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PJ tone hype

#21
davidchampoux said:
What is that hype about PJ basses?

Is it only me or does the PJ pickup config sounds like ... thin? With an anoying (slight) ring in the upper mid area, around 4-5Khz?...

I've had a few PJ basses, tryed different pickups. I always hear the same thing. In different amps or DI ...

Is it only me?
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First, when you use the term 'hype' to describe something, that basically communicates that you think those who like that format are either lying or idiots or whatever, and that you have found the truth. Just FYI:)

To your point, I too am not a fan of that configuration. HOWEVER, often the P and J pickups are very unbalanced in these configurations, with the J pickup kind of overwhelming the P pickup in output. So, some of them can sound quite thin and clacky with the blend centered (or the VV both cranked wide open).

My guess is, that is what resulted in your 'thin' sounding issue. Some executions require a significant 'rebalancing' of the pickups to recent with that tone of 'P with just a bit of J bridge definition' that can sound very nice.
 
#23
Mike M. said:
I have a P bass and a few Jazz basses. But I've never tried the PJ configuration.

With both pickups on, how does a PJ sound compared to a JJ?
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IME, with both pickups properly blended, which can be VERY different blend/VV settings across executions, they sound like a more lower midrange present J bass to me.

With both pickups cranked, they can, depending on the execution, sound overly bright and thin.
 
#24
My take on P/J equipped basses:

The P pickup should be reversed, otherwise the D&G strings get this upper midrange, nasal honk.

OR

If the P pickup is not reversed, I would need a tone control for both pickups, that way I can roll some of the high end off the J pickup which also helps to eliminate that honk on the D&G.

For the most part though I like the P/J setup.
 
#25
KJung said:
First, when you use the term 'hype' to describe something, that basically communicates that you think those who like that format are either lying or idiots or whatever, and that you have found the truth. Just FYI:)

To your point, I too am not a fan of that configuration. HOWEVER, often the P and J pickups are very unbalanced in these configurations, with the J pickup kind of overwhelming the P pickup in output. So, some of them can sound quite thin and clacky with the blend centered (or the VV both cranked wide open).

My guess is, that is what resulted in your 'thin' sounding issue. Some executions require a significant 'rebalancing' of the pickups to recent with that tone of 'P with just a bit of J bridge definition' that can sound very nice.
Click to expand...


In fact, you have to look at it the other way around.

When I say 'hype', I refer to the fact that MANY people these days (even from the '70s) seem to love the PJ tone. So, my OP means more something like 'Am I the only idiot here NOT liking PJ".... Get it?

As for the 'thin' definition; I don't mean that the bottom is lacking. Of course, I'm aware about matching the P and J pickups... This particular config most of the time requires an overwound J, which I have. What I'm talking about is a kind of 'bell', ringing around 4KHz. I think it might be a resonance due to those 2 different pickup impedances (Z). But I seem to be the only one that catch it here, strangely.
 
#26
Heavy but not the "full round sound" you might associate with a P.

I typically only run mine both open if I am to lazy to wander over to the amp to trim some mids out. Mine also has a pre amp on a knob not a switch, so I can blend it in too.

My personal favorite setting is to used the P pup at 75% and the bridge wide open. Kinda like a nasty J bass if you will
 
#28
KJung said:
To your point, I too am not a fan of that configuration. HOWEVER, often the P and J pickups are very unbalanced in these configurations, with the J pickup kind of overwhelming the P pickup in output. So, some of them can sound quite thin and clacky with the blend centered (or the VV both cranked wide open).
Click to expand...

Not disagreeing with your post, Ken. The thing is, I think there are a lot more PJ basses that have weaker bridge output compared to the P pickup.
 
#29
WoodyG3 said:
Not disagreeing with your post, Ken. The thing is, I think there are a lot more PJ basses that have weaker bridge output compared to the P pickup.
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Yeah, that too. Very few sound decent just 'dimed' for sure IMO and IME. I focused on the 'other way around' in my post since that would more likely explain what the OP is hearing in the specific execution he tried (based on his description). I've heard this in the Sadowsky PJ's I've played... clanky and overly bright with the blend centered.
 
#30
davidchampoux said:
In fact, you have to look at it the other way around.

When I say 'hype', I refer to the fact that MANY people these days (even from the '70s) seem to love the PJ tone. So, my OP means more something like 'Am I the only idiot here NOT liking PJ".... Get it?

