P Bass Seems Overly Bright

[tjh]

... Also, stainless strings are typically the brightest of the bunch followed by "chromes," at least in my experience. ...

... D'Addario Chromes are stainless ...

 

[lowphatbass]

It seems like a lot of the standard P's I've played built from the mid 90's up were a bit "modern", or bright sounding. If the bass sounded and felt good acoustically I would drop some more traditional pickups/electronics in there before giving up.

 

[jamro217]

Stay away from steel strings, they're too bright. Try nickel. Flats, if possible. Consider a higher value tone cap. And, most important: tort loaf guard.

 

[bass_case]

^Loaf guard? They make tort toilet seat covers?

 

[mel0dic.bassist]

... D'Addario Chromes are stainless ...

Just goes to show how much I know about flats

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Hi, new to TalkBass here.
I have a 2005 Fender American Standard P bass that I recently bought. It looks and plays great but the pickup seems overly bright. Were these pickups brighter than usual in this era?
I have fiddled with the amp settings and tone control on the bass, but it still lacks the fat P bass sound that I'm seeking.
This bass has the S-1 switch but I leave it in the up (series) position all the time.
Any advice or suggestions are appreciated!

First, it may be the strings. Second, if it has any switches on it, it is not a standard P. It may have been a mod, but once modded, it is no longer a standard P. Are the pickups original? And, bright compared to what?

 

[wayfarer55]

First, it may be the strings. Second, if it has any switches on it, it is not a standard P. It may have been a mod, but once modded, it is no longer a standard P. Are the pickups original? And, bright compared to what?

It is a completely unmolested 2005 American Standard P Bass. The S-1 switch was a factory installed feature in that era. Thanks!

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

It is a completely unmolested 2005 American Standard P Bass. The S-1 switch was a factory installed feature in that era. Thanks!

Was not aware of that. Regardless, you may want to experiment with strings. Consider flats if it is that bright. Of course, bright is a subjective thing, so hard to know, but I have had strings that were too bright, like Rotosound. Great strings, but best on Rics.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Just goes to show how much I know about flats

I have then on a Squier VB J V and they are great strings. I put them on that bass for exactly this reason. The factory strings were just too bright.

 

[Aqualung60]

I recently put a set of Fender Stainless flats on my Dano (9050ML - .50 -.100), only because it's the only brand my local store had at the time. I usually run .45-.100's and being my first ever set of flats, didn't know about the tension difference until I strung it up. I had to make quite and adjustment to get the relief low enough to my liking, but all I can say is WOW! The sound and feel of flats is like nothing else. I am actually probably not going to run rounds again.. Ever.. Also, stainless strings are typically the brightest of the bunch followed by "chromes," at least in my experience.

I'd recommend these Fender flats as a decent, cheap first set for sure.

I have to agree with Melodic, put a set of fender 9050L's on my Jazz, after they get "Broken in" they sound fantastic. In my opinion they're the best flats you can buy for the price and might help with your problem.

 

[BassDaddy77]

It is a completely unmolested 2005 American Standard P Bass. The S-1 switch was a factory installed feature in that era. Thanks!

I believe you actually have an "American Series" Precision. The American "Standards" returned in 2008. At any rate, GHS Precision flats are the way to go for thumpy fundamentals without many overtones, IMO.

 

[wayfarer55]

I believe you actually have an "American Series" Precision. The American "Standards" returned in 2008. At any rate, GHS Precision flats are the way to go for thumpy fundamentals without many overtones, IMO.

Yes, American Series. Same thing. Thanks for the GHS recommendations. This seems to be a popular brand on here...

 

[Dogbertday]

Any particular brand of hand lotion for that old-timey sound? JK

Jamerson used jergins I believe. It's what they had in the studio at the time as it was the definite favorite of multiple engineers

 

[wayfarer55]

Jamerson used jergins I believe. It's what they had in the studio at the time as it was the definite favorite of multiple engineers

It makes you wonder what they were doing in the booth!

 

[electracoyote]

Lower the pickup away from the strings

+1

Pickup height gets overlooked a lot.

 

[preside]

Any particular brand of hand lotion for that old-timey sound? JK

Yea , go to KFC and get a bucket of chicken, throw out the chicken cause ya don't wanna eat that stuff, use a liberal coating of the grease in the bottom of the bucket on strings. Leave on about a week or until it smells funny then wipe off. Voila! Your in P-Bass heaven!

 

[Stormer]

GHS flats are fantastic and you can string through body with them. If you like!

 

[Hopkins]

First, it may be the strings. Second, if it has any switches on it, it is not a standard P. It may have been a mod, but once modded, it is no longer a standard P. Are the pickups original? And, bright compared to what?

The S1 switch is just a series/parallel switch. In series, it is a typical P bass set up.

 

[wayfarer55]

The S1 switch is just a series/parallel switch. In series, it is a typical P bass set up.

Right. I am using only the series setting. Thanks!

 

[Gasman]

I'm going to echo the chorus of "flats" here. I prefer TI's, but they might be too bright for you at first (they break in and sound even better, though). However, they have a feel more like rounds than any others I've played- which some players find undesirable. They are also pretty expensive, so GHS or Fender might be a better starting point to test the waters and see if you like the sound of flats.

I too prefer my P sound to be "not-so-bright", but the problem with rolling off the tone knob is you will quickly lose some mids. I like my tone knob at 10, and adjust the eq on my amp to cut the treble.