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NBD/NAD '57 P and Ampeg B-50R, plus pickup question

Brother Nothing

Brother Nothing

Sep 18, 2008
90
6
Seattle, WA
#1
Ok, so new bass day was actually a month ago, and new amp day was yesterday. Let's say I've been too busy playing to post sooner.
Wasn't looking to buy a new bass soon, but knew I wanted a precision eventually. Somehow my computer took me to craigslist ... weird, I know ... and there it was. Early '90's MIJ Fender '57 Precision.
Now, a question for any who may have similar experience. Dude I bought it from installed a Badass II and 1/4 pounder pickup, but was nice enough to include the original bridge and pickup. The Badass I'm keeping for sure, but I was just curious about the original pickup. Obviously I'm happy with the 1/4 pounder, otherwise I wouldn't have bought the bass, but I'm wondering if I'd like the original pickup more. I'm into that vintage, warm, p-bass sound. Anyone have experience with these older Japanese pickups specifically? I haven't done a pickup swap before, and I'd like to get an idea of if it's worth it before I start taking things apart.
Onto the amp. Met the dude I bought my Precision from at Guitar Center, and while I was there, I saw the B-50. I've been thinking about getting one of the old Rocket Bass amps for a while, but couldn't justify the upgrade. I've been perfectly happy with my Acoustic B20, just playing living room jams and house shows. But once I saw the B-50 and plugged in, there was no going back. GC had just bought it, so I had to wait on the Police hold. 30 days later, here she is.
Pbass and B50

Pbass and B50

pbass

pbass

b50

b50

 
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#2
Looks like a Japanese '57 Reissue correct? Had a few very cool, liked them more then the USA versions. I liked the pickup in mine but one of my other ones had EMGs in it. The pickup in mine could of been different to, mine was a 1991 and they made these for well over a decade and am guessing pickup swaps were common. I would guess the stock pickup would be a little less bright, those 1/4 pounds are very high out put and hot pickups.
 
#3
I have an AVRI '57 and a Classic '50s P. Both have TI Jazz Flats, the '50s has a Quarter Pound and the '57 has the standard pickup. Both sound very similar. I tend to the '50s for gigging because it has a poly finish, less fragile than the lacquer on the '57, but otherwise they are interchangeable. I gigged with a B50R for a long time: that's a great little amp.

TwoPrecisions.jpg
 
#4
A-Step-Towards said:
Looks like a Japanese '57 Reissue correct? Had a few very cool, liked them more then the USA versions. I liked the pickup in mine but one of my other ones had EMGs in it. The pickup in mine could of been different to, mine was a 1991 and they made these for well over a decade and am guessing pickup swaps were common. I would guess the stock pickup would be a little less bright, those 1/4 pounds are very high out put and hot pickups.
Click to expand...
Yup, Japanese '57 Reissue. Mine's a 90/91 as well.

lpdeluxe said:
I have an AVRI '57 and a Classic '50s P. Both have TI Jazz Flats, the '50s has a Quarter Pound and the '57 has the standard pickup. Both sound very similar. I tend to the '50s for gigging because it has a poly finish, less fragile than the lacquer on the '57, but otherwise they are interchangeable. I gigged with a B50R for a long time: that's a great little amp.
Click to expand...

Those are some nice looking basses. What is it about '50's style p-basses that is just so cool? Good to hear the 1/4 pounder is comparable to the original. And glad to know the B50R served well for gigging. I'm hoping to do some small gigs soon and think this will do the trick perfectly.
 
#5
Brother Nothing said:
Yup, Japanese '57 Reissue. Mine's a 90/91 as well.



Those are some nice looking basses. What is it about '50's style p-basses that is just so cool? Good to hear the 1/4 pounder is comparable to the original. And glad to know the B50R served well for gigging. I'm hoping to do some small gigs soon and think this will do the trick perfectly.
Click to expand...


His '57 Reissue with the stock pickup is going to sound a lot different then yours as his will have the Raised A pole piece on the pickup, I dont believe the Japan made ones ever had that unless some of your pole pieces are taller then the others.
 

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