New to P-Basses! Considering a different pickup...

[H13]

YO!

So for a long time I rocked an Ibanez Soundgear with Nordstrand Blades. AWESEOME bass. Sounds very pretty.

But I've recently discovered that a P-Bass just...is right. It just sits in the mix and does what you want a bass to do. That big low-mid growl just adds so much punch to a mix. In my semi-knowing-but-not-really-knowing-what-I'm-talking-about brain, the blades are deeper and get UNDER the guitars, with a cutting top end that let you hear every note. Meanwhile you're gonna feel the P-Bass a lot more and it's gonna push the mix forward with that low-mid growl and kinda have more impact.

I think that low-mid growl and the slower pick attack that's in a P-Bass is where the joy is. The bass builds up rather than immediately appearing so that gives a greater illusion of impact. At least that's how it works in my brain.

ANYWAYS.

I'm rocking a recent-ish Squier Classic Vibe 70s P. Love how it plays and I like how it sounds, but I'm considering making it my main bass over my pretty Ibanez. There's nothing wrong with my P Bass, but I'm one of those guys who extensively modifies all my other guitars so I want to know what's there for a P-Bass.

My P-Bass is entirely stock (Squier pickup). Below are what I like and what I dislike:
Like:
- Low mid growl
- P-Bass dynamic of the slow-ish attack (at least compared to the active Nordies)
- Muscular sound. It's a manly bass that sounds manly. No I'm not compensating for anything. Don't make it weird.

Dislike:
- Compared to my Ibanez, I feel like the P could use an extended bottom end. I would be hesitant to say MORE BASS, rather an extended bottom end that gets lower\deeper
- Clearer top. I feel like my P has a tonne of upper mids. I would like it more if those upper mids were kinda moved higher up the frequency range and more into treble for some of that clarity that my Nordies have and that my P is kinda missing.
- Active pickups. I feel like the growl\attack are due to the passive pickups. So I'm reluctant to go active

Apologies if there's a permanent P-Bass Pickup thread somewhere, but can anybody recommend some P pickups that have an extended bottom end and a clearer top, which doesn't sacrifice much low-mid growls and still has that P-Bass "feel"?

(Note: I suspect I'm asking for the equivalent of: "Does anybody have an amp which is a fender bassman, a Marshall JCM800 and a 5150 all in one?! omfg why don't they make them?! But that's why I'm making a thread. I'm a bass pickup n00b)

 

[funkinbottom]

More lows while keeping the top clear? Sounds like you need Bartolini. Love my Barts. 8cbp

 

[LiptonJigglers]

DiMarzio P P122 with 500k volume and 250k tone with .003 cap.

 

[FRoss6788]

EMG Geezers.

You will LOVE them, awesome pickups, easy install, insane value- the set comes with all the parts you'll need.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

You might want to consider the fact that the lack of extended lows and highs (relative to basses like your Ibanez) that you mentioned under "dislike" is exactly what makes a P-bass sit so nicely in the mix. It's all about the mids.

The pickups in the CVs are fine btw. They're not the BEST, but unless you go for a very different "P-bass on steroids" or "hi-fi" type of pickup we're talking relatively subtle differences. Or to put it another way: The differences between your current pickup and some of the most popular P-bass pickups will be marginal compared to the difference between different types of strings, or the tonal changes you can make by simply moving your plucking/picking hand.

However, as long as you keep your expectations at a realistic level, there are definitely some great sounding pickups that could improve the tone a bit, and still keep your tone within the "vintage P-bass" spectrum.

My personal recommendation for a classic "vintage voiced" P-bass tone are standard wind Lollars or Fralins. The Lollars have slightly more of a upper midrange "clank" and really nail the vintage P-bass tone IMO. But I think the Fralins might be a better choice for you. They have slightly smoother upper mids, and slightly extended highs/lows compared to the Lollars (at least with MY signal chain). Both are great though, and deliver a classic P-bass tone.

Are Lollar/Fralin my all-time favorite P-bass pickups? Maybe not, but they're very close. My all-time favorite, the Kloppmann PB63, is only marginally "better" (for MY taste) and hideously expensive, which doesn't make much sense when upgrading an instrument in the Squier CV price range IMO.

Of course, if you REALLY want more lows/highs there's also the "P-bass on steroids" alternatives, like SD Quarter Pounders. But one of the main complaints about this pickup is that is can get lost in a mix, which is exactly what you don't want, right? There are of course also some less extreme and more "hi-fi" sounding P-bass pickups with extended lows/highs, but again: They won't really sit in the mix like a classic P-bass. You might still love them of course. It depends on how far you want to depart from the classic, vintage P-bass tone.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Amp EQ.
Turn those knobs.

