• 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.

Recommend A New Pup For Squire P-Bass?

SurferJoe46

SurferJoe46

Feb 22, 2010
9,057
763
The Bitterroot Mounts, Montana
#1
I picked up another P-bass, and it's just a Chinese Squire - but it is clean and nice colors, etc. It was prolly from one of those combo-sets with the tuner, gig bag, instruction VHS tape and maybe some picks, a cord and a 2watt "practice amp" but it is alone without all the other stuff and I got it for a song. ($5.00)

The neck is straight and the strings are gonna get a little drop for some better action.

OK - it's got the twin split factory pups, and I would like to know if there's any suggestion as to what type of pup I can put closer to the bridge for more voicing of this instrument and leave the stockers where they are.

This will be a first for me - adding a pup to an existing bass.

Nothing too fancy, just a little different tonality and/or voice is fine.

It looks like I have a zillion cubic inches of room under the pickguard for almost anything including an active system and a 12volt car battery - but that's not much of a stretch I think.

It's not like this is an American made 1958 J-model Fender played by someone fantastic and autographed, but I don't want to ruin any instrument, not even if it is a cheap-ie.
 
#2
I just picked up the Squire Fretless Jazz and swapped in Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders. They sound pretty awesome over the stock "Seymour Designed". They make a similar set for the P bass. You may want to think about a new bridge too. The Squire bridge is garbage, they sell for $12. A badass or a gotoh are a huge step up. Between the bridge and new pups, the Squires start to sound really awesome for under 300.
 
#6
The Lowe Down said:
I just picked up the Squire Fretless Jazz and swapped in Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders. They sound pretty awesome over the stock "Seymour Designed". They make a similar set for the P bass. You may want to think about a new bridge too. The Squire bridge is garbage, they sell for $12. A badass or a gotoh are a huge step up. Between the bridge and new pups, the Squires start to sound really awesome for under 300.
Click to expand...

+1 for the Duncan Quarter Pounders. I have the P model in my custom Clement and I love it. I have no first-hand experience with the J (my bridge pickup is a MM), but I'd have to think its also a winner!
 
#13
SurferJoe46 said:
OK - what about the existing holes to mount the stock bridge? Are they gonna get covered OK?
Click to expand...

The badass oughta be a drop-in replacement using the same holes.
But I'd save your money and spend it on a good pickup, the stock bridge is sufficient for its purposes.
If you're putting money into it, upgrade the electronics first. (Pots, cap, pups). They're more important than the subtle tone change of a hi-mass bridge.
But of course, take care not to sink in a whole lot of money. It stops being a good deal after 200$ worth of mods. :cool:
 
#14
Yeah - I had a couple of yachts too - once.

They are just glorified holes in the water into which you pour money.

Pups, pots and a new 1/4" jack fer sure, and maybe a trip to my personal lutier. After that - it's about this guitar being a good $5 deal - but maybe - JUST MAYBE I can turn it into the Strad of basses!

Nah!
 
#15
I, like so many, put SDQPs and a BadassII on my cheapy squier P. Which is ok, but please consider that if you get the coated BAII, the string ground will be defeated and some sanding or a good copper tape shielding job will be in order. I chose the latter and have enjoyed the other benefits since then. I also hate bridge grounds as I have to keep my hands on the bass at all times.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back