Opinions Wanted - '60s sounding P Bass pickups

Any p-pickup with alnico V magnets will be closer to your goal. The sds, Fender reissue 62's, Fralins, etc would work, but the subtle differences are very subjective. If you can find them, Gotoh makes an AlinicoV p replacement pickup that I have used in 2 bass projects. They sound great and were about $30 which is a great bargain to boot.

 

The Antiquities II should be the closest to the 60s P bass sound. Use flatwound strings.

 

Nordstrand NP4.

Sounds like a real 60s P, impeccable construction and worth every cent.

 

Where did you read that?

I replaced the stock PU from my 78P and (IMO) the NP4 sounds a little more even and balanced than the Fender but not cleaner.

Of course you can't emulate 30 or 40 years of aging magnets, etc… and If I had a 60's P-Bass I wouldn't touch it, but I believe Carey did a great job on this pickup. It really sounds like a classic.

Every studio I take this bass people gets amazed.

 

Fender 62 custom pickup or whatever they call it. It is the bomb.

 

Keep the Squire the way you bought it. If you don't like the sound buy a new bass where the sound is what you want.

I'm older 55 and I take issue with hi-jacking these instrument and changing the specs from something other than what they were intended for.

BTW, I play Fender Tele Basses, but my guitar teacher showed me a new Vintage Series Squire P Bass he just bought, I thought it was awesome

 

If you can wait a while, I can get back to you for sure.
I have a guy who is making me a replica of a '62 P bass. I called Fralin and asked him what he recommends, and I ended up getting his 10% overwind.
The bass should be done in about three weeks then I will get to play it, match it against the builders '62, compare the sounds and report back.

 

Late 50's and through the 60's I believe they used Alnico II. Alnico V is a more recent creation.

 

Those instruments and 99% of the others were intended for one thing; to be made and sold for a profit.

 

LOL ignore the trollage and go for it on the upgrade. I have a franken fender pretty sure the neck is a squire, and after a pickup upgrade it sounds as good or better than any other P I've ever played. Go for it!!!

 

Hummm…well, it didn't sound hifi for me.
I'll try to post some clips ok?

Best

 

I had to replace the pickups in my '72 P after Westjet(canadain airline) dropped my bass. I put the Fender Originals in and A/B'ed them with my '69 P and couldn't hear any difference. So I'm a +1 on the Fender Originals.