P-Bass: Good and/or bad?

[georgestrings]

I would suggest to the OP, he get a pro setup done first, along with maybe new strings. A pro setup would include adjustment of the pickup height, you'd be surprised how adjusting the height can bring a pickup to life. I did it before to my '78 P bass where the previous owner had the pickup way too low, and was flat to the body, instead of following the curve of the string radius. I adjusted it to Fender factory specs, and the difference was like night and day. Before, although it sounded decent, it was a little thin and clanky and the string volume was uneven. After adjusting, it had that full deep throated tone that the P-bass is known for. Get the thing setup before you go modding it, it may not need anything more than that.

Agreed 100%...


- georgestrings

 

[MostlyBass]

try a Tech21 VT Bass pedal / preamp. Lots of great sounds and can definitely add a Green Day aggressive tone.

 

[nukes_da_bass]

A P bass sounds like a P bass. OP might be after a more versatile bass like a G&L L2000.

 

[Andy_D]

All of the things said previously. On my Peavey Fury I put in 500K pots, a Bill Lawrence P-46 pickup and Sunbeams. Completely changed the character and personality of the bass. Went from being kind of muddy to clear and bright. Still gets nice lows though when the tone is turned down. For me it became a more versatile bass and less of a one trick pony.

 

[Kmonk]

A p bass simply needs a good amp.

+1

 

[WoodyG3]

I would not be thinking pickup replacement at all at this point. What amp are you using? If the output seems weak just crank the gain and volume as needed make sure you've got strings and a set up you are happy with, and you should really be ready to go. As far as tone, many people feel that a P doesn't sound all that great by itself, but in the mix with a band it sounds right.

The more you play, the more you will be able to make the instrument sound the way you want just by the way you play it, too. Right hand placement, pick or finger technique, etc.

 

[bolophonic]

I can't believe some of the advice y'all are giving here. The bass is more than adequate with a good setup and some attention to technique. Some steel round wounds will improve things just fine. Plenty of bassists use stock Precisions plugged straight into a good amp. A newer bassist should be focused on the basics, not mods.

 

[Dbassmon]

A p bass simply needs a good amp.

As does every bass!

 

[john_g]

OP...what kind of amp are you using? If you are going into a crappy Behringer amp then its bound to sound weak. I wouldnt change pickups...or add a preamp or anything...yet. Get some new strings on it, like DR HiBeams and see if your local music shop offers setups.

 

[knumbskull]

OP, do you play with a band? That's where the "naked" P sound really shines IMO, in a live or recorded mix.

Good choice of bass, though - i tried a Dirnt and loved the sound of it. It's got a great pickup with plenty of output, i would get it set up and experiment with EQ settings.

 

[Laurent]

It's all been said: new strings, upgraded pickup, better amp and lots of playing.
A lot of the tone is in your hands.

 

[steamthief]

Echoing linton I agree lots is to be gained by PU adjustment and new strings. For a greenday sound I'd go with some nice steel rounds.

This. Find a small Philips head screwdriver and adjust the pickup yourself: Invalid Link Removed

Rotos on a P is the bee's knees!

 

[adivin]

This. Find a small Philips head screwdriver and adjust the pickup yourself: Invalid Link Removed

Rotos on a P is the bee's knees!

+100

 

[Lowbrow]

Highly suggest a Tech 21 VT Bass or Tech 21 Leeds to give you the rock you hope to rock.

 

[uOpt]

You should be able to drive any modern amp into clipping with a vintage class split style Precision bass pickup. If not something is wrong.

I suspect that you maybe mean that you don't like the specific frequency distribution. If you usually play at low volumes a more "scooped" sound (more bass, more treble) will usually appear to be "better". But that quickly goes out the window when you play louder in a band, then you will appreciate the low-mids push.

 

[Gravy4001]

Did you see last month's Bass Player magazine? Mike is on cover and lots of info about how he gets his sound. Primarily the dirty channel on the Fender Bassman Amp he helped design.

My band plays several Green Day tunes with me on an Am Std P, La Bella flats going through GK MB500 head. Usually on dirty channel and with a pick.

So bottom line, take your bass for a good setup and then dig in!

 

[VBassRookie]

I think something may have been overlooked. Does he want to sound just like Mike Dirnt or does the OP just love Green Day music. I think there is a big difference here. I think the OP needs to be specific on what he wants to sound like or what is missing from his current sound. It may just be a string change to get what the OP is looking for. What strings do you currently have on your bass and what amp are you using?

 

[roden]

Sansamp Bass driver and fresh rounds steel or nickel can come Close enough

 

[king_biscuit]

You could look into upgrading the pickup.

I thought the Dirnt already had a really nice Fender pickup as factory equipment.

 

[Rip Topaz]

Sounds to me like there's absolutely nothing wrong with the OP's bass. It just needs a good setup and a new set of strings.

Then practice. A lot. Get familiar with the sound of your bass, pluck the strings in different spots, try different picks, etc.

You don't need a pickup swap. You need to play your bass.