Reasons behind split pickups in P-Bass setup

[sears]

The split p-bass pickup allows you to adjust the pickup height for each of 4 strings. Aside from a P90 style design, is there another? It's genius. If you have a weaker string you can do something about it.

 

[JPaulGeddy]

I see people with split pickups at the neck like on a P-Bass. Is there a reason for having a separate pickup for the two string pairs vs a single humbucker pickup there?

example:

Welcome to bass! And welcome to TalkBass, where omg, will we go on the most extemporaneous tangents.

It's about tone, noise, and tradition. It (the split-coil) is the single most ubiquitous configuration there is. Doesn't mean it's the best, or what you're looking for, but that is the gist.

Not all pickups are created equally, either. You are only beginning your journey. Don't get too caught up in the details of the gear. You'll find eventually it's really minimal to the whole equation.

Have fun!

 

[EmaTheMirror]

Any way, you can't make a humbucker from a p-type pickupe.

I really think you need to look up the etymology behind each of these terms used, that's why I'm saying I wouldn't be surprised that we all mention the same concepts but we disagree on termimology.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

can't make a humbucker from a p-type pickup

it's already a humbucker, your opinion doesn't matter, it's fact

 

[EmaTheMirror]

The split p-bass pickup allows you to adjust the pickup height for each of 4 strings. Aside from a P90 style design, is there another? It's genius. If you have a weaker string you can do something about it.

I think that the hex screw on the DiMarzios (Model P, J...) allow that just like a P90: metallic screws in touch with a magnetic bar underneath. But that's probably what you are referring to with "P90 style design", reading it later.

Think of it: with the bass pickups, you even have the luxury of keeping one screw extremely close to the string and the other buried in the coil, for wonderful magnetic pulls and volume unbalances depending on what direction you pull the string when bending a note

 

[iiipopes]

Google here, and start reading:
The Fender Precision Bass book - بحث Google

Especially this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Bass-Klaus-Blasquiz/dp/079350757X

 

[Kro]

Any way, you can't make a humbucker from a p-type pickupe.

I... what?!?

 

[EmaTheMirror]

View attachment 3884332

(I felt like the counterpart was being left out... Lip-reading is wonderful)

 

[Turnaround]

Isn't it because the split coil can have the pickup pole pieces follow the contour of the fingerboard radius unlike a single flat pickup?

No. You see a lot of P pickups slanted to follow the fretboard radius, but it is not necessary. There is a larger supporting magnetic field surrounding the A and D strings since the field of each of those strings is within the magnetic field of the adjacent strings, both sides. The outer strings do not benefit from the additional support from their outer sides. So, to get a true balance it is not necessary to angle the pickups. You often hear players complaining that the E string on their P-Bass lacks power or definition. Often that is in part because they have the pickups angled to follow the fretboard radius.

The trick, and it's no trick at all, is to use your ears not your eyes when balancing the pickup.

 

[nilorius]

If it were really a split "single coil", why are there two individual pickups, in separate individual cases, wired together?

In electronics they are one single coil with one single volume controler.

 

[Turnaround]

In electronics they are one single coil with one single volume controler.

In electronics they are two coils acting as one when coupled to a single volume controller.

 

[Kro]

In electronics they are one single coil with one single volume controler.

In electronics it is literally two coils. Look, I have to ask, this is what we're talking about right?

Yes, technically each string has a single coil under it (kinda), but one pickup is TWO coils. With them set up for opposite polarity, reducing interference (hum) through cancellation.

 

[gln1955]

They are single coil, in different positinos, that gives them that specific sound.

Why do you keep doubling down on being wrong? Listen to what people are saying.

 

[Cutter8]

? What? It is a single humbucker. Its a split coil pickup. A P pickup. Do you play bass?

I don't think the OP was unclear about the P pickup being hum bucking. I read the question as specifically relating to the split coils being offset.

 

[EmaTheMirror]

In electronics they are one single coil with one single volume controler.

Sorry to ask... but now I'm seriously tempted: are you trolling here?

Re. terminologies, I already made a few points a few posts ago.

 

[Cutter8]

One question for you old timers-- if I switched the P-bass neck for a J-bass, how much would it alter the sound?

Are you literally asking how much a neck swap would alter tone, or did are you referring to swapping a P pickup for a J pickup in the neck position?

 

[Kro]

Sorry to ask... but now I'm seriously tempted: are you trolling here?

Re. terminologies, I already made a few points a few posts ago.

Honestly, I think there's a language barrier that may be partially responsible.

 

[EmaTheMirror]

Honestly, I think there's a language barrier that may be partially responsible.

I covered that too, I didn't want to repeat myself

 

[EriktheRed]

. Not sure about setups, but it's a start.

Personally, I liked the standard P and the T-Bird the best.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Any way, you can't make a humbucker from a p-type pickupe.

Nope. But you can make one from a single. Just split it in half, wind the halves individually, and wire them together. Like a P bass. Hahahahaha.