As for the 'thin' definition; I don't mean that the bottom is lacking. Of course, I'm aware about matching the P and J pickups... This particular config most of the time requires an overwound J, which I have. What I'm talking about is a kind of 'bell', ringing around 4KHz. I think it might be a resonance due to those 2 different pickup impedances (Z). But I seem to be the only one that catch it here, strangely.
Click to expand...

That is a different interpretation of hype... totally cool if that is what you mean.

Again, the way two very different pickups interact varies widely across executions, and hard to generalize. I too have heard some that just sound horrible... clanky, mid 'unpleasant', etc. I hear this a bit in the Sadowsky PJ, which is the execution I'm most familiar with. Don't like those at all myself.

Just like mixing different cabinets/drivers, the results can vary widely. I stay away from this configuration myself, but others have good luck.
 
#31
I have one P/J and I haven't noticed the ring you mention at around 4 kHz, although I have never specifically been listening for it.

I would describe the P/J configuration as having a more mid-present sound. For me, that means I can hear myself better in a mix without turning up too much over the standard mid-scooped sound of a J/J configuration.

It can be deceiving, because a mid scoop sound can be more pleasing when played solo, but it's important to hear it in a band mix.
 
#33
just finished up this little MIKRO a couple of days ago, it's my first PJ & it sounds amazing to say the least. dropped in a set of Wilde ( Bill Lawrence ) P46/J45 pickups & a 3way rotary switch instead of the VV thing ( which i detest ) & Bourne pots, leveled & dressed the frets.

i literally can't put the little thing down, i've got 10 basses to choose from, & 9 of em are just chillin.

DSC01144_zpsa4d31bc1.jpg
 
#34
02EF6694-1A4D-4E24-A60A-D062C9D70384-12179-00000AE24496B5C2_zps2245c6b1.jpg


thin and honky is not how I'd describe my bb2024. I get three options only with this bass. p solo, p and j, and j solo. the P pickup is deep warm and snarly. add the j and the tone gets more even and compressed, more modern, but still very thick. the guy who said like a j bass with more low mid presence is dead on.

on another hand the classic EMG PJ Spector sound is a pretty aggressive rock tone. I don't know many people that find that sound lacking in the "nuts" department.

if you're not a fan. that's ok. there's plenty of other options. :)
 
#35
I like P/J in concept, but difficult to execute - J-pickup placement relating to tone, volume differential, reverse or non-reverse P set - lots of variables. Lots of folks have mentioned upper-mid honk over the years, particularly with slap sounds, if the J is in a 60's position and the P is non-reverse, and I've heard it on some samples.

Perhaps the perception problem is folks expecting the P/J to be both a P and a J in fullest measure. IME, the P-sound can be pretty spot-on with the J completely out of the picture, but once you start dialing in the J, the P/J is its own critter, particularly given the range of ways to deal with integrating the J. I never played a G&L SB2, but totally get why they are set up to use the J to modify the P tone, rather than the J being able to stand on its own.

I'm a big fan of the reverse P/J as executed by Yamaha in the old BB2000 series, although would prefer to have V/V/T rather than V/T/PU Selector, and have deeply dug the sound of Spectors with the Reverse P/J in the context of rock and metal, although I've never played one.

Here's a thought - if those Spectors and the Yamaha BB2000 all are neck-through axes, is it possible that reverse P/J works best with neck-through? Come to think of it, P/J sounds great on the original lyre-shaped Pedullas, which are neck through, although those are non-reverse and the J seems closer to the bridge.

Net net - if you expect to have a P and J and one package, you'll be disappointed, but the right P/J can provide an excellent set of tones, that build out from the P sound.
 
#37
Thin? Wow, never would use that to describe the sound I've heard from PJ's. But hey, we're all different, just play what you like. You don't have to like P basses, PJ's, tort guards, or anything a lot of us like. I love my PJ setup but that isn't going to stop me from playing other stuff.
 
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#38
Hey Duckwater nice tone would bet it sounds awesome being there live.I LOVE my new American Deluxe P Bass i have not messed with the active mode yet.. in passive the P/J set up is awesome when you blend the pickups the P pup seems to give up a bit of her depth and creates a sweet balanced tone with the N3 J pup.
 

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