P-Bass: Split coil or early 1950s single coil:

[bigtone23]

To my ears the SC is wider sounding with bigger lows an slightly extended highs, and the Split Coil has a bit more low mids and midrange complexity, with more punch.

Came in to say this. The SC has a more aggressive, spikey attack, the split coil a smoother attack. Plus, the SC is reading the strings at the exact same harmonic spot (usually 27 5/16" from the nut), the split coil is reading two different spots for the EA and DG (one coil around 28" from the nut, the other 29" from the nut).

So if I ran a jazz pickup with large pole pieces like say, a Delano, would that sound close to the '51 P pickup sound?

Much closer. The larger, single poles is a big part of the tonality. Just like on the Stingray, those large, single poles give it the attack. Once you put the string in between two offset poles, as in a J pickup, the attack is subdued-like a limiter of sorts.
Another couple things to consider: a J pickup is reading a straight line across all the strings, like a SCPB. Also, the neck pickup of a J is usually 27 3/4" from the nut. That's not too far off from where the SCPB pickup is located, as mentioned above.
My 97 US J Deluxe (with the Suhr pickups) has a more spiky, aggressive attack from it's larger, single pole pieces. The neck pickup is 27 7/8" from the nut. That's certainly moved more towards the bridge relative to a SCPB, but it still gets that general vibe.

 

[butterfingers1]

I currently have a Squier CV single coil precision bass, a CV split coil, and an Epiphone Embassy.

I had an 1980s Ibanez with active humbucker pickups, and beat up used Fender clones.

I never had a jazz bass. What do you think? Should I get one?

 

[Yahboy]

I currently have a Squier CV single coil precision bass, a CV split coil, and an Epiphone Embassy.

I had an 1980s Ibanez with active humbucker pickups, and beat up used Fender clones.

I never had a jazz bass. What do you think? Should I get one?

Why not? The stingray also.

 

[bassdude51]

Words can barely describe sound.

I have several SCPBs and several split coil P Basses.

Since I string with flats and roll off some of the high end, IMO there's not too much difference. But the single coil does have less output compared to the split coil so I have to either turn up the gain or turn up the volume a bit if I want to be as loud as the split coil.

I don't play rounds or twangy bass sound but the single coil is clearer, more definition and brighter than the split coil. I feel that the single coil has a lower bottom end that is tight and clear/clean. It might not have a lower frequency than the split but the single coil's low end is better defined making it sound lower than it might be.

If the single coil is a 160 lbs man then the split coil is a 185 lbs man.

Both are excellent pickups and they CAN do the job!

There are many variations with both pickups. Hot winds. 1/4 pound magnets. Dual coils for the SCPB. No limitations at all with the SCPB!

For the "cool factor".............SCPBs are cooler looking than the splits! IMHO

 

[Gunga Din]

Single coil '50s, raised A and D.

 

[cnltb]

When I was in college, I had a chance to play a 51 Precison, a 56 precision, and a 59 precision side by side, for several weeks, all of them were for sale by the same owner. I kept the 1959 and still have it. I liked the clarity of the split coil bass, the neck profile, and the offset contoured body. In retrospect, I should have browed some money bought all three. Just my take.

Ric

You find the single coil less clear? Offset body on P bass?

 

[butterfingers1]

I don’t know if this is what he means, but I find the single coil p bass less articulate than the split coil. It is brighter and clearer yes but also muddled and harsh and shrill.

There is a reason this design was quickly replaced and never caught on. It’s a bit half-baked. I find it an inexpensive fascinating curiosity, and nice to practice with, it is not forgiving of carelessness. But it doesn’t work well or sound right in anything but a slow and soft mix. Every other bass I ever tried works well in any situation.

 

[Yahboy]

I don’t know if this is what he means, but I find the single coil p bass less articulate than the split coil. It is brighter and clearer yes but also muddled and harsh and shrill.

There is a reason this design was quickly replaced and never caught on. It’s a bit half-baked. I find it an inexpensive fascinating curiosity, and nice to practice with, it is not forgiving of carelessness. But it doesn’t work well or sound right in anything but a slow and soft mix. Every other bass I ever tried works well in any situation.

Hmmm.... Can I explain their voice in the way like this ?

Single coil P - unrefined
Split coil p - refined
Neck J pup - polished
Thunderbird neck pup - over polished
Modern sound humbucker neck pup - plastic surgery polished