 

[themickster]

YO!

So for a long time I rocked an Ibanez Soundgear with Nordstrand Blades. AWESEOME bass. Sounds very pretty.

But I've recently discovered that a P-Bass just...is right. It just sits in the mix and does what you want a bass to do. That big low-mid growl just adds so much punch to a mix. In my semi-knowing-but-not-really-knowing-what-I'm-talking-about brain, the blades are deeper and get UNDER the guitars, with a cutting top end that let you hear every note. Meanwhile you're gonna feel the P-Bass a lot more and it's gonna push the mix forward with that low-mid growl and kinda have more impact.

I think that low-mid growl and the slower pick attack that's in a P-Bass is where the joy is. The bass builds up rather than immediately appearing so that gives a greater illusion of impact. At least that's how it works in my brain.

ANYWAYS.

I'm rocking a recent-ish Squier Classic Vibe 70s P. Love how it plays and I like how it sounds, but I'm considering making it my main bass over my pretty Ibanez. There's nothing wrong with my P Bass, but I'm one of those guys who extensively modifies all my other guitars so I want to know what's there for a P-Bass.

My P-Bass is entirely stock (Squier pickup). Below are what I like and what I dislike:
Like:
- Low mid growl
- P-Bass dynamic of the slow-ish attack (at least compared to the active Nordies)
- Muscular sound. It's a manly bass that sounds manly. No I'm not compensating for anything. Don't make it weird.

Dislike:
- Compared to my Ibanez, I feel like the P could use an extended bottom end. I would be hesitant to say MORE BASS, rather an extended bottom end that gets lower\deeper
- Clearer top. I feel like my P has a tonne of upper mids. I would like it more if those upper mids were kinda moved higher up the frequency range and more into treble for some of that clarity that my Nordies have and that my P is kinda missing.
- Active pickups. I feel like the growl\attack are due to the passive pickups. So I'm reluctant to go active

Apologies if there's a permanent P-Bass Pickup thread somewhere, but can anybody recommend some P pickups that have an extended bottom end and a clearer top, which doesn't sacrifice much low-mid growls and still has that P-Bass "feel"?

(Note: I suspect I'm asking for the equivalent of: "Does anybody have an amp which is a fender bassman, a Marshall JCM800 and a 5150 all in one?! omfg why don't they make them?! But that's why I'm making a thread. I'm a bass pickup n00b)

Nordstrand makes a P blades pickup

 

[dfp]

Some nice underwound P pickup could be the thing, bc it loses some mid emphasis in favor of top and bottom. Overwounds like Qpounders emphasize low mids and you lose top end.

Otherwise what you described sounds like a J bass.

Also, the Contour knob/switch on many amps does what you seem to be looking for by cutting mids and boosting top and bottom.

 

[H13]

More lows while keeping the top clear? Sounds like you need Bartolini. Love my Barts. 8cbp

Ooh. This has my interest. My Ibanez originally had barts but I found them too woody. That might be the character that suits a P quite well here...

DiMarzio P P122 with 500k volume and 250k tone with .003 cap.

Not inclined to play with DiMarzio. Fantastic company but whenever I've played their guitar pickups they didn't land for me. One of those things where the sound was good but I just didn't feel 'em. Totally get why people love 'em though and would never say a bad word about them or their pickups.

EMG Geezers.

You will LOVE them, awesome pickups, easy install, insane value- the set comes with all the parts you'll need.

Checked those out. In demos they seem to have a bit of a mid-scoop and seem to be a bit like my Norides? I'm kinda more interested in a P-Bass with extended range more than something active...

You might want to consider the fact that the lack of extended lows and highs (relative to basses like your Ibanez) that you mentioned under "dislike" is exactly what makes a P-bass sit so nicely in the mix. It's all about the mids.

The pickups in the CVs are fine btw. They're not the BEST, but unless you go for a very different "P-bass on steroids" or "hi-fi" type of pickup we're talking relatively subtle differences. Or to put it another way: The differences between your current pickup and some of the most popular P-bass pickups will be marginal compared to the difference between different types of strings, or the tonal changes you can make by simply moving your plucking/picking hand.

However, as long as you keep your expectations at a realistic level, there are definitely some great sounding pickups that could improve the tone a bit, and still keep your tone within the "vintage P-bass" spectrum.

My personal recommendation for a classic "vintage voiced" P-bass tone are standard wind Lollars or Fralins. The Lollars have slightly more of a upper midrange "clank" and really nail the vintage P-bass tone IMO. But I think the Fralins might be a better choice for you. They have slightly smoother upper mids, and slightly extended highs/lows compared to the Lollars (at least with MY signal chain). Both are great though, and deliver a classic P-bass tone.

