[Q] Pickup replacement on Yamaha RBX170?

[pachuau86]

I got a new beginners bass, yamaha rbx170, and i am thinking of upgrading it by replacing the pups (both or either one).

I want a solid, punchy, clear and defined bass sound (who doesnt? , playing mostly with fingers, a litle slap style. i am on a low budget (under $100) so can you please suggest any pups for me? Which pickup p or j should i replace? Is the dp126 p+j a good choice? Basslines? Or maybe fender orignal p-bass pups? Or should i keep the original pups on the rbx?

Total noob here.. been playing guitar for decades but recently got into bass, thanks a lot...

 

[ctmullins]

I bought an RBX200F brand new in 1992, and the stock pickup in that one (just a P, not a P-J) really wasn't bad. You may actually get more mileage out of adding a preamp, instead of swapping pickups.

 

[pachuau86]

thanks for replying... which preamp would you suggest?? again... noob here

 

[rumblethump]

I would experiment with strings first. The yamaha's I've owned all had very decent pickups. The differences between round wound steel/nickel/flatwound strings can make a significant change.

 

[ctmullins]

thanks for replying... which preamp would you suggest?? again... noob here

Lots of good preamps out there - I only have experience with the Aguilar OBP-1, but it's available new for just over $100, and used well under that.

And I second the notion that different strings might be another way to get what you want!

 

[Stealth]

Also, a changed tone capacitor might do it for you.

 

[pachuau86]

Hmmm... geuss i wud try out different strings first then.. are there any good guides on the subject? Trying them all is a little expensive fr me... (third world country...)

 

[ctmullins]

Strings [BG] - TalkBass Forums - for info and lots and lots of (sometimes conflicting) opinions.

For Sale: Accessories - TalkBass Forums - for cheap used strings.

Have fun!

 

[pachuau86]

thanks a lot... i didnt know there was a whole section dedicated to it... hehe

 

[SGD Lutherie]

Also, a changed tone capacitor might do it for you.

Only if he plays with the tone rolled all the way off.

 

[kiel83]

I wouldn't try pickups without a bridge swap,of all the times I swapped pickups it never changed much,but when I swapped bridges it would amaze me,I prefer my ksm bridge which I found for 75 online,and the only reason I tried an aluminum bridge was cause my RBX4-A2

 

[SGD Lutherie]

I wouldn't try pickups without a bridge swap,of all the times I swapped pickups it never changed much,but when I swapped bridges it would amaze me,I prefer my ksm bridge which I found for 75 online,and the only reason I tried an aluminum bridge was cause my RBX4-A2

I love the tone of aluminum bridges. I swapped out some zinc alloy Gotoh and brass bridges on some of my basses with aluminum Hipshot bridges, and it really opened up the tone. I got a clearer top end and a less congested midrange. Made it sound like a new bass.

 

[kiel83]

I love the tone of aluminum bridges. I swapped out some zinc alloy Gotoh and brass bridges on some of my basses with aluminum Hipshot bridges, and it really opened up the tone. I got a clearer top end and a less congested midrange. Made it sound like a new bass.

It really freaked me out on my peavey t-20 FL,it has the muah to die for lol

 

[groove pump]

I'm sure that this isn't much help, but take it as encouragement.

One of the basses I've seen over the years that's still the "one that got away" was an RBX 170 (just a P pickup) with a different pickup swapped in along with a more substantial bridge than the stock version. I've always been impressed with the playability of those "budget basses", but the improvements of this one made for a really nice sounding instrument, too. Of course, when I went back the next day to buy it, someone had already grabbed it.

The pickup was maybe a Bartolini and the bridge may have been a Gotoh, but can't be sure of either. Whatever they were, that setup made me a believer. Two simple parts upgrades made for a substantially better bass.