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Japanese Fender P-bass PU's?

B

BassHole1

Oct 29, 2025
385
456
Monterey Bay, CA
#1
So I have tried various Fender PU's in my Fender P basses and I just love the USA Original Precision 1963's, except they are $150.00/set. I've purchased a few used that were slightly under $100.00, but I have a new bass project I am doing and I found a set of Fender PU's from a MIJ or CIJ bass for a very good deal and jumped on them.

In the videos I've seen of MIJ or CIJ P-basses, they seem to sound fine, but does anyone know how they compare to the Originals? I keep reading that the PU's are the weakest link in CIJ/MIJ basses. Any input is appreciated......thanks!

PS: I am not seeking recommendations for boutique brands. I have a P bass with DiMarzios and they are hot, one with S.D. Quarter Pounders and they are hot, one with Aguilar PU's and they are a tad quiet, and one with Bartolini's and they are good, but I like to stick with passive Fender on this build....
 
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#2
Just to clarify, are you talking about Fender Originals or Fender Pure Vintage '63s?

I don't know how old yours are, but my CIJ T-series (2007-2008) Aerodyne's pickups are not as deep or boomy as the '63s. What they are very receptive to is different strings. Personally speaking, it sounds best when I use either Chromes or Fender flatwound strings, preferably .100-gauge. To my ear, they bring out the best the pickups have to offer; a little more output and a nice balance of low and high end, especially when I really dig in.
 
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#3
Malak the Mad said:
Just to clarify, are you talking about Fender Originals or Fender Pure Vintage '63s?

I don't know how old yours are, but my CIJ T-series (2007-2008) Aerodyne's pickups are not as deep or boomy as the '63s. What they are very receptive to is different strings. Personally speaking, it sounds best when I use either Chromes or Fender flatwound strings, preferably .100-gauge. To my ear, they bring out the best the pickups have to offer; a little more output and a nice balance of low and high end, especially when I really dig in.
Click to expand...
I'm talking the Originals. I may put a set of flat wounds on them to compliment the Japanese pickups as you've indicated. The Aguilar pickups are like that. They don't have that boomy low end. It's almost like a jazz bass sound. Now I'm curious how flat rounds will sound with those pickups.... I normally just play regular full round D'Addario strings. I only have one set with flat wound which is a fretless so they don't damage the rosewood. But I just picked up a set of La Bellas.... thanks for the idea!
 
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#10
Well, I got them, and they are in great shape. They measure 11.7K on my tester. I thought they would be lower but they aren't that hot.
I installed them in a black Squier P bass body that is copper shielded, with an upgraded CTS harness, an aged relic-ed original neck, and La Bella flats.

Wow, they are very mellow, have a nice mid range, and low end is clean and not muddy. The tone at zero is a super low vintage sound. At full tone, it's a little bright almost like a jazzy sound, and I prefer about 70% tone and full volume (typically I play P's at 90% tone). Very pleased with them....
 

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