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New Pickups??

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by LittleHetzel, Oct 22, 2001.

  1. Oct 22, 2001 #1
    LittleHetzel

    LittleHetzel

    Aug 15, 2001
    OK
    Hi, i have a squier p-bass, and i have heard that i can make modifications to it that would make it sound overall better. I am kinda new i guess, i have had my bass for like 4 1/2 months, so it probably won't happen soon, but i would like to know for future reference. I have heard that it makes a big difference to put in better pickups ( i have heard that the p's that i have right now that came with the bass could be better to put it subtly) and i was wondering , how much is a nice pickup that would fit in the p-pickup hole that i have in my bass? is it easy to change them? any info would be great, thanks

    JON

    p.s.
    i still have the original strings that came on the bass, if i got new ones would it make a huge difference that I ( a moderate bass new guy) could tell?
     
  2. Oct 22, 2001 #2
    Flatwound

    Flatwound Supporting Member

    Sep 9, 2000
    San Diego
    The Squier P's don't sound all that bad, but yes, higher quality pickups can help.

    Replacement pickups for your bass would cost anywhere from about 20 bucks to a hundred or more. However, you should figure out what you mean by sounding "better" before you replace yours. A P-Bass is a pretty simple animal, but there are so many pickup permutations as to be really confusing. Active, passive, ceramic magnets, alnico magnets, different windings, etc. All of them sound different. If you want the classic Precision Bass sound, you may be able to find a set from an American Standard or American Series used (that someone has replaced with something else). Plenty of folks think that these are the best. I got a set pretty cheap that way.

    Replacing your strings can also make a huge difference, depending on the condition and type of strings you have now. I don't know what strings come with a Squier, but they're probably nickel roundwounds. If you like their sound, you might want to try a set of Fender 7250's or Ernie Ball Slinkys when you replace them. These are good and not very expensive.
     
  3. Oct 23, 2001 #3
    Suburban

    Suburban

    Jan 15, 2001
    lower mid Sweden
    If you want the classic P-thump, your standard Squier pups will do fine.
    If you try upgrading, you shouldn't opt for cheapoes. Go for Basslines, Bartolini or diMarzio, IMO. Perhaps american Fender.

    String will change your sound, if you don't go for the same kind again! 4.5 months is not enough to kill a string, unless you play several hours a day and suffer from very sweatty hands.
    If you want the ol' Jamerson thump, get flats.
    If you want an allround sound, use rounds. Nickel will yield a slightly smoother thump, but that differense is subtle, indeed.
    If you want fusion or modern ringing sound, you need another bass (different materials, different pup setup).