Are Lollar/Fralin my all-time favorite P-bass pickups? Maybe not, but they're very close. My all-time favorite, the Kloppmann PB63, is only marginally "better" (for MY taste) and hideously expensive, which doesn't make much sense when upgrading an instrument in the Squier CV price range IMO.

Of course, if you REALLY want more lows/highs there's also the "P-bass on steroids" alternatives, like SD Quarter Pounders. But one of the main complaints about this pickup is that is can get lost in a mix, which is exactly what you don't want, right? There are of course also some less extreme and more "hi-fi" sounding P-bass pickups with extended lows/highs, but again: They won't really sit in the mix like a classic P-bass. You might still love them of course. It depends on how far you want to depart from the classic, vintage P-bass tone.

Yeah, honestly the CV is PRETTY damn good. It's going to have to take a fair bit to be a noticable upgrade IMHO. I'm kinda asking out of ignorance more than anything else. I know it's a Squier and while it IS pretty bloody great, I'm kinda assuming there's something better than Squier pickups.

I'm not 100% sold on the idea, but I figure it's worth a look.

It's funny you mentioned the Kloppermans because they had my interest until I saw the price tag. I've got a set of Lollars in my Les Paul and I ADORE them so they seem like a decent idea due to my familiarity with the brand. How would you say the Klopperman compare to either of those? The Frailin sound more like what I'm after compared to the Lollar but yeah.

Amp EQ.
Turn those knobs.

Yup.

Got as much bass as I can crank out before the bottom end starts flubbing out. It's kinda why I'm looking for an extended range to the bottom end so that way the bass does more of the heavy lifting and I can roll the bass off the amp a little more.

Nordstrand makes a P blades pickup

Checked out the demo of those. They were too...mid-mid for my liking. No idea if that makese sense, but it wasn't quite what I was after

 

[JimmyM]

Geezers mid scooped and active? Not at all on either count. They’re 100% passive and the least mid scooped pickup I ever heard.

 

[Kansas]

Lindy Fralin PB PU's are very fine.

 

[jeffb28451]

Another vote for Fralins, esp for "P-bass but better". EMG for a bit more rock-and-roll bite without going over-board.

 

[Chuck King]

Quoted for truth:

Some nice underwound P pickup could be the thing, bc it loses some mid emphasis in favor of top and bottom. Overwounds like Qpounders emphasize low mids and you lose top end.

Otherwise what you described sounds like a J bass.

You might want to consider the fact that the lack of extended lows and highs (relative to basses like your Ibanez) that you mentioned under "dislike" is exactly what makes a P-bass sit so nicely in the mix. It's all about the mids.

The pickups in the CVs are fine btw. They're not the BEST, but unless you go for a very different "P-bass on steroids" or "hi-fi" type of pickup we're talking relatively subtle differences. Or to put it another way: The differences between your current pickup and some of the most popular P-bass pickups will be marginal compared to the difference between different types of strings, or the tonal changes you can make by simply moving your plucking/picking hand.

However, as long as you keep your expectations at a realistic level, there are definitely some great sounding pickups that could improve the tone a bit, and still keep your tone within the "vintage P-bass" spectrum.

My personal recommendation for a classic "vintage voiced" P-bass tone are standard wind Lollars or Fralins. The Lollars have slightly more of an upper midrange "clank" and really nail the vintage P-bass tone IMO. But I think the Fralins might be a better choice for you. They have slightly smoother upper mids, and slightly extended highs/lows compared to the Lollars (at least with MY signal chain). Both are great though, and deliver a classic P-bass tone.

No personal experience with Lollars, but I can second the recommendation for Fralins for what you want. I have them in a couple basses. Classic P tone but with a little extra sweetness—more balanced tone but still the P mid punch. It’s hard to describe. EMG GZRs have the same effect although they don’t sound exactly the same (but still within the range of great vintage P-bass.) Another option is the good old Seymour Duncan SPB-1.

But by most accounts the stock CV pickups are pretty good, and the marginal difference to another vintage-voiced pickup may be small, especially for the cost of some of those. If you want something with a different flavor but still great tone, my other favorite P-bass pickup is the Bartolini 8S. I got it specifically to add some range to an old Peavey Fury and it was like getting a new bass. I love it. Again, hard to describe. A different midrange flavor but it still cuts through and sits beautifully in the pop/rock band sonic spectrum.

 

[FullumMusic]

Amp EQ.
Turn those knobs.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^This.

