• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Please help recognizing MIJ Pbass "USA" Pickup (pics inside)

ale29

ale29

May 25, 2008
497
728
35
Italy
#1
Hi guys, I've seen a very nice Fender P here locally.
It's a '93 Made in Japan Precision (PB57-95, the same you can see here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] 2TSB one).
It has nitro finish, 2 matched pieces alder body and should also have CTS pots and supposedly an USA pickup. I know that certain MIJ reissues got an "american vintage" pickup (which actually could be the same pickup used on fender AM STD/Deluxe basses, after further research here on the forum). Anyway, this one looks different from the more recent RI pickups (here you can see an example of the newer one: http://img12.rajce.idnes.cz/d1202/6...26c44fd4eea3815e700287a4f/images/IMG_3474.jpg )


TL;DR: Here are the pics of the pickups / pots i'm trying to identify. I'd really appreciate some help before I pull the trigger on this bass.
2ijjcdj.jpg

2ujtn40.jpg

2ilfr60.jpg
 
#3
Although I can't identify the pick ups per se - I recently bought a '93 MIJ PB 62-53 (rosewood fretboard, basswood body and non threaded saddles) with the supposedly non USA pick ups and they sound great - wouldn't dream of replacing these at present. If they sound good to you I'd roll with it as I think these are terrific basses overall.
It is weird they used pick guards with holes for pick up covers - when there are none - and no holes for a thumb rust like the original '62's.
 
#4
pots are certainly not MIJ but are real-deal CTS; ditto on the pickup looking legit vintage-reissue, right down to the brass plate under the foam there, except for the non-cloth wire. (american standard pickups had molded one-piece plastic bobbins instead of the proper fiberboard separate plates like you see here.)

far-east pickups are usually molded plastic as well, often cheaping out with steel slugs and a ceramic magnet glued to the bottom instead of more expensive alnico rods like this one.
 
#6
Thanks guys. I've got just a ruler here and it's quite difficult to discern the 0,3mm difference without the proper tools, but your comments quite relieved me.
I went for it and bought this bass, it has everything a GOOD precision should have in my opinion. Will make some sound samples.
 
#8
I tried to take a pic while measuring with a ruler, it's quite hard to do both things simultaneously but I hope the pic is good enough. 3/16" should be around 4,75mm, versus 5mm on MIJ as far as I understood.

100_1894_zps0dbe8992.jpg
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back