Precision for flats, which one?

[Jackcrow]

I would like to have one P bass dedicated to having flatwounds on it. I have had flats on some of my Basses before but I want to have one just to leave flats on all the time. Looking at some options, would you prefer a split coil or a single coil pickup for flats? I have owned both, but have only played flats on a split coil.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I'd go for split coil. It's a magic combination as far as my ears are concerned.

 

[tjh]

A simple, passive split coil all day long, fits anywhere and everywhere … also more neck options available than on a single coil … and a good variety usually available used somewhere…

 

[Jackcrow]

A simple, passive split coil all day long, fits anywhere and everywhere … also more neck options available than on a single coil … and a good variety usually available used somewhere…

I agree, and I'm leaning towards going the split coil route. If I decided to go single coil, I'd get a warmoth body made with a single coil rout and a regular neck pocket so I could put whatever neck I wanted on. It seems like all the single coil factory basses have that thick, 50s style neck with a maple board which is not what I'm going for.

 

[Lobster11]

Wait, what?... You're trying to decide what bass to get based on the kind of strings you want to use? Talk about the tail wagging the dog....

 

[Jackcrow]

Wait, what?... You're trying to decide what bass to get based on the kind of strings you want to use? Talk about the tail wagging the dog....

I know I want a precision, I'm just talking about a slight variance. It's not like I'm saying, "hey I have these flatwounds, should I get an alembic or a p bass?"

 

[tjh]

I agree, and I'm leaning towards going the split coil route. If I decided to go single coil, I'd get a warmoth body made with a single coil rout and a regular neck pocket so I could put whatever neck I wanted on. It seems like all the single coil factory basses have that thick, 50s style neck with a maple board which is not what I'm going for.

… well, I understand what your saying about the single coil basses, but to me that is what makes a single coil a single coil … and that is kind of the appeal of the whole thing, the aesthetics of what they are, the way they are … I used to love the '51 RI's and the Sting Sig in their early days, cuz for $300 used you could have one around just to look at and just in case you felt moved to bring it out on occasion … with what they are getting for them now, I have written them off completely …

From the OP, I still say just a simple, solid, passive split coil P and keep that for your thumper … heck, you can do that for $5-600 if you are diligently searching, then customize the look you want for a few bucks and call it done … 99.9% of the people that see you won't know or care if you have a split or single coil buried in the hunk-o-wood against your belly … the split coil just keeps it simple and undisputedly will do your flats of choice justice, and fit most any situation …

JMHO .. as always