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P-bass PU selection

Discussion in 'Pickups & Electronics [BG]' started by ToneMonkey, Dec 19, 2012.


  1. Dec 19, 2012 #1
    ToneMonkey

    ToneMonkey

    Sep 27, 2003
    Newberg, OR
    I have a MIM P strung with Labella flats that I primarily use for surf.

    The stock PUs are OK, but I just have this sense that I could do a bit better. They seem to have an aggressive upper mid honk that's somewhat hard to dial out without going completely to mud.

    I play this bass with a pick and do roll back my tone control quite a bit.

    Anyway, I'd prefer PUs with a bit more growl and less honk if that makes any sense. Something with a low mid rather than high mid emphasis.

    Fender '62 maybe? Fralin?
     
  5. Dec 19, 2012 #2
    tonymcbony

    tonymcbony

    Mar 21, 2006
    I think Fralins will get closer to what you're after
     
  10. Dec 19, 2012 #3
    Teacher

    Teacher

    May 3, 2012
    What about Quarter Pounders?
     
  14. Dec 20, 2012 #4
    ToneMonkey

    ToneMonkey

    Sep 27, 2003
    Newberg, OR
    I don't have any experience with quarter pounders. What do they sound like?

    In general (for both bass and guitar), I prefer vintage winds to overwinds. I'm also not really looking for more output, just different output.
     
  18. Dec 20, 2012 #5
    topcat2069

    topcat2069

    Dec 2, 2007
    Palm Springs
  22. Dec 20, 2012 #6
    ToneMonkey

    ToneMonkey

    Sep 27, 2003
    Newberg, OR
    Thanks for the suggestion. I once had a set of Lawrence PUs in a tele and really dug them.
     
  26. Dec 20, 2012 #7
    kurosawa

    kurosawa

    Jan 27, 2001
    York County, Virginia
    I like my Fralin 5% overwound. I can't remember exactly what I asked for. I think I said I liked my '62 pickup, but I wanted one that hit harder, yet wasn't murky like a Bart 8S. He suggested a 5% overwind and it was perfect, exactly the sound I wanted. Call him at his shop to tell him exactly what you want and he'll tell you what he can do for you. So far as I know, he doesn't do e-mail.
     
  31. Jan 15, 2013 #8
    ToneMonkey

    ToneMonkey

    Sep 27, 2003
    Newberg, OR
    @topcat: I ended up going with the Lawrence. I am very satisfied. It's full and deep, but without losing the essential character of a split P-bass PU. Dead quiet too. Also, about 1/2 the price of other boutique PUs. This is my second extremely positive experience with Bill Lawrence/Wilde.

    Thanks everyone for the input. Much appreciated.