P-bass, which replacement pickup?

[mcnach]

I've spent some time looking at various possibilities for a pickup replacement for a P-bass (alder/maple/maple combo).

I am looking for something with good midrange and which will enhance the "growl".
I will probably use my trusty D'Addario XL170 roundwounds 45-65-80-100 that I use on the OLP and MM Stingray with great results.

I'm at the moment considering these three pickups:

Wizard Thumper
- great reviews on the pickup and the company.

DiMarzio DP122
- good reviews, good samples on Youtube (for what they're worth). I'm leaning toward this one. Pity the polepieces are black, I'd prefer the usual silver ones but sound is more important.

Seymour Duncan SBP-3
- good reviews, good samples on Youtube too... but hard to judge.

I would welcome any comments, experiences etc about these pickups, or any other alternatives you think I should consider.

 

[darkstorm]

Never heard of wizard thumper, but their website is intrigueing. They got some really kewl stuff in UK. Lol.

 

[Chrisk-K]

I am looking for something with good midrange and which will enhance the "growl".

Fender '62 RI P pickup. I have it on my USA P. I don't think I can improve the tone of the bass.

 

[doktorfeelgood]

The DiMarzio Model P is a great choice. Lately I've been looking into the Will Power DP 146. If you do get the Model P and still don't like the black pole pieces, you can get chrome ones from the company for like $5.00 bucks. The pole pieces on that pickup are Allen set screws and you just have to turn them all the way out and replace them with the chrome ones. Very easy. I've done it with the model P and the Model J's I have in my '68 Jazz parts bass. )-(

 

[DJ Bebop]

Did you catch this?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f38/jazz-p-bass-pickup-shootout-741293/

 

[David Jayne]

Fender '62 RI P pickup. I have it on my USA P. I don't think I can improve the tone of the bass.

+1,000. Do you want 'Fender' tone? Yes? Then why not choose a Fender pickup.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I have both DiMarzio DP122, Fender '62 RI. For me, the DiMarzio DP122 give me more rock enhance "growl". The Fender '62 RI, more vintage tone, Motown with flats, light old rock growl with rounds. But that's me.

 

[darkstorm]

Currently useinng the dimarzio dp122 in my warlock, thought thinking about replaceing it with the Delano that has the two wide exposed pole peices in each half. For more crunch and more of a humbucker/soapbar type attack.

 

[Hot Rats]

The SPB-3 (quarter pounder) is lacking in mid range...it's bass and treble orientated. SPB-1 or 2 would be good choices. The SPB-2 being a little higher output. The Fender would be good...so would a Nordstrand.. The Antiquity pickups would be good also.

 

[Marton]

The SPB-3 (quarter pounder) is lacking in mid range...it's bass and treble orientated. SPB-1 or 2 would be good choices. The SPB-2 being a little higher output. The Fender would be good...so would a Nordstrand.. The Antiquity pickups would be good also.

I have a SPB-2 pickup in one of my bass. It's a strange beast, when you use it all alone, it sounds very low-middy, and seems to lack some brightness. But in a rock band setting, it really shines.

 

[huben94]

I am considering Bill Lawrence P's, they are worth check out.

 

[georgestrings]

I just put a set of SPB-3 in an '06 HWY One P Bass - it sounds good at home, I'll report back more when I get to check it out in a band setting...


- georgestrings

 

[Hot Rats]

I have a SPB-2 pickup in one of my bass. It's a strange beast, when you use it all alone, it sounds very low-middy, and seems to lack some brightness. But in a rock band setting, it really shines.

I agree...I did not like it either when I first put it in. it sat on the shelf for a couple of years. Then I built a P-bass and put it in . It fits the mix great.... it wasn't until getting it out in the live band that I really appreciated it.