigger difference between the two. I've been commenting for a long time that I wanted a double P-style configuration & now I have it!

With Nickel-wound on the Singles & Stainless on the Splits, they're almost equal, but I do believe the Singles will make any strings sound new longer.