I need some new Precision pickups

[AngelCrusher]

Try to locate some of the OLDER DiMarzio P pickups. I have 2 as spares, wrapped up in my drawer, in case the one's that I installed decades ago crap out. They. Are. Awesome.

EDIT: It's THE ONLY P pickup I'll use. And, I've just about tried 'em all. They're awesome in any setting, especially rock.

The older ones are the same as the new. Just may be more broken in and you can notice that. Regardless, I have been strongly considering a set. How do they sound with flats and what is the output like? I like something a touch hot.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I'd go emg geezers or emg x. Here's a video of the ESP Frank Bello signature p bass with the emg x pickups. I dig that sound.

 

[Kukulkan61]

Theres actually a set of EMG Geezers in the classifieds as we speak, grab em before theyre gone !!

 

[Aidenn7]

GZR- take the logo of- tru vintage rock and roll

 

[gregmon79]

I put Geezers in my PJ and it now sounds incredible! I had a Schecter with EMG's and wasn't fond of the tone. But EMG got it right with the Geezers. Deep and growly but versatile...perfect for a P bass! There is a large thread about them here on TB with tons of positive reviews.

I agree. The GZRs are in my P/J too. They are the ****!! Love em. Very organic and full, deep and lovely. I would like if they were a tad brighter but my EQ can make them perfect. I love them. They will help you stand out in the mix no issue OP. Especially the P pup.

I have active EMG PAXs in my P bass. Those are also great. High output and crystal clear.

 

[StevieM]

The older ones are the same as the new. Just may be more broken in and you can notice that. Regardless, I have been strongly considering a set. How do they sound with flats and what is the output like? I like something a touch hot.

To be honest, I've never purchased a set of flats in my life. And, they are a fairly hot pickup. And, I can definitely tell the difference, compared to the newer DiMarzio models. As a matter of fact, I don't even know if they still make that exact model. If so, I guess the difference is like an actual, real-deal '59 PAF, compared to these reissues makers are putting in Les Pauls these days. Same amount of winds, same gauge/type of wire, but with a "broken in" sound. Imho, I haven't found a better P pup for rock since I started playing thru them in the early 80's. If I ever buy some different pups, it's gonna be the SIMS Super Quads, for sure. Those are hands down, by far, the best idea I've EVER seen for bass pickups. They are simply awesome!

 

[40Hz]

I have the Bill Lawrence P46 pickup and Chromes on one of my precisions. Couldn't be happier with the range of tones! BTW- is the P46 still available as Bill Lawrence passed?

The P-46 and J-45 are still available. Becky is carrying on the tradition over at Wilde Pickups. Order [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].

 

[bassdude51]

I've not read through the 4 pages.

2 P pickups that I really like are the Fender '63 (that are used in the '63 AVRI). They are about 5% beefier than the '62 original which is also a very nice pickup!

The Aero Instruments Type 1 P pickup is another excellent pickup. Although it is pricey! A little rolled off on the top end but sounds very excellent!

The Duncan SPB-1 is very, very good and affordable. As mentioned, the Fender Original P Pickup (used to be called Original '62) is very, very good.

I actually like the Duncan 1/4 pounder but I had some slight hum issues when my finger got near the magnets. I saw where some had to ground out the back side of the magnet poles with copper tape and a wire going to the electronic ground.

The Nordstrand NP4 is also very, very good for a real deal vintage sound.

 

[Yahboy]

Try Fender 63pup and bright roundwound string with tone wide open.

 

[MetsMan75]

I liked a lot of the pickups mentioned in this thread but here's two examples of ones I mentioned earlier. Mike Dirnt Bass and they are '59s. I Love that tone... and Rio Grande are on bottom


(Rio Grande-one of my favs)

 

[mpdd]

g&l mfd set that's in an sb-1 = sledgehammer with la bella flatwounds or epic piano with hi beams

 

[SteveCS]

I have the Bill Lawrence P46 pickup and Chromes on one of my precisions. Couldn't be happier with the range of tones! BTW- is the P46 still available as Bill Lawrence passed?

+1 on Bill Lawrence pickups. I don't know how it compares to the P46 but I have a german-made OBL 601 from 1988 in my P/J...

 

[Zoobiedood]

First thing I would do is make sure the pickup is actually working correctly and it is wired properly. It shouldn't sound thin at all- it might not have the tone or power you want, but it shouldn't sound that thin...maybe the 2 coils aren't in phase with each other. I don't know, but before you go a-swapping, just make sure everything is ok in there.

 

[Bass4LifeRS]

Can't ever go wrong with Seymour Duncan quarter pounder pickups.

Yes you very much can All bass and treble, I can think of many situations where that can go wrong.

 

[Plutonium244]

Yet another vote for the Aguilar 4P-60 pick-up. Really nice. Clean without losing the vintage-ness.