Like:
- Low mid growl
- P-Bass dynamic of the slow-ish attack (at least compared to the active Nordies)
- Muscular sound. It's a manly bass that sounds manly. No I'm not compensating for anything. Don't make it weird.

Dislike:
- Compared to my Ibanez, I feel like the P could use an extended bottom end. I would be hesitant to say MORE BASS, rather an extended bottom end that gets lower\deeper
- Clearer top. I feel like my P has a tonne of upper mids. I would like it more if those upper mids were kinda moved higher up the frequency range and more into treble for some of that clarity that my Nordies have and that my P is kinda missing.
- Active pickups. I feel like the growl\attack are due to the passive pickups. So I'm reluctant to go active

This sounds like it should be a straight up EQ solvable issue.

A lot of your Likes & Dislikes look like they're both referring to the natural sound of a Split Coil P pickup. The Low Mid Growl of a P is so muscular sounding because there's more of those frequencies than the other frequencies. There are lows and highs in there, but the mids are more present, so the mids sound muscular and the lows seem missing by contrast. But they're there.

You just need to balance them. That's literally what EQ was made for: Equalization across the spectrum.

Start with your EQ set flat across the board. Turn off all your amp's "tone enhancers" if it has any.

Pull back a little on your Upper Mids and turn up the master volume. Start with cutting what you have too much of (high mids) to bring them down to the level of all the other frequencies. Cut those, and boost the master volume to get them back, plus all the other frequencies you think are missing that will come up with the master volume boost. Maybe boost the lows or low mids also, and maybe boost the highs also. But start with the negative EQ + volume boost.

Then you can A/B any of the other features on your amp to see which you like better.

Buying a different P pickup will change your tone, but won't solve the problem. They all sound different, but they all sound like P Pickups, and all the things in your Pro AND Con sections are listing things that are inherent to P Pickups.

Edited to add: Changing strings will change your tone the most for the cheapest, even more than pickups.

 

[aero58]

Since you mention the Squire is stock, does that mean it still has the original strings that came with the bass? I’m not trying to crack wise, but experimenting with different strings (flats vs. rounds, nickel vs. ss, different brands, etc) might be your solution, and be easier and more cost effective.

 

[Lo-E]

More clarity: Fralin. You won’t get extended lows. My favorite “standard” P pickup.

More thick: Bartolini. Still tons of clarity but also gobs of low mids.

More Hi-Fi: Wilde P-46. Extended highs AND lows. Very clean and modern sounding but still sounds like a P-bass.

 

[Ian774]

Nordstrand NP4V?

 

[Gervais Cote]

The more I read those comments and look at what the OP wants, the more I like my Fender Pure Vintage 63 pickups.

The only real downside I see with these is the fact the G string sounds a bit thin.

 

[bassdude51]

My P-Bass is entirely stock (Squier pickup). Below are what I like and what I dislike:
Like:
- Low mid growl
- P-Bass dynamic of the slow-ish attack (at least compared to the active Nordies)
- Muscular sound. It's a manly bass that sounds manly. No I'm not compensating for anything. Don't make it weird.

Dislike:
- Compared to my Ibanez, I feel like the P could use an extended bottom end. I would be hesitant to say MORE BASS, rather an extended bottom end that gets lower\deeper
- Clearer top. I feel like my P has a tonne of upper mids. I would like it more if those upper mids were kinda moved higher up the frequency range and more into treble for some of that clarity that my Nordies have and that my P is kinda missing.
- Active pickups. I feel like the growl\attack are due to the passive pickups. So I'm reluctant to go active

Apologies if there's a permanent P-Bass Pickup thread somewhere, but can anybody recommend some P pickups that have an extended bottom end and a clearer top, which doesn't sacrifice much low-mid growls and still has that P-Bass "feel"?

Oh boy! Your thread is going to have sooooo many posts and opinions about P pickups.

First off, choice of strings and your plucking/playing position might play a very big part in the sound that you are looking for. Added, amp Eq settings also.

I've said this many times with similar TB threads and post.................."With nearly 17 yrs of being a member of TB and reading threads and posts about P pickups..............these have been the 3 most popular." (not in this order) "EMG Geezers. S. Duncan SPB-1. Fender Original Precision Bass Pickup."

In addition, hot P pickups at 12k ohm and higher are going to be dominate in the mids. Lower ohm P pickups around 10.5k ohm are going to have better definition and clarity on the bottom and top. Perhaps a wee bit mid scooped.

YMMV.

 

[beaglesandbass]

When looking for P bass pickups I went off the beaten path and explored some smaller builders. Fell in love with this model by a company called Coils Boutique. It sounds like it could be what you're looking for.